Volunteer roles in carlisle, cumbria

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to recruit volunteers to ensure the organisation can be carried out and that individual volunteer needs are accounted for.

This role will be a really important aspect of the organisation’s success. We are looking for multiple volunteer co-ordinators, each focusing on different aspects of the organisation or part of the journey for our volunteers, whether it is recruitment, development, personalised support, equity building, events, community building and other areas that you may feel would benefit the volunteer team or the organisations supporters/uses.

To be successful in this role, all you need to be is passionate about the organisation’s goals and reasons for existing, and a creative mindset. The rest we can build together as a team.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to host our online bingo group once a month! If you enjoy engaging with people, have a passion for games and want to make a difference in your community, this is the role for you!

What you will be doing

• Host and manage online bingo games once a month, ensuring a smooth and fun experience for all players
• Monitor the chat and ensure a respectful and welcoming environment.
• Interact with players, answer questions, and offer assistance to ensure everyone feels included.
• Announce game progress, call numbers, and congratulate winners.

The skills you need

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A warm and friendly personality helps to create a positive environment.
• Familiarity with online bingo platforms is beneficial, though training may be provided
• Being punctual and responsible is crucial for maintaining the smooth running of games
• Be proficient in using Zoom and hosting meetings using Zoom

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Could you be the new Chair of CPRE Buckinghamshire (one of the branches of CPRE – the Countryside Charity)? Do you care about your local community and environment?

We have a long and successful history of campaigning on items that matter to the local area – canvassing, prompting and lobbying local authorities, Councillors and MPs. In doing so, we have been able to ensure that the views of the people who depend on, work on and cherish the Buckinghamshire countryside are reflected in local decision-making.

The Chair role will suit someone living in Buckinghamshire or the Milton Keynes area, who has a keen interest in the countryside and is excited by the prospect of helping to direct the future of CPRE Buckinghamshire over the next 5–7 years. It is an exciting time to join our team, as CPRE nationally is celebrating 100 years in 2026; you can be involved in making plans as to how we will celebrate this with the Buckinghamshire community through various events and activities.

You will help to:

• direct our important campaigns, engaging the local community and raising awareness of the issues that the countryside faces
• lead our Trustee board, and recruit new Trustee members
• increase our membership, so that we can continue to do the work we are doing
• expand our team of volunteers, so that we can widen and increase the work that we do
• liaise with stakeholders and partners, and forge new partnerships
• ensure that we as a charity meet our legal requirements, adhering to our governing document, and have the necessary policies and resources
• nurture and shape the future of CPRE Bucks.

We estimate that the time commitment will be around 1 day a week, although this is variable and dependent on activities. You can of course do more if you wish! Our team works and meets remotely most of the time, but occasional travel may be necessary – to attend CPRE Head Office in London, for example.

This is a volunteer role in which you can really make a difference. We welcome applicants of any age, gender and background.

Too many people in our country experience poor health and are dying too young because of who they are, where they were born, and where they live. We believe in longer lives, better lived.

We partner with expert local organisations working on the front line of addressing health inequalities, corporate sector, universities, and policy-makers, to understand the effectiveness of different approaches to improving people's quality of life and health. By using the connections, evidence and expertise we have developed, we influence government on how to shape policy that tackles the real causes of poor health.

We are seeking a qualified accountant with charity financial management experience to join our Finance, Audit and Operations Committee as an independent member. You will provide scrutiny to the committee, ensuring the Trust is in sound financial shape and that there is a strong framework for accountability. You will use your expertise to advise on financial planning and reporting and risk management.

We particularly encourage applications from people from racially minoritised communities, disabled people, and people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

If this sounds like the role you are looking for and you feel you have the skills and experience we need, visit our website for full details about the role and how to apply.

If you would like to have a brief discussion about the role before making an application, please email us.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 21 October 2025 and interviews will take place online on Thursday 6 November 2025.

Do You Have Strong Admin Skills?

Would you like to use your organisation and communication skills to support animal welfare?

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, we are looking for a highly efficient administrator to help our busy team with essential admin tasks. By donating your time and skills, you’ll play a key role in helping us run smoothly and effectively, ensuring we can continue making a difference to the lives of animals.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Answering enquiries over the telephone, by email, and by letter.
• Assisting with general administration duties as required such as documentation, scanning and providing support to the CEO and Finance Manager.
• Supporting the team with ad hoc office tasks.
• Arranging meetings.
• Ensuring all data is handled confidentially in line with data protection regulations.
• Supporting the team with ordering supplies.

What We’re Looking For:

• Good organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Basic IT and administrative skills, including experience with email and telephone communication.
• An understanding of data protection and confidentiality principles.

What’s in It for You?

• Meet new people, be part of a friendly and supportive team
• Learn new skills to enhance your CV.
• A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub.
• Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.
• We’re happy to reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering.

Practical Considerations:

• You will need access to a laptop or PC and Wifi to carry out this role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.
• Submission of two referees’ contact details.
• Completion of a comprehensive online induction including Health & Safety before starting the role.

Are you obsessed with making short-form videos that grab attention, inspire action, and build communities? Do you thrive on creating reels, TikToks, and YouTube shorts that people actually stop scrolling for?

What will you be doing?

We’re breaking barriers to employment for jobseekers across the UK who are too often shut out because of age, background, or “imperfect” career paths. With your video skills, we can amplify their voices and show the world the value of untapped talent.

Your focus will be video-first content that connects, inspires, and drives growth:

• Filming, editing, and publishing short-form videos (reels, stories, TikTok/YouTube shorts) that showcase our work and motivate jobseekers.
• Repurposing longer content into bite-sized, shareable clips.
• Creating social-first trailers and snippets.
• Adding engaging captions, subtitles, and visuals that boost watch time and shares.
• Testing new video trends and formats to grow our reach on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

What are we looking for?

We’d love you to bring:

• Proven skills in video creation and editing (reels, shorts, TikTok-style).
• Experience with tools like Canva, or similar.
• A creative eye for storytelling and pacing that works in under 60 seconds.
• A collaborative, can-do mindset and great communication skills.
• The ability to adapt and deliver impactful content in a small not-for-profit environment.

What’s in it for you?

• A chance to shine as a video-first content creator with real creative freedom.
• Portfolio-worthy projects that showcase your ability to build audiences through video.
• Learning opportunities through our Practice Hub to grow your own skills.
• Collaboration with our Director, who will support you with strategy and ideas to fuel your success.

What difference will you make?

Your videos will do more than entertain; they’ll help real people get jobs, rebuild confidence, and prove that careers aren’t defined by age, background, or “perfect” CVs.

This is your chance to use your creativity, storytelling, and video skills to change lives, one reel at a time.

Please provide a brief cover letter explaining why you would like to volunteer with us. Interviews will be an informal online chat with our Director. 

Must have Right to Work in the UK.

SEED Madagascar is seeking a Pro Bono PR & Media Consultant to expand the organisation’s international visibility and amplify awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing communities in Madagascar. This role will focus on securing high-profile media coverage, cultivating relationships with journalists, and identifying opportunities for SEED’s voice to be featured internationally. We are looking for an experienced PR professional with existing contacts and proven expertise in media outreach who is motivated to use their skills to contribute to sustainable development and conservation. About the organisation SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, sustainable livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas.

Location: Remote

Timeframe: Long-term, part-time, flexible (approx. 1–2 days per week)

Duties and responsibilities

● Identify and secure opportunities for SEED’s work and stories to be featured in international news outlets, podcasts, and other platforms.

● Leverage existing media contacts and networks to build SEED’s global visibility.

● Draft, edit, and pitch press releases, op-eds, and feature stories that communicate SEED’s mission and impact.

● Provide strategic advice to SEED’s Media & Communications team on positioning and PR best practices.

● Arrange interviews, guest articles, and media appearances for SEED staff and leadership.

● Monitor and report on media coverage, highlighting reach and impact.

● Support capacity building within SEED’s communications team, sharing knowledge and contacts where relevant.

Person specification

Essential

● Significant professional experience in PR, journalism, or media outreach.

● Strong existing network of international media contacts, with proven success in placing stories.

● Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to pitch compelling narratives.

● Strategic mindset with the ability to advise and mentor less experienced team members.

● Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently in a remote context.

● Commitment to SEED’s ethos, values, and mission, with cultural sensitivity and respect.

Desirable

● Experience working with NGOs, particularly in development, conservation, or humanitarian fields.

● Knowledge of Madagascar or wider global south contexts

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm

This role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
• Facilitating conversation in the group
• Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes

• Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
• Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-2:30
• Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
• St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
• Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00

The role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
• Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
• Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
• Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
• Reliability.
• Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.

The Diocese is seeking three individuals to join its Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). Each will hold expertise in either building accessibility, architecture or heating systems respectively. 

The main role of a Committee Member is to contribute to DAC meetings, offering professional or lay expertise in matters relating to church buildings, liturgy, or heritage. Committee Members also review and comment on proposals for works submitted by parishes, ensuring a balance between the needs of worship, mission, heritage, and sustainability. Advise is given to parishes during the development of proposals, to ensure projects are viable and align with legal requirements.

Committee Members also participate in site visits where needed to assess proposed works and provide practical advice, often in collaboration with other DAC members, consultants, and statutory bodies (e.g., Historic England, local planning authorities).

Members are to promote good practice in the care and use of churches, encouraging sensitive and appropriate adaptation where necessary, relying on up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and church policy (training can/will be provided).

These roles will report into the Chair of the DAC & Diocesan Secretary.

To telephone befriendees at their home for approximately 10 to 30 minutes, you will arrange the specific times of your future calls directly with them. These calls are intended to occur once a week, but individual needs will be matched with your availability.To provide a telephone conversation, a listening ear and chat about interests and hobbies, helping to alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation. To provide companionship and human interaction at a time when this may be limited. To provide an update after each call to the Telephone Befriending support Team. This is so we can keep a track of the amount of befriending calls each volunteer is undertaking, the type of support being offered during these calls and if there is anything further required.

It is important to note telephone befriending is not counselling or therapy and other services must be sought if this is required.

Benefits

• FREE DBS.
• Discounted food.
• Store discount.
• Volunteer from home.
• Above all you will be making a positive difference in your befriendee’s life.
• As a volunteer telephone befriender, you will learn how to support others, make friends, become more confident, and practice communication skills.
• You will gain new and transferable skills. We offer support for you to increase your own job-readiness and personal development.
• Training opportunities,
• Volunteering experience
• Detailed references will be provided.

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Do you want to join our mission to empower and support LGBTQ+ young people? The Kite Trust is recruiting for a number of new Trustees, following several of our long-standing Trustees reaching the end of their tenures.

It's an exciting moment to join our charity and our work in supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth, with a new strategic plan in development and new major projects recently launched such as Turning the Tide - drawing together collaboration across the LGBTQ+ youth sector - and Creating Supportive Environments, fighting back against hate.

Central to us now and always is our fantastic Youth Work programme which provides individual and group support to LGBTQ+ young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

We are looking to add to our board's expertise in particular areas, and would welcome applications from people who share our passion and commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ young people, alongside skills and experience in any of the following: Finance (for Treasurer role), Charity Governance and Compliance, Income Generation and Business Development, Safeguarding, Human Resources, and Communications.

Trustees can be based nationwide, but will be required to attend the Cambridgeshire LGBTQ+ Centre in Ely on one day a year for Trustee Day. Board and sub-committee meetings are conducted online. Commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and the empowerment of young people are essential to the role.

We’re a small, friendly and ambitious organisation working with diverse communities from around the world to inspire and empower people to act in conserving and sustainably developing coastal resources, particularly coral reefs.

About Reef-World

Hi! We’re The Reef-World Foundation: a registered UK charity which delivers practical solutions for marine conservation around the world. In partnership with the UN Environment, we are the international coordinator of the Green Fins initiative, which aims to protect and conserve coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines that promote a sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism industry.

Our work involves supporting, inspiring and empowering governments, businesses, communities and individuals around the world to act in conserving and sustainably developing coral reefs and other coastal resources. 

Our vision is to make sustainable diving and snorkelling the social norm by driving environmentally friendly practices across the marine tourism industry. We started working with local fishing communities in Thailand in 1999. Today, we operate across 14 countries, supporting governments, businesses and communities to sustainably develop their coastal resources. We are a small but highly effective team of passionate and dedicated individuals who are driven by achieving lasting conservation impacts in areas of the world where it is needed the most. The Reef-World Foundation is subject to UK employment laws.

What can this role offer you?

This is a great opportunity to make your mark with a charity that has ambitious plans to promote the sustainable consumption and production of coastal resources and marine life. This voluntary role promises to give you a thorough insight into all aspects of running the charity and drive real change. Here are just some things this role could offer you:

• Do your bit to ensure coral reef protection worldwide 

• A new challenge - broaden your skill set for future progression

• Renew your purpose

• Legacy - commit to a globally significant goal

• Friendship and collaboration

• Contribute to the future direction and sustainability of our vital work

• Maintain key skills whilst undertaking rewarding work

• Become an ambassador for our cause

• Put your expertise to good use

Who we’re looking for to help us meet our goals

Someone who is passionate about conserving coral reefs and the marine life and local communities they support. We welcome applications from anyone with the required skills and experience, whatever their background. We actively encourage applications from those whose identities reflect the diversity of the communities and networks we serve and whose identities are traditionally underrepresented in the charity and conservation sectors. We are a safe space for everyone.

Essential 

• Charity governance experience to enable you to confidently lead the Board of Trustees 

• Chairing/facilitating skills, experience, energy and time to commit

• Desire to drive the organisation forward 

• Self-management and motivation and the ability to work remotely 

• Based in the UK and able to travel to the South West for occasional in-person meetings (travel costs can be covered in line with our expenses policy)

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of our area of work - marine conservation

• An understanding of the voluntary sector and other charity sector expertise such as strategic planning, organisational development, fundraising etc. 

• Willingness to support with occasional operational tasks to support the wider team

About the role

• The Board provides oversight, shaping organisational strategy and supporting our staff and volunteers, and the Chair will lead the Board in that role. 

• Providing leadership to the Trustee Board by supporting the team to remain focused on delivering our aims.

• Lead, alongside the Vice Chair and rest of the Board, on planning the annual cycle of Board meetings, setting agendas and chairing Board meetings

• The time commitment is approximately 4-6 hours a month/ Board meetings are every 12 weeks (online with usually one a year in person). Opportunities to meet in person throughout the year. 

• Voluntary role – expenses paid according to our volunteering policy

• You’ll lead a team of 7 trustees with a mix of experienced charity professionals Trustees and those newer to the sector. We aim to regularly review and expand our Board of Trustees to support our ambitious growth plans. 

• The general responsibilities of a trustee.

No Panic is a national charity helping people to manage their anxiety.

We are looking for empathetic, understanding, confident and driven people to volunteer on our helpline. We are specifically looking for people who have experience of providing training to staff or volunteers.

Working from home, successful applicants will answer helpline calls and provide support and advice for people with a range of anxiety disorders, by listening, offering self-help advice, and providing information about the range of support available from No Panic.

After gaining experience on the helpline, successful applicants will also go on to deliver helpline training courses to new volunteers, currently lasting 8 weeks, and provide ongoing support.

All volunteers on the No Panic Helpline are required to complete the training of 1.5 hours a week for 8 weeks; they then do a weekly 3-hour shift. Trainers deliver 3 courses per year. Please note, we ask for a 1-year commitment to volunteering on the helpline, to aid our planning.