Volunteer roles in colchester, essex
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Trustees manage the affairs of our local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area.
We are the Surrey East Branch of the RSPCA, and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion.
Main activities:
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To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
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To be familiar with our branch rules and follow them at all times.
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To work with your fellow trustees and branch officers to jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of our branch and the RSPCA.
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To ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable.
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In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor and review a branch development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of our branch.
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To actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting, and regional conference.
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To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
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To attend the trustee training course.
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To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers.
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To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the branch.
About the RSPCA
We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity in existence
- We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering.
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Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes.
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Through investigations and prosecutions, we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse.
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Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty.
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We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.
What are we looking for?
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Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee. You will need to become a member of the RSPCA. Good interpersonal skills are important. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital.
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Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, and awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.
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Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post.
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In addition to our standard declaration of willingness, trustees also need to complete a declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
What can we offer you?
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It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare.
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You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
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New RSPCA trustees are provided with a document “Trustees handbook” and asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities.
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Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
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Volunteer at the heart of the local community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer tutors to provide educational support in a range of subjects, from Primary to A-Level, and a fun, safe space for young people living with serious illness.
Deliver online tutoring sessions, supported by our programme team, for just one hour per week flexibly to fit around you!
What are we looking for?
- Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of subject concepts and theories.
- Teaching Skills: Ability to explain ideas in a clear and engaging way.
- Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
- Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment for a minimum of 14 weeks.
- Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
- Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
- Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
- Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
- Enhanced DBS will be provided
- Safeguarding Level One Training
- Skill Development opportunities
- Direct experience working with children and young people
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Grants & Bids Writing Volunteers Role Overview
The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) will be 25 years old on 14 August 2025. We seek Grants and Bids Writing Volunteers to join us celebrate our Silver Jubilee from across the world to help us apply for funding from major donors, development aid agencies and public sector tenders.
Duties and Responsibilities
Grant writing
- Developing and writing grant proposals to foundations and other grant-making organisations.
- Assembling and submitting grant requests, including letters, proposals, and budgets.
- Track and create a calendar of grant opportunities - including deadline dates, required materials,
- Researches and identifies potential sources of funders and corporate and governmental funding.
- Complete and submit grant applications to secure funding
Tender & Bid Writing
- Write and submit tenders to win contracts.
- Maintaining awareness of tenders, acquiring PQQ questionnaires and tender documentation.
- Responding to tender invitations from the UK and other governments, EU tenders, the public sector and local authorities from the UK in areas such as health and social care.
- Recruit partners for the EU grants & tenders and other tender projects.
- Collating the input of contributions to create a coherent and well-structured final tender and ensuring the timely submission of tenders and other proposals.
Funding and Finance
The role will involve seeking and securing funding and finance for the specific goals, objectives, targets, and outcomes. You will work with the AHO President, the Board and senior management to research and identify public, private, philanthropic, individual giving, and legacy funding and finance. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose their goal and set a fundraising target to achieve.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required
- Degree in any subject area that results in superb language writing skills, including grammar, clarity and style.
- Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organised and have experience using online databases and other sources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.
- You MUST have at least 3 years of experience writing and delivering successful grants and tenders, especially for public health contracts such as health checks, smoking cessation, etc., from the UK government, NHS, DOHSC, Ministry of Justice, London authorities, and county councils.
- An understanding and passion for issues affecting Africa's political, social and economic development and health, social care, climate change and environmental development.
Languages requirements
The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.
VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB.
ALL our Volunteer Opportunities are not paid or salaried. Do not apply if you want a paid job or plan to negotiate a pay deal with us. Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.
Please apply through CharityJob in the first instance. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form.
Interviews are to take place as and when an application is received.
References will be sought before interviews.
Please get in touch with us via CharityJob with any questions.
Interviews will be an informal Teams and WhatsApp chat with the President & CEO.
Please provide your CV and a cover letter detailing your interest in this role and relevant experience. We will not accept a CV without a cover letter.
To promote equity in health, to combat disease, and to improve the quality of, and lengthen, the lives of the people in Africa and the Diaspora.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you happy to listen to others talking about their experience of building or carpentry? We are looking for someone like you to facilitate our monthly special interest group for blind and partially sighted people who are interested in these topics and who would like to share their experience with others.
You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly.
This group will run monthly either over the telephone or as a video call.
How often will I be needed?
- 2 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- This role requires one reference.
Home based
- This role is home based
Additional location information
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The groups meet during the day from Monday to Friday.
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply and UK resident
What skills and experience are needed?
- Empathy with blind and partially sighted people. Good listening skills. Experience of working in the building or carpentry trades, or a keen interest in these topics. Ability to work with wide range of people. Ability to use the telephone or video call system to talk to groups of people.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
If you're interested in cookery and happy to listen to others talking about the topic, we'd love you to facilitate our monthly special interest group. This is a new group for blind and partially sighted people who are keen to share their experience and interest in cookery.
You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly.
This group will run monthly as either a phone or video call.
How often will I be needed?
- 2 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- One reference
Home based
- This role is home based
Additional location information
-
The groups meet during the day from Monday to Friday.
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply and UK resident
What skills and experience are needed?
- Empathy with blind and partially sighted people. Good listening skills An interest in all aspects of cookery Abilty to work with a wide range of people Experience of using the telephone or video calling software
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.
For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.
A bit about this role
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Sussex RH15, RH16, RH17, BN6, BN45.
- Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
- Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
A bit more information about this role and the team
- This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
- There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
- You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
- We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Good organisational skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- The ability to prioritise and delegate
- An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
- Knowledge of your local community
Time expectation
Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Essex Respite & Care Association (ERCA) are looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals, who are confident communicators and strategic thinkers who will be motivated by our mission, to join our Board of Trustees.
Our Vision is: For every adult with a mental health diagnosis living in Essex to have a healthy and fulfilling life, and to be able to access support as and when they need it.
ERCA provide support workers for adults who suffer from an acute or chronic mental health diagnosis, or those who may be socoial isolated or suffering from dementia. Our service covers, south, mid and West Essex.
It is an exciting time to join the charity as you will be able to help us take advantage of a wonderful partnership opportunity to build organisational resilience to grow our charity and create a sustainable future.
We are keen to welcome trustees who have experience of organisational or business transformation, ideally in a similar field or those with lived experiences of mental health issues.
We are looking for trustees who can bring expertise in the following areas:
- Fundraising / Income generation: Experience in fundraising and market presence development. Successful fundraising experience.
- Health & Social care - some with a background in care, nursing, or social work.
- Marketing / Strategic Communication – someone with experience of designing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies to build awareness of ERCA’s activities.
Trustees will be required to attend a monthly Board Meeting (participation can be in person or virtually) and you will be asked to provide ad-hoc support to the management team.
The total time commitment for this role, is not expected to exceed 10 hours per month.
Please note this role is voluntary, but relevant out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
Requirements from applicants:
- Up to date CV;
- Short covering letter outlining how the applicant’s skillset, knowledge and experience match those outlined in the job description and reason for interest in the role;
- Names and contact details of two referees (must have known you for at least 2 years).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
As a Regional Fundraising Volunteer, you will support Rethink Mental Illness in generating income, raising awareness, and building community engagement through local fundraising initiatives. The role will involve event planning and support, and public engagement to help achieve regional fundraising goals.
You will play a major part in bringing to life regional fundraising activities in line with our “Rethink in the Community" concept and increase regional awareness to generate much needed additional income and amplify the impact of the work Rethink Mental Illness do.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.
Regional locations
Whilst this is a home based role, you will occasionally attend events within your region. We're particularly interested in receiving applications from people who live in the following areas:
Yorkshire & Northeast: Newcastle, Gateshead, York, Sunderland
Northwest: Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent
Midlands: Birmingham, Solihull, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Walsall
Southwest: Gloucester, Bristol, Plymouth, North Devon, South Devon, Cornwall
East of England: Norfolk, Norwich, Ipswich
What you will be doing as a Regional Fundraising Volunteer:
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Support and assist in organising and participating in local fundraising events.
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Help with event logistics, set-up, and participant engagement to ensure smooth delivery.
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Take part in local initiatives acquiring donors and do it yourself fundraisers.
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Increase awareness of the organisation’s work by helping to promote regional fundraising activity.
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Represent the organisation at schools, community groups, and public events, delivering presentations to inspire support.
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Communicate with supporters via phone, email, and face-to-face interactions.
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Attend and contribute to meetings with the fundraising team and supporters to share updates and ideas.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
You will have good knowledge of your local community and be passionate about making a difference to those severely affected by mental illness. You will also have:
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The ability to organise events and activities
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The ability to inspire and motivate others
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Good communication skills
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Creative ideas to promote diverse fundraising activities
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Dedication to our cause
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Call for Online Volunteer Country Directors – Africa
Organization: HELPING CHILDREN INC (Nonprofit Registered in California, USA)
Position Type: Remote | Volunteer | Unpaid
HELPING CHILDREN INC is seeking passionate individuals to serve as Online Volunteer Country Directors in the following African countries:
Northern Africa: Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Libya
West Africa: Niger, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone
Central Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Central African Republic
Southern Africa: Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Namibia
East Africa: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe
Requirements:
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Passionate about child rights
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Local knowledge & community connections
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Internet access and basic digital skills
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Able to volunteer ~5 hours/week
To Apply:
Send your CV and a passport-sized photo
Subject: “Country Director – [Your Country]”
Let’s build a brighter future for children—together.
"HELPING CHILDREN INC is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of children and youth worldwide.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!
Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.
You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.
Why we want you
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
What you will be doing
- Work on the till processing sales and returns
- Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
- Create stylish window displays
- Replenish stock on the shop floor
- Stock-take and other administrative tasks
The skills you need
- Friendly and helpful
- Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
- Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
- Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks
What's in it for you
- Have fun and meet new people
- Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
- Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
- Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
- Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer
Disclaimer
We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.
Location:
Unit 7, Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6RF, United Kingdom
Minimum age: 14
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!
Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.
You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.
Why we want you
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
What you will be doing
- Work on the till processing sales and returns
- Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
- Create stylish window displays
- Replenish stock on the shop floor
- Stock-take and other administrative tasks
The skills you need
- Friendly and helpful
- Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
- Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
- Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks
What's in it for you
- Have fun and meet new people
- Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
- Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
- Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
- Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer
Disclaimer
We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.
Location:
Unit 14, The Grove Centre, Witham, Essex, CM8 2YT, United Kingdom
Minimum age: 14
Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our amazing team of volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help to raise vital funds. These funds are then used to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and their families across the UK.
Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops - we don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.
As well as working up a sweat, our donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till once in a while, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.
You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.
Why we want you
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
What you will be doing
- Sorting large amounts of donations and stock
- Work on the till processing sales and returns
- Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
- Create stylish window displays
- Replenish stock on the shop floor
- Stock-take and other administrative tasks
The skills you need
- Physically able to lift and carry large amounts of stock within our Health & Safety Guidelines
- Friendly and helpful
- Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
- Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
- Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks
What's in it for you
- Have fun and meet new people
- Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
- Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
- Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
- Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer
Location:
Unit 3 Stanway Retail Park, Peartree Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0LX, United Kingdom
Minimum age: 14 years
Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help thousands of older people in Essex live their best lives.
Do you believe every older person deserves to live a happy, connected and dignified life? Join Age Well East as our next Chair of Trustees and lead positive change across one of the UK’s most populous and diverse counties.
Age Well East supported over 4,000 older people last year through nearly 400 volunteers and 23 staff, delivering befriending, benefits advice, social activities, and mental health support. We operate virtually and face-to-face, from our base in Clacton and across the community.
Yet, challenges remain. An estimated 47,000 older people in Essex live in poverty, 29,000 experience loneliness, and we know that in neighbouring Suffolk, 179,000 older people currently have little support
.The Role
We’re seeking a new Chair to guide the next phase of our development. You'll provide strategic leadership, act as line manager to the CEO, and ensure we continue to grow our impact while maintaining strong governance.
The expected time commitment is around 2–3 days per month, aggregated across the month to support flexibility. Board meetings are held quarterly (mostly via video call), with additional engagement as needed.
To ensure a smooth handover, the successful candidate will be invited to Co-Chair alongside our current Chair, Nick Avery. The length of this transition period is flexible and will be tailored to the new Chair’s preference, with full transition expected by early 2026 at the latest.
About You
You’ll share our belief that all older people should be able to Age Well. You’ll be collaborative, values-driven, and a confident leader able to support our CEO and work effectively with our Board. While prior Chair experience isn’t essential, we are looking for someone who has served on a Board—whether in the charity, public or private sector. Fundraising experience is a plus, and so is a strong network or voice in support of older people.
If you wish to discuss this role further before applying, please contact the Chair via our website or Linkedin
To support and empower people in their later years


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and engaging tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses.
What will you be doing?
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Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person.
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Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to Welsh language
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Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
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Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
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Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of the Welsh language.
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Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
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Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
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Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
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You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
What difference will you make?
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Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
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Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
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Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
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The opportunity to fight education inequities and make a difference in a young person's life
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Enhanced DBS Certificate
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Safeguarding level one training
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Skill development opportunities and practical experience
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.