Volunteer volunteer roles in Cumbria or North west

Fundraising volunteer

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

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

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

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Service Delivery Volunteer

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

· Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.

· Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

· Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.

· Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire

As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:

· Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.

· Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.

· Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.

· Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

· Be 18 years of age or over.

· Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.

· Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.

· Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

· Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

· Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

· All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

· VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

· VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

· We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Join Addiction Family Support

Addiction Family Support is the leading UK registered charity supporting adults affected or bereaved by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

The Role: Helpline Call Taker (Family Support Volunteer)

As a Helpline Call Taker at Addiction Family Support, you will play a key role in offering emotional and practical support to individuals impacted by a loved one's addiction. You will provide a compassionate, non-judgmental listening ear, helping individuals navigate challenging circumstances.

This is a flexible role that is delivered remotely. Family Support Volunteers work within a flexible rota system to accommodate their availability and commitments while ensuring ongoing support for those who need it most.

Responsibilities:

• Offer empathetic and non-judgmental emotional support to individuals impacted by a loved one’s addiction.
• Provide relevant information, literature, and resources to help clients or group members cope with their situations.
• Offer structured emotional support adhering to guidelines and safeguarding measures.
• Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and the charity’s policies.
• Participate in ongoing training, mentoring, and support sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Handle any potential safeguarding concerns and signpost clients to additional services when necessary.

Training and Development:

All Family Support Volunteers undergo a comprehensive three half day training programme covering addiction, core counselling skills, the 5-Step Method, bereavement, safeguarding, and self-care. Ongoing supervision, mentoring, and further development opportunities are available to support volunteers in their roles.

Join Our Team of Change-Makers

Are you ready to make a difference? We're on the lookout for vibrant, enthusiastic, proactive and collaborative individuals with the right skills and experience to become part of our incredible charity.

Be Part of Something Special

Our clients' continuous positive feedback speaks volumes about the impact of our work, and we take immense pride in it. Emilia Fox, one of our dedicated Patrons, stands with us in our mission.

Join an Award-Winning Journey

This is your chance to become part of an award-winning charity where every day is an opportunity to contribute to the greater good. If you're seeking a dynamic environment filled with compassionate individuals dedicated to creating positive change, we invite you to apply or reach out with any enquiries.

Volunteer Grant Officer

Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity

Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer

About Us

We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.

You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
• Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
• Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
• Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting

About You

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and reliability
• Commitment to social justice and housing rights

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience of grant writing or fundraising
• Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.

What We Offer

• Flexible volunteering hours
• Support, supervision, and guidance
• The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
• Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
• References provided where appropriate

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Our Hexham Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

We are looking for remote phone volunteers to respond to client and general enquiries using our Webex app.

Why we want you
To speak directly to those in financial crisis and arrange help for them.

What you will be doing

• Speaking to individuals on the phone (Via Webex)
• Assessing their eligibility for a food parcel and other help from the foodbank
• Taking down their details to arrange food parcel and other help

The skills you need

• Good listening skills
• Ability to manage conversations, sometimes difficult conversations
• Supporting as part of a team

What's in it for you

• Giving hope and arranging help to those who are in difficult situations
• Having a positive impact in your community

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.

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. :)

We’re looking for creative and organised people who enjoy visual design and want to use their skills to support meaningful community projects.

As a Creative Design Volunteer, you’ll help create eye-catching digital and print materials that promote our programmes, campaigns and events. From social media graphics to posters and newsletters, your designs will help us communicate clearly and consistently with our audiences.

This is a flexible opportunity for anyone who enjoys bringing ideas to life through design and wants to use their creativity for social good.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing digital and print materials such as posters, flyers and social media graphics
• Creating templates and layouts for newsletters, presentations or reports
• Adapting designs to meet accessibility and brand guidelines
• Supporting the visual design of campaigns and community events
• Helping organise and manage design files and templates
• Contributing creative ideas for visual storytelling and community engagement

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Creative eye for layout and design
• Confidence using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar
• Attention to detail and ability to follow brand guidelines
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Reliable, organised and able to manage time effectively
• Interest in community, social impact or charity communications

What You’ll Gain

• Experience designing materials for community campaigns and events
• Opportunities to develop and showcase creative skills
• A chance to build a portfolio of design work for a good cause
• The satisfaction of helping a charity communicate its impact

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

About the role:

We are currently seeking qualified, women solicitor, barrister and qualified legal executive volunteers to provide legal advice on our Sexual Harassment at Work (Employment Law) advice line. All volunteering is done remotely and you must be qualified to practice in England and Wales.

What will you be doing?

Our free telephone advice line provides vital legal advice for women experiencing sexual harassment at work, supported by legal advisors with experience in employment, discrimination and harassment law. We offer a safe space for women to talk about their situation and receive expert legal advice to enable them to make important decisions about their future.

We ask all our volunteers to:

• Provide advice on our advice lines for one 2-hour session a month (minimum);
• Attend the induction training session provided by Rights of Women;
• Give clear and accurate legal advice to callers;
• Be non-judgemental and non-discriminatory in their approach;
• Follow our procedures for making records of calls and obtaining monitoring information;
• Keep up to date with the law for the relevant advice lines;
• Attend all agreed advice line sessions (remotely);
• Inform us as soon as possible if they are unable to attend an agreed session;
• Abide by Rights of Women’s procedures, standards and policies, including equal opportunities and confidentiality in relation to staff, volunteers and users.

What are we looking for?

The qualifications and skills we look for in a volunteer are:

• A woman solicitor, barrister or CILEx member;
• A current practicing certificate;
• Ability to work remotely with adequate internet access and a private space;
• Good communication skills;
• The ability to deliver advice clearly and calmly;
• An empathetic, non-judgemental and non-discriminatory manner;
• A working knowledge of the relevant area of law for their advice line;
• Commitment to equal opportunities;
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of Rights of Women.

A feminist percpective on the law and the issues we advise on is essential.

About Rights of Women

Rights of Women’s vision is to achieve equality, justice and safety in the law for all women. 2025 saw our 50th anniversary!

Our mission is to advise, educate and empower women by:

• Providing women with free, confidential legal advice by specialist women solicitors and barristers
• Enabling women to understand and benefit from their legal rights through accessible and timely publications and training
• Campaigning to ensure that women’s voices are heard and law and policy meets all women’s needs.

What difference will you make?
For decades, our volunteers have been at the heart of Rights of Women’s advice lines. They provide trusted legal guidance, compassionate support and reassurance to women navigating complex and distressing legal situations, often during some of the most difficult periods of their working and family lives.

“I have been a volunteer with Rights of Women since September 2003, which possibly makes me one of the longest-serving telephone advisors on the evening helpline; in a way this speaks for itself! The helpline is an indispensable service and many women have told me that they consider it a lifeline.”

“Dealing with the legal system is often a source of great anxiety, uncertainty and confusion. I have spoken with many women in very difficult situations. It is important that they know that we are here for the and it is rewarding to help.”

– anonymous volunteers

Become a Remote Text Service Volunteer 

Self Injury Support has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years. Our wonderful team of Listening Service Volunteers provide valuable, non-judgemental support that makes an important impact on the lives of those who contact us. 

We’re currently recruiting home-based remote volunteers across the UK for our text service, with the likelihood of the role extending to helpline support in the future, and to become part of our friendly, like-minded community. 

Our next training block will take place remotely over four days: 28th Feb, 1st March, 7th March & 8th March from 10am til 4pm each day. Please note that attendance on all four dates is required to complete the training.

Please carefully read the information below and fill in our short application form to apply. There are limited places available for this round of volunteer recruitment and training, so we recommend getting applications in as soon as possible and before 20th February. If you have any questions about the role, please contact our team, however please note that only applications through our online form will be considered and we are not accepting CV’s via email.

Why volunteer?  

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-harm, trauma, mental health, and other related areas.  

• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at our quarterly Volunteer Days where you'll receive additional relevant training.  

• Access support from our coordinators and volunteer team through supervision and reflective practice. 

• Develop a gentle, transformative approach to mental health that can be applied elsewhere in life. 

• Transform the lives of an often overlooked and misunderstood community. 

What's it like being a volunteer?  

When you join our team, you’ll take part in our four-day online training course. The training is an opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work.  

Working on the service, you’ll answer calls, texts and emails from people impacted by self-harm and offer them confidential, emotional support to understand their own experiences and make decisions that are right for them. 

Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers to discuss volunteering and have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work. 

Who can volunteer?  

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-harm or mental health challenges or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences.  

You don’t need previous listening or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn.  

We're looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, who can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is unique. We're keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable, and open to new learning experiences.  

What happens now?  

After you submit the short form, we'll get in touch to arrange a chat if we feel you'd be the right fit for our services. Due to a high number of applications and limited resources, we are unable to provide feedback and may only be able to respond if your application is successful. There are only 8 places available and we won’t be able to recruit everyone that applies, but do follow us on LinkedIn to look out for future training opportunities later this year.

Practical details:  

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role, which will be paid for by Self Injury Support.  

• We ask that volunteers commit to a year on the service after completion of training. If you're looking for a shorter commitment, this may not be the role for you. 

• You'll require access to a laptop, internet and an uninterrupted space during training and all the shifts you attend with us. 

• You must be available on the training dates mentioned above, and available for one evening shift per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays. 

Could you raise SSAFA’s profile in your local area? You just need patience and the ability to get on with a wide range of people and age groups, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be he role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Publicity Coordinator?

Publicity Coordinators work with other branch volunteers to develop a Publicity Plan to raise awareness of SSAFA that reaches potential beneficiaries, volunteers, and funders.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our beneficiaries come from all walks of life and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us. We need to recruit volunteers that reflect our local communities and raise money to fund our work. Could you spare a few hours a week to help us raise awareness?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about building awareness so beneficiaries know who we are and how they can benefit from and access support, promoting volunteer opportunities and encourage people to raise finds and celebrate success. This means that on occasions, you might need to be present at events. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can conduct the administration part of this role form home.

What would you be doing?

• Working with other branch volunteers to develop a publicity plan.
• Publicising SSAFA events.
• Work with Marketing/PR staff at central office to develop case studies of clients and volunteers and ensure that SSAFA branding and messaging are consistent.
• Develop and maintain networks with local press, TV and radio outlets through providing press releases, interviews, case studies etc.
• Working with the Digital Team at Central Office to develop and maintain a local on-line presence for the branch via a website and social media channels.
• Keeping a stock of SSAFA publicity materials and distributing them
• Liaising with PR staff at central office or on-call in the event of a PR/press situation.
• Supporting local and national campaigns to recruit new volunteers.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - communication and marketing workshops.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team as well as Marketing and Communication Teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills
• Good written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Reliable attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely in line with SSADA policies.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative).

Is a criminal record check required? No

Bright Futures UK is looking for compassionate and knowledgeable beauty professionals to mentor a young person living with long-term illnesses. 

"The mentoring sessions with my volunteer were the perfect fit! I've loved working with them." - J (18 years old)

What will you be doing? 

• Run six mentoring sessions online for one hour a week, supported by our Programme Team
• Offer advice and insights related to nail tech skills
• Help the young person explore potential career paths in the beauty/nail tech industry
• Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire and motivate. 
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report any concerns to BFUK

What are we looking for? 

• Expertise in beauty industry: Profound knowledge and experience in beauty, preferably in areas like nail design, techniques and trends. 
• Mentoring and Communication: Ability to mentor effectively, offering guidance and support to a young person with clarity and empathy. 
• Flexibility and Commitment: Willingness to commit to at least 5-6 weeks of 1-hour sessions 

What difference will you make? 

• By volunteering as a Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in empowering a young person to take control of their health and future, helping them to achieve their goals despite the challenges they face. 

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.

Are you an enthusiastic and skilled funding grant writer? Be a part of our small but committed team as a pro-active grant writer volunteer for a small national charity supporting people affected by a debilitating pain condition.

We are looking for 2 skilled grant writer volunteers who can take the lead in researching appropriate funds and writing grant bids to help us continue offering our support services and resources and helping us create new programmes and services to support patients and their families who have been affected by a poorly understood chronic condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.

As our grant writer, you will:

• Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria 
• Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids
• Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Burning Nights CRPS Support’s funding needs
• Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals
• Help us develop a case for support 
• Report on grant usage and impact
• Review all grant/bid feedback and ensure knowledge is shared, so that learning informs us for future approaches to grants

If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer and editing skills
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential
• Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills 
• Self-motivated and highly-organised
• Ability to work remotely
• Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds
• Ability to understand and appeal to funders’ differing needs
• Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly 
• Experience setting up funding email templates (desirable)
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our organisation  and our service users
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and can work with these
• Open to feedback
• Ideally have good network with people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects
• Determination to get the job done

Skills

• Project proposal writing
• Grant writing and knowledge of charity grant giving culture
• Good networking skills and contacts with grant giving organisation
• Marketing and communications
• Content writing and story-telling
• Good online fundraising skills
• Good editing and proof reading skills and attention to detail
• Team player who is comfortable working with various volunteers within Burning Nights CRPS Support to collate information required to write funding applications

If you don't have the exact experience, but are interested to volunteer with us, please apply! We would be thrilled to find out about how your interests and experience match with our needs or what we are doing.

Other Information

This role is done remotely using Zoom, Slack and email. You would be working closely with the charity’s Chair and with other trustees. However we would have regular updates and remote meetings as needed so we know you are getting the support you need.

We have an induction process that will help successful applicant to understand how our Charity operates and full support of all our volunteers.

Minimum of 3-6 hours per week for this role

Ideal commitment of 3 months or more (but not specific)