Volunteer volunteer roles in Cumbria or North west

Ready to build the frontline of a brand-new movement?

At MINDSET, we’re not just another charity; we’re a start-up shaking up men’s mental wellbeing across England and Wales. We’ve ditched the waiting rooms and the clinical "one-size-fits-all" approach. Now, we need a Services & Projects Lead to design, build, and launch the very work that will change men’s lives.

We are looking for a visionary, action-oriented volunteer to take the lead on creating and developing our frontline services, high-impact projects, and game-changing campaigns.

The Mission:

• Architect the Impact: Design and develop our core services and projects from the ground up, focused on mental fitness and self-improvement.
• Lead the Frontline: Organise and oversee our direct work with men, ensuring everything we do is high-quality, impactful, and zero-fluff.
• Spark the Conversation: Create and drive campaigns that challenge the narrative around men’s growth and get people talking across England and Wales.
• Innovate & Improve: Constantly evolve our services based on real-world feedback to ensure we’re always delivering exactly what men need.

The Vibe:
We’re informal, direct, and positive. You’ll have the freedom to be creative, the space to lead, and the chance to build a legacy with a brand-new organisation that actually "gets it".

Sound like you?
If you’re a natural leader with a passion for men’s personal growth and the experience to build something from scratch, we want you on the team.

Lead the MINDSET Mission

Ready to tell the story that changes the narrative?

At MINDSET, we’re not just another charity; we’re a brand-new movement for men’s mental wellbeing and personal growth across England and Wales. We’re tired of the clinical, "waiting room" energy. We need a Communications Lead to help us cut through the noise with bold, impactful content that finally speaks a language men actually respond to.

We’re looking for a creative storyteller who can capture the grit, the growth, and the real-world impact of what we do, turning our mission into a profile that gets recognised nationwide.

The Mission:

• The Narrative: Create powerful content that tells the authentic stories of the men we support—focusing on strength, resilience, and action rather than just hardship.
• The Megaphone: Lead our social media and digital presence (think Instagram for visuals, LinkedIn for partnerships, and TikTok for authentic, raw updates) to raise our profile.
• The Identity: Ensure MINDSET is seen as the go-to space for non-clinical growth, building a brand that feels like a community, not a service.

The Vibe:
We’re action-first and zero-fluff. You’ll have total creative freedom to ditch the "sad face" charity clichés and build a high-impact communication strategy from the ground up.

Sound like you?
If you’re a content pro who knows how to move an audience and wants to use those skills to spark a national conversation about men’s growth, let’s talk.

Tell the MINDSET Story

Ready to design the face of a movement?

At MINDSET, we’re building a brand-new start-up for men’s mental wellbeing and personal growth across England and Wales. We’re ditching the "grey and clinical" look for something bold, modern, and high-impact. Now, we need a Volunteer Graphic Designer to give MINDSET the visual edge it deserves.

We’re looking for a creative powerhouse to take our brand and turn it into something men actually want to be part of—from digital campaigns to physical event gear.

The Mission:

• The Visual Storyteller: Create high-impact social media posts, info-graphics, and motion graphics that cut through the noise and tell the MINDSET story.
• The Campaign Builder: Design the assets for our Kickstart MINDSET fundraiser and our volunteer recruitment drives.
• The Physical Presence: Create the "real world" stuff—banners, posters, and flyers that make us stand out at events across the country.
• The Brand Guardian: Help us maintain a consistent, positive, and direct visual identity that screams growth and resilience.

The Vibe:
No boring corporate templates. No stock photos of people looking sad. We want fresh, energetic, and professional design that reflects the strength of the men we support. You’ll have a huge amount of creative freedom to shape how the world sees us from day one.

Sound like you?
If you’ve got a killer portfolio, a sharp eye for detail, and a passion for using your skills to make a massive difference, we want you in the studio.

Design the MINDSET Future

Ready to fuel a revolution in men’s growth?

At MINDSET, we’re building a brand-new start-up for men’s mental wellbeing and personal growth across England and Wales. We’ve got the vision and the drive, but to make a lasting impact, we need a Fundraising Lead who knows how to turn a bold mission into a sustainable reality.

We’re looking for a strategic, high-energy volunteer to hunt down opportunities, build powerful partnerships, and lead the charge in securing the resources we need to grow.

The Mission:

• The Grant Hunter: Research and write high-impact applications to secure the funding that builds our foundations.
• The Digital Architect: Launch creative online campaigns—from crowdfunding to viral social giving—that get the public behind us.
• The Power Broker: Build strategic partnerships with businesses, major donors, and companies who want to be part of a real solution for men.
• The Team Captain: Lead and inspire a squad of volunteer fundraisers, giving them the direction they need to smash our targets.

The Vibe:
We’re moving away from the "guilt-trip" style of fundraising. We want someone who sells the vision and the strength of our work. This is a blank canvas for you to build a funding strategy that is as modern and direct as we are.

Sound like you?
If you’re a natural communicator with a sharp eye for opportunities and a passion for men’s self-improvement, let’s get the resources we need to change lives.

Fund the MINDSET Movement

Ready to build the digital nervous system of a movement?

At MINDSET, we’re a brand-new start-up shaking up men’s mental wellbeing across England and Wales. We’re non-clinical, high-energy, and digital-first—which means we need an IT & Tech Lead who can build a slick, seamless infrastructure that just works.

We’re looking for a tech-savvy volunteer to source, set up, and manage our entire digital ecosystem, ensuring our team is connected, secure, and ready to go.

The Mission:

• The Architect: Build and oversee our Google Workspace (emails/drives), CRM, and management platforms for both volunteers and service users.
• The Hardware Pro: Handle our device fleet—accepting delivery, configuring them for the team, and getting them shipped out to the frontline.
• The Support Hub: Be the go-to for troubleshooting and tech support, making sure no one gets slowed down by a glitch.
• The Coach: Partner with our Training Lead to help induct volunteers, making sure they feel confident and "pro" with our systems from day one.

The Vibe:
No legacy systems. No "that’s how we’ve always done it" excuses. You’ll have a blank slate to implement the best tools for the job, creating a modern, efficient tech stack that lets our team focus on changing lives.

Sound like you?
If you’re a systems expert who loves a "clean build" and wants to use your tech skills for a massive cause, let’s get you plugged in.

Power the MINDSET Movement

The role of a Treasurer is an unpaid, voting role sitting on the UK Board of Trustees and reporting to the Chair of Trustees. In line with our policy, all trustees initially start in a non-voting advisor role to ensure that both they and the board are happy to formalise the trusteeship before transitioning to a full voting trustee position.

The Treasurer will work with the UK Operations Manager and the UK board of trustees to share the responsibility for overseeing the financial health and sustainability of Sreepur Village and will liaise with the Overseas Director based in Sreepur Village.

Treasurer Role

· Oversee the financial affairs and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice 

· Review the appointment of new auditors and work to ensure financial reports are clear and timely 

· Hold monthly budget review meetings with the UK Operations Manager to oversee accounting and financial controls

· Ensure appropriate risk management is in place and is reviewed by the board on a regular basis

· Introduce new financial forecasting and reporting systems and ensure protocols and processes are appropriate

· Be main point of contact with the investment fund managers and oversee investment policy

Governance Role

• Contribute to the strategic planning process
• Be an ambassador for Sreepur Village representing the organisation and linking it to its stakeholders.
• Attend at least three meetings a year (virtual or in person) or as advised by the Chair of Trustees if the number of meetings changes.
• Attend or host fundraising events, where possible.
• Respond to emails and other correspondence within five working days or an agreed time frame

We are looking for a Volunteer Investigative Journalist to research, uncover, and report stories that align with our mission. This role is ideal for students, hobbyists, career changers, or those with lived experience who want to tell stories about social injustice, trauma, and community issues.

You will work closely with the Volunteer Editorial Lead, who will guide editing, fact-checking, and narrative development, ensuring every story is polished and impactful.
 
Key Responsibilities
Story Research
•        Identify potential stories related to CSA awareness, safeguarding, survivor experiences, or systemic issues
•        Conduct responsible research to verify facts and context
•        Identify individuals or sources willing to share their story
Interviews & Story Development
•        Conduct interviews via online platforms or in person where appropriate
•        Develop stories in a respectful, trauma-informed way
•        Work with the editorial lead to shape stories into publishable content
Ethical Journalism
•        Prioritise consent, confidentiality, and safeguarding
•        Ensure stories are handled with care and sensitivity
•        Protect the dignity and safety of individuals sharing their experiences
Reporting Output
•        Aim to produce one story per month or at an agreed pace
 
Types of Stories We Encourage
Stories may include:
•        Survivor journeys and recovery stories
•        Community awareness and prevention efforts
•        Failures or gaps in safeguarding systems from whistleblowers, retired professionals, etc
•        Advocacy work and survivor support initiatives
•        Cultural or societal issues surrounding abuse disclosure
•        Investigative pieces highlighting systemic concerns
The focus should always remain respectful, responsible, and survivor-centred.
 
Skills & Experience (Helpful but Not Required)
We welcome individuals at beginner to intermediate to expert level who are eager to continuous learning.
Helpful experience includes:
•        Journalism, media, or writing experience
•        Interviewing and research skills
•        Interest in investigative storytelling
•        Podcasting, documentary, or narrative journalism
•        Academic study in journalism, sociology, criminology, psychology, or law
Lived experience and a passion for truth-telling and social awareness are highly valued.
 
Personal Qualities
We are looking for volunteers who are:
•        Curious and thoughtful researchers
•        Compassionate and respectful listeners
•        Ethical in handling sensitive topics
•        Comfortable speaking with people about difficult experiences
•        Committed to responsible storytelling
Because this role involves sensitive subject matter, emotional maturity and ethical awareness are essential.
 
Working Arrangement
This role is remote and flexible.
Volunteers may:
•        Conduct interviews online from anywhere in the world
•        Investigate stories within their local communities
•        Work independently while receiving editorial guidance
This allows volunteers to pursue stories within their own environment or network.
 
What You Will Gain
•        Real investigative journalism experience
•        Opportunity to build a portfolio of meaningful stories 
•        Opportunity to apply for paid positions once C.I.C grows
•        Mentorship and editorial guidance
•        Experience working with a mission-driven C.I.C
•        Opportunity to contribute to awareness and social impact
 
Important Note
Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, all stories must be handled with:
•        Full consent from participants
•        Respect for confidentiality
•        Survivor-centred ethics
Tell My Truth & Shame the Devil C.I.C. prioritises dignity, safety, and responsible storytelling in all work we publish.
 
How to Apply
Please send:
•        A short introduction about yourself
•        Your interest in investigative storytelling
•        Any writing, research, or media work (if available)

Students, early-career journalists, and individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are seeking a Volunteer Editorial Lead to oversee the editorial process, work closely with our investigative journalists, and ensure all content aligns with our mission and quality standards. This role is ideal for someone with editorial experience, a passion for social justice, storytelling, or lived experience in the topics we cover.
As Editorial Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping narratives, mentoring volunteer writers, and maintaining a consistent, professional standard across all publications.

Key Responsibilities:
•        Edit, proofread, and fact-check content produced by investigative journalists and contributors.
•        Work with the team to develop story ideas and content strategies.
•        Ensure all content reflects the organization’s values, mission, and tone.
•        Mentor and guide journalists, particularly volunteers and emerging talent, in improving writing and investigative skills.
•        Collaborate with other team members to plan content schedules and deadlines.
•        Maintain high ethical standards, particularly when handling sensitive topics.
•        Support the development of editorial guidelines and best practices for contributors.

Requirements:
•        Strong editing and writing skills; attention to detail is essential.
•        Experience in journalism, media, publishing, or content production (volunteer or professional).
•        Ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a remote environment.
•        Familiarity with issues such as childhood trauma, systemic inequality, and mental health is highly desirable.
•        Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
•        Passion for storytelling, social impact, and community empowerment.
•        Commitment to volunteer work of at least 10 hours per week.

Benefits:
•        Opportunity to shape impactful stories that influence public awareness and social change.
•        Work with a passionate, global volunteer team.
•        Flexible remote role – work from anywhere in the world.
•        Gain editorial leadership experience and mentorship opportunities. 
•        Opportunity to apply for paid roles as C.I.C scales

How to Apply
Please send:
•        A short introduction about yourself
•        Your interest in editing such content
•        Any writing, research, or media work (if available)

Students, early-career Editors, and individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Victory Afghanistan

Remote

Immediate start

Up to 6 Hours per Week (Until First Week of June)

Victory Afghanistan invites applications for the position of Volunteer Mentorship Programme Coordinator at a critical stage in the programme’s development.

This is a structured, execution-focused coordination role within a growing educational initiative serving Afghan students pursuing higher education and professional advancement pathways.

About the Programme

The Mentorship Programme currently supports:

• 117 students
• 30 active mentors

This is a structured, outcome-driven pathway designed to secure higher education placements, professional certifications, and measurable career progression. It is not a casual networking initiative, it is a coordinated system with defined objectives and active deliverables.

The Role

You will provide operational coordination during a pivotal period in which we are actively:

• Placing students into accredited online degree programmes
• Delivering structured workshops
• Coordinating high-level guest speakers
• Supporting mentors and mentees across multiple academic and professional tracks
• Tracking progress and maintaining programme integrity

There are no fixed weekly meetings. The role is fully remote and flexible. You will report directly to Maria (based in Colombia), requiring comfort with cross–time zone coordination.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

• Has exceptional organisational and administrative discipline
• Takes ownership without needing supervision
• Manages multiple moving parts calmly and systematically
• Communicates clearly and proactively
• Executes tasks without delay or constant prompting
• Is comfortable coordinating across time zones

An education background is beneficial but not essential. What matters most is reliability, accountability, and operational execution.

Commitment

• Up to 6 hours per week
• Immediate start
• Commitment required until the first week of June

This is an unfunded, volunteer role. Everyone in the organisation works pro bono. We are looking for people of executive action who understand that impact comes from disciplined coordination, not talk.

By providing an excellent visitor experience as a member of the Living History team, you will be bringing wetlands throughout history, and the history of the mere to life by delivering key messages about how important wetlands are for food, materials, medicine and livelihoods.  This encourages our visitors to make the most of their visit to Martin Mere, and to understand and support our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.

This role involves:

• Undertaking talks and hands-on activities in our Mere Tun Village about how useful wetlands are. Specifically about villagers settling next to wetlands 1000 years ago to provide them with food, materials for shelter, medicine and items to trade.
• Undertaking talks in our Mere Tun Village about the history of the mere and development of Martin Mere
• Assisting with activities when Mere Tun Village is open as a working village to our visitors in school holidays and weekends.
• Communicating WWT conservation messages and membership during talks about how people in places such as Madagascar still make settlements next to wetlands for their livelihoods.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

Popham Kidney Support’s counselling service provides individual counselling to clients who are kidney patients and parents /carers who are affected by kidney disease

Working in a confidential setting counsellors provide nondirective support to clients in exploring feelings, anxieties and life events that impact on their emotional wellbeing.

Through this process clients can feel more empowered to manage their mental health and make positive life changes.

Whether you are a digital marketing pro or looking to build your portfolio, we have an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. Say Aphasia is looking for a Volunteer Google Ads Support Specialist to help us expand our reach and connect with those who need our support most. This remote role is perfect for someone who can commit roughly 2-3 hours per week to help us manage and optimize our online presence.

In this role, you will be the driving force behind our advertising impact. You’ll get hands-on experience setting up and managing Search and Display campaigns, conducting keyword research, and crafting compelling ad copy that resonates with our community. By monitoring our performance and suggesting improvements, you will play a direct part in maximizing our marketing budget and increasing our visibility across the web.

What’s in it for you? Aside from the chance to make a meaningful impact, you’ll gain practical experience managing live campaigns for a growing charity. We are looking for someone with a basic to intermediate understanding of Google Ads who is organized, proactive, and ready to help us grow. Upon successful contribution, we are also happy to provide a reference or recommendation to help you in your career.

How to Apply: If you're ready to help us reach the right audience, please send a brief message to outlining your experience and why you’re interested in joining the team

Sift is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.

To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.

All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form which can be found on the Volunteering page of our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable recruitment pack - see our website for details. 

The Roles:

Board Secretary

Role Purpose

The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub-committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
• Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
• With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
• Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
• Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
• Act as a trusted point of reference for governance-related queries.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear, inclusive written communication.
• Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived-experience-informed values.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or

trustee roles.

• Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time.
• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.

Business Development Lead

Role Purpose

The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self-injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
• Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in-person and online training programme.
• Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
• Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
• Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
• Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision-making.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived-experience-informed ethos.

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
• Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving or

commissioning.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional

input outside meetings.

• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol

based office.

Leadership & Governance Director

Role Purpose

The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
• Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
• Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
• Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
• Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
• Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional

involvement as needed.

• Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.