Volunteer volunteer roles in Dakar

Learn to Love to Read offers one-to-one support to children who find learning to read challenging, in schools and online via Zoom.Our In-school volunteers are asked to commit 90 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 1-3 pm.
Our virtual volunteers are asked to commit 30-60 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 4-6 pm.

Full training and ongoing support is provided for all volunteers to provide them with a framework which supports children's reading skills, while also building their self-esteem, confidence and love of reading. Our volunteers support the same children each week, providing 20 minutes of one-to-one support for the whole academic year. This ensures a consistent and rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the children.

In Wandsworth, post-COVID, 20% of Key Stage 1 and 25% of Key Stage 2 children did not reach the expected standard of reading in summer 2025. Low literacy is linked to poverty and social exclusion, limiting options in life. Early literacy intervention is crucial to break this cycle. School closures due to COVID-19 have been tough for children from disadvantaged families.
 

Please note we only work with schools in the London borough of Wandsworth and all our volunteers need to live in or within easy reach of that borough. 

In line with Safer Recruitment, all applicants are asked to complete an application form, provide references, take part in a face-to-face interview and ID check, and attend online training which includes safeguarding. All volunteers must have an enhanced DBS check which we arrange on your behalf. You will also be required to obtain checks from any country in which you've lived for more than three months from the age of 16 in line with Wandsworth's guidance. Once you have registered, we’ll send you a link to the application form.

Learn to Love to Read is committed to working without bias and offering equal opportunities for our volunteers. We are committed to valuing diversity and working inclusively across all our activities. Our aim is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

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. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Our Castle Cary 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.

Communication Support Volunteers are an essential part of our work for reaching and supporting different communities. Our partners in the community hold events across the UK and online. Your support will help assist communication by translating between English and British Sign Language (BSL), ensuring attendees have a positive experience! You will provide informal communication support (this is not a qualified interpreter role). You may be on your own, or as part of a team so you’ll need to be enthusiastic and motivated.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over
• BSL signing skills at level 3 or above (with or without a formal qualification)
• Able to adapt your communication methods depending on individual needs and environments
• Willing to get involved in activities to encourage people to participate
• Communicate effectively within your role and as part of a team

When and where

• Events will vary regionally and may take place during the day, evening, or weekends as a one-off or regular occurrence
• You’ll decide where and when you’d like to volunteer - we don’t expect anyone to travel far from their home

What you will do

Your tasks will depend on who you are supporting and what kind of event they’re running, but they may include:

• Assisting two-way communication for children and adults with varied communication methods
• Translating between English and British Sign Language (BSL)
• Completing agreed tasks on time and responding to any changes on the day
• Identifying tasks that need doing and any issues that need reporting
• Using your initiative to respond to situations and help out without being asked
• Presenting the National Deaf Children’s Society and our community partners in a positive way
  

What will you gain from the role?

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them: 

• Increased confidence and new skills
• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families 
• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training
You will be provided with:

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe
• A named point of contact for support
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs
• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS check, complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

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.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

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

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

· Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc

· Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.

· Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups

· Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

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

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

· Support people in your community with a military background

· Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience 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?

· 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.

· Local induction

· 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 a cheerful attitude

· Good spoken English

· Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.

· Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.

· Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.

· Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to 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

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

With training in alternative therapies such as Reiki and Sound Healing, you will support young women to improve their physical and emotional well-being in a group setting or on an individual basis.

Activities

•  Delivering Sound Healing sessions in a 1-2-1 or group basis.
•  Providing a safe, relaxing, therapeutic environment for the activity to take place.

Experience and requirements:

•  Suitable candidates need to be qualified or nearing the end of a substantial training.
•  Volunteers may be asked to have professional liability insurance.
• This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.

Commitment 

Commitment can be flexible to suit your availability, from about 1-2 hours per week. Ideally this volunteer will commit to a minimum of 3 months

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We’re looking for a kind, patient, and confident volunteer to spend time with a lovely gentleman in his early 60s who lives in Crosby. His previous volunteer has recently retired, and he’d really appreciate some friendly company again.

He has profound and multiple learning disabilities, and while he communicates in his own way, he absolutely lights up around people he trusts. He enjoys good food, classic 80s TV shows, and the comfort of familiar faces. Your visit would be a gentle check-in — sharing a cuppa, a chat, and simply being present.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit: • Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing • You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit. • Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

You’ll play an important role in taking time to listen to people in crisis, understanding what’s driving their poverty and identifying agencies they can be referred to for specific help. You’ll enjoy being alongside an enthusiastic team of volunteers. Using your empathy, confidentiality and motivation to support others you will truly make a difference and help to change lives.

What you will be doing;

• Listening to clients who visit the centre for food – providing a non-judgemental ear
• Looking at ways we can help them further

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We want to collaborate with more organisations, schools, and hospitals to spread the word about our work and services. To do this, we are looking for volunteers to join our outreach team and support these efforts.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion

• Interested in development, with possible experience working with schools, hospitals, or in business development

• Strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)

• Creative thinker who can bring fresh ideas to the team

• Collaborative and team-minded

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme

• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility- contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in outreach, communication, and partnership building

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• As the Senior HR Officer in our Volunteer Relations team, you will be reporting directly to the HR Manager, as well as oversee the day-to-day management of volunteer relations across our organisation, ensuring the  smooth execution of policies and adherence to the Volunteer Handbook. Your role involves being the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing queries, and resolving issues promptly while upholding the organisation’s standards and values.

• You will also play a key role in fostering a professional and supportive environment for all volunteers, maintaining productive relationships, and ensuring operational excellence in volunteer management.

Duties

1. Exit Management

• Facilitate seamless volunteer offboarding processes, including conducting structured exit interviews to identify areas of improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of exits to inform retention and engagement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies during volunteer departures.

2. Volunteer Inactivity Management

• Monitor volunteer activity levels and implement inactivity management procedures in collaboration with line managers.
• Maintain updated records to track and report volunteer activity trends.

3. Grievance and Conflict Resolution

• Implement and manage an efficient grievance procedure to handle volunteer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Ensure impartiality and transparency in addressing grievances, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for resolution.
• Collaborate with the L&D team to provide periodic training for volunteers and managers on grievance handling and conflict resolution.

4. Policy Execution and Compliance

• Act as the primary custodian of the Volunteer Handbook, ensuring volunteers are well-informed about organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with organisational guidelines and address any violations in consultation with the HR Manager.
• Partner with the Policy team to update the Volunteer Handbook periodically to reflect regulatory changes and organisational needs.

5. Volunteer Relations

• Serve as the first point of contact for volunteers, addressing their queries and concerns to foster a positive environment.
• Actively promote inclusivity and diversity in all volunteer-related activities.

6. Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure all volunteer-related activities comply with organisational and legal standards.
• Prepare regular reports on the approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including challenges and support needed.

Requirements

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Good experience and foundation in employee/volunteer relations

• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

What You’ll Gain

Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you have a keen eye for detail and the ability to capture nature in an engaging and informative way?

We are seeking volunteer photographers to help us build a high-quality image library and create eye-catching visuals for our social media channels, website, publications, and case studies. Your photographs will play a key role in showcasing our impact and motivating more people to support a greener, healthier London.

You will have the flexibility to capture photos in your local area, focusing on specific themes featured in the supporting document. In addition, we will be hosting a number of hands-on tree planting sessions across London, and we would be delighted to have you join us to photograph, or digitally film these activities.

All images will be attributed appropriately, but we are unable to pay any royalties now or in the future. However, you're welcome to share links displaying your published work in support of our aims.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us apply for and secure funding to support our valuable work. This role can be done remotely, with no fixed rota, and the amount of time you give is flexible.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Interested in fundraising or securing funding

• May have experience in the community or charity sector

• Legal or corporate background, or studying law or similar subjects

• Willingness to learn, motivated, and proactive

• Organised and detail-oriented

• Positive attitude and collaborative

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you

• Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility – contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in fundraising, research, and grant applications

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

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.

Overview

Could you make a difference as a volunteer Digital Champion? 

We are looking for people with a good understanding of how to use computers,

smart phones and tablets to give peer support to people who are new to these

devices. You will help them to do things like: 

• use Google 

• set up an email account 

• look for reliable health information online 

• connect with friends and family using video calling 

• use MS word to write a CV 

• access job search websites 

You need a good level of basic computer skills, but you don't have to be an IT

genius. Much more important is having enthusiasm and patience to spend some

time helping others to get online. 

In return you’ll get: 

• The opportunity to develop your own digital skills and knowledge 

• Free accredited online training

• Access to a community of Champions to help each other and share ideas 

• Ongoing support from a dedicated Digital Support Officer 

• A Digital Record tracking achievements and learners helped – perfect to show prospective employers!

• A free Basic DBS check

• Payment for travel expenses

• Immense satisfaction that you’ve made a difference to someone else 

Find out more 

Digital Champions | Digital skills and support | Clarion Housing 

Could you join the team? 

We are currently looking for Digital Champions to support learners in Borehamwood on a Wednesday and/or Thursday. 

Sessions are held at Windsor Hall, WD6 5DL between 10am and 2pm, you don’t have to be able to volunteer for the whole session, a couple of hours would be perfect! 

Whilst the session time is fixed, we welcome volunteers who can volunteer

weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.