Volunteer roles in europe

Passenger Assistant

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Passenger Assistant for the Hull, Beverley, Borough and Holderness Group. As a Passenger Assistant you will be assisting the driver and helping passengers with any requirements.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be friendly and welcoming and physically able to manoeuvre wheelchairs.

Apply 
- Read through the role description carefully

- Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Administration Volunteer for the Telford and District Group. Our Administration Volunteers are the linchpin for our local groups’ activities. They act as the first point of contact and they make sure all relevant information is circulated to other volunteers and members. And they play an important role in keeping our data and details up to date to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills. Most importantly you’ll be help your local group run efficiently, so they can keep providing valuable services to our MS community. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Please apply online.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Administration Volunteer for the Yeovil and Sherborne District Group. Our Administration Volunteers are the linchpin for our local groups’ activities. They act as the first point of contact and they make sure all relevant information is circulated to other volunteers and members. And they play an important role in keeping our data and details up to date to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills. Most importantly you’ll be help your local group run efficiently, so they can keep providing valuable services to our MS community. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Please apply online.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Across Cats Protection some of our cats looking for new and loving homes might be shy, nervous or aggressive depending on their past or if they are struggling to adapt to the rescue environment. Our kitten socialisation volunteers help the kittens in our care by spending time enriching each kittens experience through play, exercise and handling until they are happy and confident enough to find their perfect forever homes. 

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

��Volunteer Opportunity: Make a Real Difference across West Glamorgan! ��

Join one of our Programme Boards or Steering and Advisory Boards as a Lived Experience or Unpaid Carer Volunteer Representative

Are you passionate about improving health and social care services in your community? Do you have lived experience or care for someone who uses health and social care services? 

West Glamorgan Regional Partnership wants to hear from you!

We are looking for volunteer representatives to help us shape the future of health and social care services across the region. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful; ensuring real experiences guide real change.

Volunteers must live in the Swansea or Neath Port Talbot region.

We have a variety of Programmes:

•   Communities and Older Peoples Programme
•   Carers Partnership
•   Dementia Programme
•   Well-being and Learning Disability Programme
•   Emotional Well-being and Mental Health Programme
•   Children and Young People Programme
•   Neurodiverse Programme

�� What you’ll be doing:

• Sharing your experiences and those of others in your network.

• Helping shape and influence regional health and social care programmes.

• Working alongside professionals and other volunteers to improve services.

• Representing the views of unpaid carers and people with lived experience—not just your own.

�� Time Commitment:

• Quarterly meetings (approximately every 12 weeks)

• 2-hour meetings

• Meetings held online or in person, Monday–Friday during office hours.

• Some time needed to prepare for meetings

• 4-year volunteer term (flexible and supported).

�� Skills & Support:

• No qualifications needed, just your experience and willingness to contribute.

• Full induction, training, and ongoing support provided.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

�� Why Volunteer?

• Make a positive impact in your community.

• Gain valuable experience and transferable skills.

• Be part of transforming health and social care locally.

• Receive references to support any future employment.

About The Role

At Washington you will be involved first hand are in assisting the collection team in  maintaining and developing exhibits within the site at Washington to enhance the visitor experience.

This involves helping the Collection team to care for our large collection of rare and endangered species of waterfowl from around the world as well as wetland mammals.

Conducting public talks with our otters and Flamingos is also an important part of the role. Helping the team to inspire our visitors by the work we do and also showing them how they can get involved.

Why volunteer with us? We have one of the largest waterfowl collections in the North East, with over 40 species, 15 of which are of Conservation Concern, including the current flock of 56 breeding Chilean Flamingos and a pair of Asian Short-clawed Otters. Previous volunteers have gone on to work in animal conservation work around the world. 

We are currently looking for volunteers that can help us on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. We ask that you can commit a minimum of 6 months to get the most from your role. You must be over 18 to apply for this role.

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. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us or leave a message with your name and number. Please visit our webpage for more inforamtion and our contact details. 

About You

• Some practical experience in animal care would be desirable
•  Able to follow instructions and safely complete activities alone or as part of a team
• Good people skills
• Public speaking skills desirable
• Physical fitness and the ability to lift heavy loads
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather
• Driving licence is desirable
• Passion
• You need to be over 18 years old for this role.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people? 

We are offering 3 young people aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer with the Portuguese Red Cross in Cucujães, serving the Municipality of Oliveira de Azeméis. The programme will run from August 2025 – November 2025. 

All our placements are fully funded, with travel, accommodation, visas and health insurance costs covered, and volunteers receive a small monthly allowance to cover additional expenses. 

You will support the local community in three main areas: Social Assistance and access to Welfare Services, Emergency Response & First Aid, and Youth Engagement. This is a great opportunity to get involved in social action projects and find out what you are interested in!

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. This role requires someone with intermediate to fluent levels of spoken and written French. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates. 

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs. 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Chichester and Bognor Regis group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Chichester and Bognor Regis area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Be part of something special and volunteer at MS Walk London. Join an incredible team of volunteers who will be helping to make MS Walk 2025 bigger and better than ever.

The 2025 event will have around 700 participants who will be walking through London on either the 1km, 5km, 10km or 20km route.

Together these participants will be hoping to raise over 100,000 for the MS Society to help support the MS Community.

There are various roles available on the day from making some noise and encouraging our walkers, to looking after the route and handing out medals at the finish.

Join our team of MS Walk volunteers and support everyone who is walking, rolling and strolling to stop MS.

You'll be required on Saturday 27th September 2025 for one day and there are various times throughout the day. Shifts will be from 2-6 hours depending on role and location.

There are no specific skills required just enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.’

Closing date: Wednesday 23rd September 2025

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Plymouth and Tamar Valley Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Who They Are

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a UK charity that has supported older people for over 35 years. Guided by the vision of better lives for older people, the Trust delivers integrated retirement communities offering an alternative approach to later living that challenges societal perceptions of ageing.

Its holistic model, supported by research with Aston and Lancaster Universities, has demonstrated significant benefits for residents and wider society. As pioneers of supported independent living, ExtraCare prides itself on delivering best-in-class retirement living opportunities and advocating for older people.

Since 1988, the organisation has developed retirement villages and smaller housing schemes, prioritising the wellbeing, happiness, and fulfilment of residents. Today, ExtraCare is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over-55s, operating 14 retirement villages and four smaller schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

The Role

ExtraCare is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, ensure effective governance, and work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees in delivering the charity’s vision, mission, and values. Applications are welcomed from individuals across a wide range of backgrounds to strengthen the diversity of the Board.

Person Specification

• Previous non-executive Board experience in a customer-focused organisation (charity or housing sector experience not essential).

• Clear understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Board, and Chief Executive.

• Proven leadership track record within an organisation of comparable scale and complexity.

• Strong governance knowledge and accountability within regulated sectors.

• Business acumen, including strategic planning, financial oversight, risk and performance management, and service development.

• Understanding of operating within a regulated environment.

• Commitment to the principles of a social business and the charity’s operating context.

• Experience representing an organisation externally, including public speaking.

Who They Are

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a UK charity that has been supporting older people for over 35 years. Its vision – better lives for older people – remains as relevant today as at its founding. Through integrated retirement communities, ExtraCare offers an alternative approach to later living that challenges societal perceptions of ageing.

Its holistic model, underpinned by research with Aston and Lancaster Universities, has delivered proven benefits for both residents and wider society. As pioneers of supported independent living, the Trust prides itself on delivering best-in-class retirement living and advocating for older people.

Since 1988, ExtraCare has developed retirement villages and smaller housing schemes, with a consistent focus on enabling residents to enjoy happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives within vibrant communities. Today, it is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over-55s, operating 14 retirement villages and four smaller schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

The Role

ExtraCare is seeking a new Chair of the Audit & Assurance Committee to lead the Committee in providing rigorous oversight of risk, governance, and financial controls, ensuring the charity operates with integrity and in full compliance with regulatory requirements. The charity welcomes applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds to help enhance the diversity of the Board.

Person Specification

• Senior leadership or Board-level experience, and/or prior service as Chair or member of an Audit Committee.

• Strong business acumen, including strategic financial planning and awareness, with a sound understanding and background in audit and finance. A relevant financial qualification is desirable but not essential, provided at least one other Committee member holds such a qualification or background.

• Working knowledge of the Audit Committee’s role, internal and external audit processes, audit practice, and risk management frameworks.

• Sound governance knowledge and experience operating with a high level of accountability in a regulated sector.

• Ability to chair meetings impartially, effectively, and inclusively.

• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

The Organisation

The Organisation

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity supporting over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. The charity connects people affected by these conditions—including individuals, their families, healthcare professionals, and scientists—ensuring access to the healthcare, support, and treatments needed to maintain both mental and physical well-being.

The organisation supports people at every stage of life, from diagnosis to living well. Its work includes:

• Providing expert advice and guidance to help people live well in the present.

• Funding ground-breaking research to improve understanding of different conditions and develop new treatments.

• Collaborating with the NHS to promote universal access to specialist healthcare.

• Campaigning to improve rights, understanding, accessibility, and treatment options for those affected by muscle-wasting conditions.

The Role

This is an exciting time for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will soon publish a bold new strategy to guide its work over the next decade. With strong financial foundations, diverse income streams, and robust external partnerships, the organisation is well positioned to scale its impact.

The charity is seeking passionate and committed individuals to join its Board of Trustees. Trustees play a vital role in setting the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring financial stability, and safeguarding its mission to support people affected by rare and progressive muscle-wasting conditions.

Person Specification

Muscular Dystrophy UK is looking for individuals who bring experience, engagement, and a genuine passion for contributing at Board level. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to Muscular Dystrophy UK’s values and goals.

• Strategic leadership knowledge and experience.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Understanding of governance responsibilities within a charitable organisation.

• Willingness to act as a supportive and critical friend to the executive team.

In addition, the charity particularly welcomes applicants with experience in any of the following areas:

• Investment management

• Clinical experience of neurological conditions

• Clinical research

• Human resources and culture development

• NHS health and care systems and commissioning

Muscular Dystrophy UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of the conditions represented. The charity believes that diversity strengthens its work and enhances its ability to support beneficiaries effectively.

The Organisation

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity supporting over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. The organisation connects people affected by these conditions—including individuals, their families, healthcare professionals, and scientists—ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare, support, and treatments needed to thrive both mentally and physically.

Muscular Dystrophy UK provides support across all stages of life, from diagnosis to living well. The charity:

• Shares expert advice and guidance to help people live well today.

• Funds pioneering research to improve understanding of different conditions and drive the development of new treatments.

• Works with the NHS to achieve universal access to specialist healthcare.

• Campaigns to improve rights, accessibility, understanding, and access to treatments for people affected by muscle-wasting conditions.

The Role

This is an exciting time for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will soon publish a bold new strategy guiding its work over the next decade. With strong financial foundations, diverse income streams, and robust external partnerships, the organisation is well positioned to scale its impact.

The charity is seeking to appoint a Vice Chair to support the Chair and play a pivotal role in guiding the organisation forward, helping Muscular Dystrophy UK achieve its ambitious vision for the future.

The Vice Chair serves as a Trustee and, in addition to standard Trustee responsibilities, supports the Chair in leading the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic oversight. The Vice Chair acts as a supportive and critical friend to the Chief Executive and may deputise for the Chair as required.

Person Specification

Muscular Dystrophy UK is looking for engaging individuals who bring credibility, experience, and a genuine passion for contributing at Board level. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board level within the charity, public, or private sector.

• Knowledge of charity governance and Trustee responsibilities.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain relationships, build consensus, and manage differing perspectives.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and integrity.

• Availability to commit approximately 20 days per year to the role.

The charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are particularly encouraged from underrepresented groups, including individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of the conditions represented. Muscular Dystrophy UK believes diversity strengthens its work and enhances its ability to support beneficiaries effectively.