Volunteer volunteer roles in Europe

Social Support Volunteer (Mentor)

This role offers one-to-one support to people experiencing issues with housing, healthcare, benefits, and employment. You will support individuals, helping them to access accommodation, secure financial support, improve their health and wellbeing, and develop employability skills.

What will you be doing?

You will support individuals to navigate complex systems such as housing, benefits and healthcare, offering practical help with forms and appointments in a respectful and confidential way. Work closely with partners including SIFA Fireside, Room Match, Tabor House and Street Link, and support people with CVs, job applications and work experience. You will also be involved in community engagement, raising awareness of homelessness and maintaining accurate, confidential records.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills who communicates respectfully and has a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable people. You’ll be organised and able to manage time, records and appointments effectively, while working well as part of a team to provide joined-up support. Patience, emotional intelligence and a solutions-focused mindset are essential. Knowledge of benefits, housing or local support systems is beneficial but not essential.

What difference will you make?

Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.

Job Summary
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate one to one Youth Mentors to support and guide young individuals in their personal and educational development. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children and youth, providing mentorship, and fostering a positive environment. This role is vital in helping young people navigate challenges, build self-esteem, and develop essential life skills.

Duties

• Provide one-on-one mentoring to youth, offering guidance and support tailored to individual needs.
• Meet with your young person once a week for up to 3 hours and go out into the community and do fun activities with them, from going for some food, a walk or a paid activity (expenses will be reimbursed to the volunteer).
• Foster a safe and supportive environment where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions and progress for reporting purposes.

Desirable Requirements

• Excellent communication skills to effectively engage with young people.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people in their development.

If you are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young individuals through mentoring, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position!

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Maths tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"Thanks to the tutoring and exam prep I was able to achieve over 85% on all my exams, which resulted in me getting distinction credits on my course." - A-Level maths student

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Maths concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

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.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment – Welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator and engagement Team to create engaging content for the Group.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• A chance to build a strong community; by engaging with the people with sight loss and local and national organisations.
•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, sharing information and working as a team to create and share content.
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups, both with your manager and your fellow moderators and engagement volunteers.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference

Location

Region

• North East, West Midlands, South West, Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber, Greater London, South East, Northern Ireland, Scotland, East Midlands, North West

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

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

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

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

This role concentrates on building relationships with members of the public, encouraging them to consider alternatives to placing their cats up for adoption. You will focus on providing information and support to existing owners who may be experiencing issues with their cat. You’ll also help potential new cat owners who are seeking advice before getting a cat.

You’ll build relationships within the community to engage with cat owners and potential cat owners, for example with vets, other charities, Citizen’s Advice, local authorities etc.

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

You’ll be:

• Providing information and support to cat owners who may be considering rehoming their cat due to a change in circumstances or cat behaviour issue
• Offer a signposting service, using a comprehensive resource library, information, guidance and support
• Communicating with members of the public to offer support regarding cat ownership by using a variety of mediums eg email, video calls, social media
• Effectively use in-house systems to record outcomes and provide feedback
• Linking with community groups, partners and charities to share key messages about cat ownership
• Linking with other Cats Protection volunteers and employees to share key messages and experiences
• Attending community events (in-person and virtual) to promote key messages

Time expectation

Our supporting cat owners volunteers usually spend four to 10 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Position Title: Family Liaison
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Family Support Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Swanley or able to travel to Swanley
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a crucial difference for the better to the life and welfare of a refugee family as they settle into life in Britain helping them to achieve independence and social integration in their new surroundings? As a Family Liaison, you will be a vital friendly link and mentor for the family to help them navigate through difficulties that they may encounter on their path to independent living in our district. It is a very important and rewarding role.
Key Responsibilities: ● Where the family is new, help them to settle in and pass on requests for help and equipment. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the family which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the family becomes more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers (Refugee Council) as needed while the family is still receiving support from them. ● Liaise with the team around the family - general support, language and education - so that they work together; moderate a Whatsapp group for all volunteers supporting the family, whatever their role. ● Encourage and monitor the family’s path to independence ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities.
● Keep the Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) Family Support Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed

You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had a background in health, teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential, a practical attitude is needed.

Time and location
The weekly commitment might be 1-2 hours particularly initially, tapering down as the families become more independent. This is not an online job and the family is located in Swanley.

Support & Training Provided As well as general training for SWR volunteers on the essentials such as safeguarding and cultural awareness, we run workshops to find out more about how we can help children in their path through education, language learning and other matters that may be relevant. The VLT will ensure that the Family Liaison has support and backup as required and a mentor will be appointed to help a new Family Liaison in the initial stages of taking up the role.

The role in a nutshell:

Age UK Cheshire's Sharing Time Reconnect Befriending service strives to reduce loneliness and isolation by matching our volunteers with older people via a meaningful befriending relationship.

Please note: You must be located within Cheshire to apply for this role

What will you be doing?

You will be working with your befreindee and the Service Coordinator to understand their goals and how you can help them to achieve them. This could involved visiting the befreindee at their home for a chat, a walk, or a coffee in town. Depending on their goals, this could also include supporting and facilitating access to local groups and physical activities e.g. craft groups, coffee mornings, lunch clubs or meeting up for a coffee with other befriendees to form their own friendship group. 

How would you be supported in this role?

Our volunteers receive an initial induction into the work and policies of our charity and then specific training on befriending, health and safety and safeguarding. You will be part of a caring and experienced team and have the support of a dedicated service coordinator. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Loneliness among older people is a growing crisis. By volunteering with Age UK Cheshire’s Sharing Time Reconnect project, you will offer more than a regular visit – you will offer a lifeline to older people in your community. 

Befriending visits usually last around between 1 and 2 hours in business hours. They are typically weekly but can be flexible depending on the individual you are supporting and their circumstances. We also appreciate that volunteers may have other commitments, such as caring responsibilities so we will work with you and the individual to agree a pattern which works for everyone.  ​

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude. 
• Active listening skills with the ability to motivate others.
• A wish to support older people in a person- centred manner, taking account of preferences and abilities.
• Awareness of acting in a way that respects equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to follow guidance to keep yourself and others safe.

Additional information:

• This role is subject to police checking by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
• You will need to be willing and able to travel to your befriendee and travel expenses will be reimbursed.
• We are looking for volunteer befrienders throughout Cheshire.

Are you an IT whizz with some ad hoc time to give to a small local charity? 
Come and join the Holly Lodge Centre! 

We’re a hidden gem of social good in the heart of Richmond Park. Founded with a heartfelt mission, we deliver joyful, enriching experiences that promote wellbeing, spark curiosity and help every visitor feel connected to the wonders of Richmond Park. We’re especially proud that over 50% of our programmes focus on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). 

We’re looking for someone reliable and flexible, with strong communication and organisational skills and a natural flair for problem-solving. You’re comfortable adapting to changing priorities and happy to roll up your sleeves when needed. 

We’re a small team of six (mostly part-time). While we support one another with day-to-day IT issues, you’ll be the go-to person for things like: 

• Setting up new users and workstations 

• Troubleshooting issues (e.g. scanner or SharePoint connections) 

• Supporting the phone system 

• Advising on wider IT needs 

Recent projects have included supporting an office move and IT setup, working with The Royal Parks to deliver a new internet connection, rolling out two-tier security logins for staff and volunteers, and upgrading systems ahead of Windows 10 support ending. 

Skills and experience 

Formal qualifications aren’t required, but professional or personal IT experience will be very useful. We use Microsoft 365, so familiarity with this — and a willingness to learn the platforms and programmes we use — is essential. 

Experience or knowledge in the following areas would be particularly helpful: 

• Managing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments (user accounts, security, provisioning) 

• PC updates and IT troubleshooting 

• ISP dashboard management 

• Liaison with website developers 

• Working with hardware and software suppliers 

• Advising management on software and systems 

• User support and guidance 

• VOIP telephone systems 

• SharePoint management 

• Anti-virus configuration and management 

• Installing and configuring software 

• Internet and Wi-Fi setup 

• Power Apps 

We’re a friendly bunch, and if this sounds like something you’d enjoy, we’d love to hear from you — please get in touch today! 

Volunteer Role: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Join a movement built on care, dignity, and community.

Unlock YOUR Potential is launching in Newham and Tower Hamlets — and we’re looking for a strategic, organised, values‑driven operational leader to help build the systems, structures, and delivery engine that will change lives.

We are a 100% volunteer‑led organisation supporting adults aged 18–67 who face barriers to employment, education, confidence, and wellbeing. Our programmes are trauma‑informed, community‑based, and rooted in human connection.

If you believe people deserve to be seen, heard, and supported — this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

As our Chief Operating Officer, you will:

• Lead the operational setup and day‑to‑day running of the organisation.

• Build and oversee systems for service delivery, safeguarding, quality assurance, and volunteer coordination.

• Ensure our programmes run smoothly, safely, and consistently across Newham and Tower Hamlets.

• Work closely with the CEO and Heads of Function to turn strategy into practical, reliable delivery.

• Develop processes for scheduling, logistics, risk management, and participant flow.

• Support volunteer teams to deliver high‑quality, trauma‑informed sessions.

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems to track impact and learning.

• Ensure the organisation operates with care, dignity, and operational excellence.

This is a senior leadership role where your work will shape the rhythm, reliability, and long‑term sustainability of our movement.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Highly organised, calm under pressure, and values‑driven.

• Experienced in operations, service delivery, project management, or charity leadership.

• Confident building systems, processes, and structures from scratch.

• Skilled at coordinating people, programmes, and logistics.

• Passionate about trauma‑informed, person‑centred practice.

• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational delivery.

• Ready to help build something meaningful from the ground up.

Experience in employability, wellbeing, adult learning, or community development is helpful — but heart, care, and operational clarity matter most.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a new, community‑powered movement.

• Shape the operational backbone of the organisation from day one.

• Work alongside people with lived experience, empathy, and heart.

• Gain senior leadership experience in a growing charity.

• Make a real difference to adults who feel unseen and unsupported.

Time Commitment

• 6–10 hours per week, flexible
• Based in London (with hybrid options)

We Welcome You

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of the barriers our participants face.

Are you ready to build a legacy that saves lives?

In England today, too many men are fighting silent battles. They are navigating the complexities of mental health and personal growth without a compass or a tribe. At MINDSET, we are changing that narrative. We believe that through brotherhood, community, and intentional self-improvement, every man can reclaim his strength and purpose.

We have the vision. We have the momentum. Now, we need the voice.

The Volunteer Opportunity: Communications Officer (Volunteer)

As our first-ever Communications Officer, you won’t just be "posting on socials"—you will be the architect of our energy. You will lead the charge in creating an exciting buzz around MINDSET, raising awareness for men’s mental wellbeing, and ensuring our mission is heard in every corner of England. You are the one who will take our message and make it a movement.

Who You Are

We aren't looking for a CV; we’re looking for a character. We need a storyteller who is:

• A Creative Catalyst: You have an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for creating "buzz." You know how to capture attention and turn it into engagement.

• A People Person: You understand the power of connection. You can speak to men from all walks of life with authenticity, empathy, and a touch of wit.

• A Person of Action: You don’t wait for the news—you make it. You have the passion and dedication to elevate MINDSET from a brand-new charity to a household name.

• A Believer: You are deeply committed to men’s mental health and believe that personal growth should be a conversation every man is proud to be part of.

The Volunteer Role

Working directly with the Founder and the Board, you will lead our external voice. You’ll manage our digital presence, create high-impact content, and build relationships that raise our profile. Your goal is simple but massive: make sure every man in England knows that MINDSET is here for him.

Why Join Us?

This is a chance to be there at the "Day One" of something massive. You will have a blank canvas to build a brand identity that is bold, heart-felt, and modern. You’ll gain incredible experience in PR and brand management, but more importantly, your words could be the reason a man reaches out for help for the very first time.

"A man’s mindset is the foundation of his future. Help us tell the story that changes the future for men across England."

If you have the creative spark to lead and the heart to serve, we want to hear from you. Help us turn the tide on men’s mental health by putting MINDSET on the map.

We are seeking several volunteers fior administrative support committed Trustees across this dynamic Trust's activities in creating historical town maps and atlases.  Roles include managing online meetings, contributing to operations including sales, events, marketing, basic book keeping and all other ways of being useful to the growing needs of the Trust.

We are on an ambitious path to increase the rate of publication, develop a strong educational outreach platform, and embed our maps in the communities of the towns we publish. Trustees are mainly senior academics and others committed to education and urban history and all have a passion for cartography. We currently have no employees

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.

An enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteer with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. The volunteer needs to hold a professional level diploma in counselling and have training and experience working with individuals with eating disorders.

Activities

• To provide therapeutic support to young women (aged 18-30) with eating disorders
• One-to-One counselling sessions will aim to support the individual to improve self-confidence, identify and resolve negative thought processes, implement constructive coping strategies and empower them to fulfil attainable life goals
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the women within allocated caseload
• To keep up-to-date with development in the field of counselling and eating disorder therapy
• To manage appropriate professional boundaries in the relationship
• To maintain records for monitoring, evaluation and tracking purposes plus service evaluation
• To take responsibility for own professional development

Requirements

• Hold a professional level diploma in counselling
• Hold professional membership with BACP, UKCP or equivalent
• Have own regular supervision with a qualified supervisor
• Fully trained in eating disorder therapy and previous experience supporting individuals with eating disorders
• This role requires us to carry out a check through the Disclosure and Barring Service for the Enhanced DBS

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. Ideally weekly one-to-one sessions for 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.