Volunteer volunteer roles in Europe
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Independent Visitor Volunteer
Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.
As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:
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support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development
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engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting
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listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust
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help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community
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develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported
You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ready to Make a Difference in 2026? Then come and Volunteer with Us.....
We are thrilled to be opening a brand-new Charity Shop in Langney Road, Eastbourne – and we are looking for volunteers to come and join our Team…
Our shops are a hive of activity and the heart of the local community. They raise funds to support our vital work and provide a place for local people to find out more about how we help older people in their area. Our volunteers always enjoy being part of our shop teams; chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do.
As a Customer Service Volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus play a vital role in helping to raise funds to support local older people.
You will be working on the shop floor as the welcoming face of our charity. Serving customers with a smile, using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money and sales.
When people come in to donate items you will be thanking them for their support and helping them to complete Gift Aid signups on our Gift Aid system.
You will help to make our shops look amazing; putting out items that the sorting teams have prepared, helping with merchandising, labelling and ensuring the shop is clean and always looking its' best.
You will need to be ok using a touch screen device as our tills run on a tablet, though we will always provide full training and some time for you to get used to using this first.
Lastly, you may have people enquiring about our work, or asking for help and we will provide you with all the details of where to refer them to within the charity.
It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need.
It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old please apply now.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Independent Visitor Volunteer
Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.
As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:
-
support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development
-
engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting
-
listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust
-
help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community
-
develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported
You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you help your local SSAFA branch recruit volunteers in your area? You just some basic I.T and admin skills, patience, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Recruitment Coordinator?
Recruitment Coordinators help us find local people interested in supporting SSAFA and take them through our recruitment and selection process.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our beneficiaries 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.
To offer the best possible service to our clients we need to match the right volunteers to the right role. Could you spare a few hours a week to help recruit new volunteers and welcome them to SSAFA by supporting them through their induction phase? We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The role is about recruitment and so will involve attending local recruitment fairs a few times a year as well as meeting volunteers both face-to-face and virtually. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but the administration part of the ole can be done form home.
What would you be doing?
- Be the first point of contact for all volunteering enquiries, ensuring that all potential volunteers receive a timely response.
- Supporting volunteers through the recruitment and induction process and ensuring volunteers are communicated with throughout.
- Arranging informal interviews for new volunteers conducted in-line with SSAFA policies.
- Conducting ID checks (where relevant) so the volunteer can begin the vetting process
- Supporting volunteers to book onto role specific training and ensuring they complete their mandatory training.
- Working with the VDM to ensure branch vacancies are advertised on the branch website and national websites and support any national recruitment campaigns
- Maintaining good relationships with local Volunteer Centres and other local sources of volunteer promotion and attend local recruitment fairs.
- Evaluating volunteer recruitment activity, experimenting with creative ways to recruit volunteers from a variety of sources to create a diverse network of volunteers.
- Treating all potential volunteers inclusively with respect and sensitivity, regardless of age or background
- Supporting any volunteers facing barriers to find a suitable role.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others.
- Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to beneficiaries as well as providing volunteering opportunities.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This training would take approx. 3 hours.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses.
- Support from the Volunteer Development Manager and Trainer (per region)
- Access to the Volunteer Experience Team based at our central office.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people, with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Good written and spoken English.
- Respectful and non-judgemental with potential volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and during the role, including accessing and responding to emails and using Microsoft offices software.
- Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely., in line with SSAFA policies.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings and events and t meet volunteers.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you help your local SSAFA branch recruit volunteers in your area? You just some basic I.T and admin skills, patience, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Recruitment Coordinator?
Recruitment Coordinators help us find local people interested in supporting SSAFA and take them through our recruitment and selection process.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our beneficiaries 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.
To offer the best possible service to our clients we need to match the right volunteers to the right role. Could you spare a few hours a week to help recruit new volunteers and welcome them to SSAFA by supporting them through their induction phase? We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The role is about recruitment and so will involve attending local recruitment fairs a few times a year as well as meeting volunteers both face-to-face and virtually. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but the administration part of the ole can be done form home.
What would you be doing?
- Be the first point of contact for all volunteering enquiries, ensuring that all potential volunteers receive a timely response.
- Supporting volunteers through the recruitment and induction process and ensuring volunteers are communicated with throughout.
- Arranging informal interviews for new volunteers conducted in-line with SSAFA policies.
- Conducting ID checks (where relevant) so the volunteer can begin the vetting process
- Supporting volunteers to book onto role specific training and ensuring they complete their mandatory training.
- Working with the VDM to ensure branch vacancies are advertised on the branch website and national websites and support any national recruitment campaigns
- Maintaining good relationships with local Volunteer Centres and other local sources of volunteer promotion and attend local recruitment fairs.
- Evaluating volunteer recruitment activity, experimenting with creative ways to recruit volunteers from a variety of sources to create a diverse network of volunteers.
- Treating all potential volunteers inclusively with respect and sensitivity, regardless of age or background
- Supporting any volunteers facing barriers to find a suitable role.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others.
- Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to beneficiaries as well as providing volunteering opportunities.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This training would take approx. 3 hours.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses.
- Support from the Volunteer Development Manager and Trainer (per region)
- Access to the Volunteer Experience Team based at our central office.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people, with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Good written and spoken English.
- Respectful and non-judgemental with potential volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and during the role, including accessing and responding to emails and using Microsoft offices software.
- Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely., in line with SSAFA policies.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings and events and t meet volunteers.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a fundraising volunteer team leader!
Help make a difference 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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Family Advice Line Volunteer
This is a volunteer opportunity supporting families through our advice line. As a volunteer, you’ll contribute your time to help us offer reliable information and a listening ear. Volunteers are a valued part of our mission, and we aim to make the experience supportive, enjoyable, and meaningful.
Role Overview:
Are you looking for an opportunity to use your speech and language therapy expertise in a voluntary capacity to support children and families?
As an Advice Line Volunteer, you will contribute to our mission by sharing information about typical development and guidance on how families can support their child’s speech and language needs. You will help families by offering clear information, resources and a listening ear as they navigate concerns around speech and language challenges.
How do our Volunteers help?
- Helping to provide evidence‑based information and resources to address families’ concerns.
- Listening empathetically to families and offering supportive guidance.
- Taking part in volunteer training and learning sessions to stay updated on best practice
What we are looking for:
We welcome volunteers who are:
- Passionate: Committed to supporting children and families facing speech and language challenges.
- Empathetic Communicators: Able to actively listen and respond sensitively to callers' needs.
- Reliable: Volunteers take part in a shared rota to ensure the line is covered.
- Team Players: Comfortable volunteering alongside others in a supportive environment.
- Learners: Open to volunteer training and opportunities to develop confidence as a Speech and Language UK volunteer.
About Us:
We are Speech and Language UK – we want every child to face the future with confidence. For 2 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feel like an impossible hurdle. Without the right help, this can destroy their world. They feel disconnected from their family. Unable to make friends. Unfairly punished for not following instructions they don’t understand. What does the future hold for them?
Why Us?
Speech and Language UK is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for children and young people with speech and language challenges. If you’re ready to make a difference in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.
What can you gain from volunteering with us?
- The chance to apply your existing skills in a new way
- You’ll receive regular support and contact from our Advice Line team.
What we’re looking for in a volunteer
Skills and Experience
- Qualified speech and language therapists with 3 years experience and direct clinical practice in the last 12 months
- Qualified speech and language therapist aware of current practice in their area of experience
- Experience across two or more of the following age ranges – Early Years, Primary, Secondary, FE
- RCSLT registration
- HCPC registration is welcome for practising clinicians.
- Experience offering supportive advice to families or practitioners
- Comfortable volunteering independently from home.
Technology
- Comfortable using email and Word.
- Able to follow simple digital instructions.
- Familiarity with other Microsoft tools is helpful.
Other
- Available to take part in a shared rota to ensure the line is covered. We ask for a commitment of 4 hours per week or fortnight.
- Interest in ongoing learning is welcome.
- Ability to volunteer from a quiet, confidential space.
Practical considerations and time commitment:
You’ll receive a full induction, role specific training and ongoing support from your named contact. All regular volunteers are asked to provide references and complete internal training.
We ask for most volunteers to offer around 4 hours a week or fortnight. We rely on volunteers giving regular time so families know when we’ll be there for them. All volunteers take part in a shared schedule of volunteer time.
How to Apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, addressing how you meet the criteria outlined in this advert.
Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday, 2nd March 2026 with interviews being held via Teams w/c 2nd March and 9th March
Information session:
Come to our online information session on Thursday, 12th February at 2.30 pm
This will be a chance to meet with Speech and Language UK staff and ask questions about the charity and this volunteering opportunity. For further details and to register for the session, please chck role posting on our webiste. This session is optional – please still apply if you can’t make it.
Accessibility Support:
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team and we will be happy to assist you.
We are Disability Confident Committed under the Disability Confident Scheme.
This is an unpaid voluntary role intended for individuals who want to contribute their professional expertise to support families. It is not an employed position.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a confident driver with a desire to support a great cause behind the scenes? Join us as a Volunteer Fundraising Van Driver and play a vital role in helping our fundraising events run smoothly and successfully.
You’ll be responsible for transporting essential equipment — from banners and tables to raffle prizes and collection buckets — to and from event locations.
You’ll be working closely with our friendly fundraising team and other volunteers, helping to make sure every event is set up for success.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
As a great communicator with ‘green fingers’ you will create a calm, nurturing environment in which to support the residents to gain gardening skills and to explore the possibility of growing their own food.
Activities
Inspire the residents to take an interest in the outdoor space at Amy’s Place and involve them in the development of a regular gardening and/or food growing club.
Help residents to develop their gardening skills and knowledge specific to growing food, through group workshops and individually tailored support, guidance and encouragement.
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. It might be every week or fortnight ideally for a minimum of 3 months.
Requirements
This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.
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
Wheels for All aims to promote inclusive cycling through a range of successful community engagement programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis. Our Volunteers bring our cycling programmes to life, they make sure everyone feels included, they inspire others, they increase confidence, they maintain bikes and make sure that cycling is accessible to everyone.
From meeting/greeting participants, leading elements of the activity, providing encouragement, helping to move equipment to/from storage, and assisting to check working order of cycles, your support will make a huge difference to our participants and carers who attend our inclusive cycling sessions. Training is provided to all volunteers, with other opportunities to attend and participate in external training where relevant.
As a valued Wheels for All volunteer you will:
- Make a difference to the lives of disabled people
- Meet new people
- Make new friends and join social activities
- Connect with your community through supporting a local project
- Develop your skills at our sessions and relevant training courses
- Reap mental health and wellbeing benefits of helping others
- Build experience for references
- Receive a lot of appreciation from our participants and carers!
- Be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy
- Receive Wheels for All branded uniform
- Access the volunteer Wheels for All training
- Enjoy the amazing Charities culture
What are we looking for?
- Approachable and friendly nature
- Great interpersonal and communication skills
- Empathy and understanding of how people can react differently to certain situations or triggers
- Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement
- Adaptable and flexible to changing circumstances
- Effective as part of a team
- Positive attitude
- Honesty and integrity
- Excellent organisational skills and initiative
- Some cycling experience (although not essential)
Volunteers aged 18 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all volunteers must be happy to undertake a DBS check and collect references.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 3 May 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 4 May and 15 May 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
-
27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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1 July 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.
Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.
No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest, tell us; it may be helpful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started; simply click on ‘Apply Now’ and we’ll be in touch.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.
Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.
No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest, tell us; it may be helpful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started; simply click on ‘Apply Now’ and we’ll be in touch.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join us as a Volunteer Yard Assistant at one of our four rescue and rehoming centres where rescued horses begin their journey to a brighter future – receiving the expert, compassionate care they need to heal and thrive.
As a Volunteer Yard Assistant you’ll play an important role in supporting the smooth running of our yards by helping with day to day tasks. Your contribution will allow our expert grooms to focus on rehabilitating horses and preparing them for a loving new home.
This is a physically active role where you’ll get to be part of a friendly and inclusive team, experience the satisfaction of making a real difference, and have opportunities to be involved in other charity activities, such as open days. While horse handling may be limited, the sense of purpose, teamwork, and enjoyment are unlimited!
If you’re reliable, enthusiastic and enjoy working as part of a team, we’d love to hear from you. Our centres are currently looking for volunteers to help on the following days:
- Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerton, Somerset: Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Fridays from 9am to 11am, with the option to stay on until 1pm once established.
- Hall Farm in Snetterton, Norfolk: Any day except Tuesdays.
- Penny Farm in Blackpool, Lancashire: Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 1pm or 2pm to 4.30pm.
World Horse Welfare’s vision is a world where every horse is treated with respect, compassion and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for horse-experienced volunteers and/or volunteers with experience working with people with disabilities to help support our RDA participants during their weekday riding as therapy sessions.
Horse-based roles would include:
1) Support catching and bringing horses in from field or stable.
2)Helping groom and tack up
3)Leading horses (if experienced with horses or have completed internal training)
4)Side-helping - Walking alongside the participant on the ride to support them emotionally and help pass on instructions given by the Coach
Other roles would include:
1)Meets and greets with participants and parents and/or carers as they arrive for activities
2)Setting up the school before sessions and helping break down the school after sessions
3)Completing registers and helping with rotas
There are also opportunities for volunteers to undertake further training towards becoming a registered RDA Instructor. Our sessions are run entirely by volunteers. We are looking for positive, friendly and forward thinking individuals to join us!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



