Volunteer volunteer roles in Fife, scotland

Victory Afghanistan is a volunteer -led nonprofit providing free online English lessons and mentoring for Afghan girls and women who are currently barred from formal education. Our mission is to equip them with the skills and confidence to apply for scholarships and university placements abroad.

We are looking for a number of volunteer IELTS Tutors to support our mentorship-level students from January to May 2026. These students already have an IELTS level of around 6.0 and now need focused preparation to achieve higher scores required for university entry.

You will be teaching bright, ambitious young women who are eager to perfect their academic English, improve their fluency, and succeed in international admissions. Lessons are held online once or twice a week, and materials can be adapted to suit your teaching style.

Commitment: 1–2 hours per week (online) depending on your availability.
Programme duration: 16 weeks
Start date: Third week of January 2026
End date: Third week of May 2026

This is a critical role in helping our students prepare for higher education starting September 2026—your guidance can truly change lives.

Organisation: The Muslim Lived Experience Network CIC
Role Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote
Time Commitment:  3.5–7.5 hours per week, 6 months fixed-term
Reports to: Co-Directors
Start Date: Immediate

About Us

The Muslim Lived Experience Network is a lived experience-led organisation committed to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. We offer faith-informed peer support interventions, lived experience-related workshops and events, Islamic talks on mental health related topics, hospital ‘Muslim Faith Kits’, training, consultation, ad hoc support and signposting.

Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers united by a shared mission to attain the pleasure of Allah (SWT). We strive to achieve this by bringing peer support and lived experience perspectives to our communities - to educate, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a highly organised and mission-driven Volunteer Operations Lead to join our team and support and streamline our internal operations. You’ll help build and maintain the organisational backbone of our CIC by coordinating people, processes and systems. This is a key leadership role within a small but growing team, perfect for someone passionate about using their skillset to help bring faith-sensitive support to our community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Oversight

• Support day-to-day running of the organisation’s internal systems
• Implement and maintain operational processes, documentation, and protocols
• Coordinate calendars, internal meetings, and project timelines
• Track organisational goals and ensure progress reporting
• Help streamline workflows using digital tools (e.g. Sharepoint, Zoom)

2. Compliance & Admin

• Support data protection (GDPR) compliance and document management
• Keep internal policies and procedures organised and updated
• Assist with safeguarding processes and record-keeping

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Previous experience in the non-profit or CIC sector and/or experience in non-finance quality, legal, governance, HR or compliance/internal audit sector
• Understanding of safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant policies
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Experience in operations, project coordination or administration
• Confident with digital tools
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Passion for faith-informed approaches and/or mental health
• Alignment with the values of a Muslim-led, inclusive organisation

 Desirable (but not required)

• Lived experience of mental health challenges
• Familiarity with the needs of Muslim and/or marginalised communities
• Experience in a leadership position

What You’ll Gain

• A leadership role in a purpose-led, community-rooted organisation
• A chance to directly shape systems and processes to help a growing CIC thrive
• Personal development and transferable skills in operations, leadership and project management
• Ongoing support, networking opportunities, and recognition for your contributions
• Flexible hours and a values-aligned, supportive team of volunteers
• A professional reference and volunteer certificate upon completion

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Volunteer Role: Trusts and Foundations

We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof.

About the role

We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds from Trusts and Foundations. Grants, such the one we secured from National Lottery, already help keep us open all year. Although previous experience in grant writing would be welcomed, it is absolutely not required. More important are your enthusiasm and desire to help local people. ideally, you will be able to volunteer at least one or two days a month on a regular basis and preferably have access to a computer.

What’s involved?

· Drafting and submitting funding applications with help and support from our team.

· Working with other volunteers and staff to identify new funding opportunities.

· Researching grant-making bodies, trusts, and foundations that can fund the Centre.

The role will suit you if you

· Are comfortable with a computer.

· Have good written communication skills.

· Want to help local residents thrive.

· Can pay attention to detail and follow funder guidelines.

We will support you with

· An induction to volunteering for Edward Hain

· Training and briefings on how trusts and foundations fundraising.

· Coaching on how to draft and submit applications, supported with tools and templates.

• Occasional meetings at the Centre with other volunteers and staff.

We are looking for up to five regular volunteers. There is also an opportunity for significant coaching and development for those interested in pursuing jobs in this field in the longer term and wanting to use this role to develop the necessary skills. For more information contact:

Claire Jefferies Community Hub Officer

Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.

Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:

• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors

• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values

• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC

• keep a record of all approaches

Time Commitment

• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments. 

Location of Volunteering

• Homebased

ABOUT YOU

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer

• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

• excellent written skills

• excellent organisational and administrative skills

Benefits to you:

• Meeting and working with new people

• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments

• Learning new skills whilst having fun!

• Adding to your CV

• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies

We can only accept applications from UK residents. 

About the Role
We're seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Sales & Business Development Volunteer to help drive our growth and expand our reach. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in sales,  business development, and relationship management while making a meaningful contribution to our cause.

Key Responsibilities
As a Sales & Business Development Volunteer, you'll work closely with our team to identify new opportunities and build lasting partnerships. Your responsibilities will include:

• Researching and identifying potential clients, business leads, sponsors, partners, and business opportunities.
• Supporting the development of sales strategies and outreach campaigns.
• Helping to create compelling proposals and presentations.
• Conducting initial outreach to prospective clients via email, phone, and social media
• Help maintain the contact database with updated leads and follow-up notes.
• Analysing market trends and competitor activities.
• Contributing ideas to improve our sales processes and materials.
• Reach out to companies, NGOs, and institutions to introduce TESYouth’s initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Interest in sales, marketing, fundraising or business development
• Comfortable with technology and learning new systems
• Proactive, organised, and able to work independently.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A positive attitude and desire to contribute to a social impact organisation.

(Previous experience in sales, customer service, social media for business purposes, marketing, or or business development is a plus, but not required.)

What You'll Gain

• Practical experience in sales and business development
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
• Opportunity to build your professional network
• Development of valuable transferable skills
• Flexible working arrangements

Additional Information

• This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.
• All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment. Through training programmes, work experience, interactive workshops, and volunteering opportunities, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.

Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.

TESYouth is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.

What is a Fundraising Coordinator?

As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.

Why do we need you?

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

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.

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

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
• Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
• Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
• Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
• Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
• Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
• Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
• Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
• Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

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 life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support 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?

• 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.
• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops. 
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Fundraising and Marketing teams 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 communication skills including written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
• Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

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

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We work with children, young people, families and other professionals associated and affected by illness and disability. We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Do you enjoy art? Graphic design? Are you an amazing illustrator? Then we might just have a project for you. One of our aims is to have every type of disability in every culture, religion and ethnicity depicted through our characters. And yes, we know that’s going to mean a lot of hard work and a lot of characters! But NO we are not asking you to complete this entire project!

We’ve created 11 characters so far that depict a variety of conditions. We want to look at potentially re-developing these characters and starting work on some new ones!

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it

  with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if

  appropriate).

• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

  What can you expect?

  • A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. You don’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

We are so excited to have reopened the St Andrews Shop with a wonderful new look! 

Our St Andrews Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Are you an Italian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Italian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

�� What is the Talking Bubble Project?

A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Italian.

�� Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Italian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

✅ What’s required?

✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training (funded by us)
✔ A DBS check (funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations

�� How to get involved:

Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Italian-speaking community across the UK!

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Role Summary

Education Outreach Volunteers support the Reptile Centre by assisting with community education sessions, school visits, events, and public engagement activities. Volunteers help promote reptile welfare, conservation awareness, and responsible pet ownership. This role is ideal for people who enjoy working with the public, have an interest in animals, and want to make a positive impact in the community.

Key Responsibilities

Support Educational Sessions

• Assist staff during school visits, workshops, and community outreach events.

• Help set up and pack away educational materials, displays, and activity stations.

• Support the delivery of interactive demonstrations (with or without live animals, depending on training).

• Engage with visitors, answer basic questions, and help create a welcoming learning environment.

Animal Handling (Optional Based on Training)

• Handle reptiles safely during sessions once trained and approved by senior staff.

• Support welfare checks and ensure animals are comfortable during events.

• Help maintain safe handling practices with the public.

Community Engagement

• Represent the Reptile Centre positively at fairs, open days, fundraising events, and exhibitions.

• Share information about the centre’s conservation work, rescue stories, and how people can get involved.

• Encourage visitors to support fundraising campaigns and ongoing community initiatives.

Event Support

• Assist with coordinating groups during onsite and offsite sessions.

• Help manage queues, guide groups, and provide general visitor support.

• Prepare craft materials, activity sheets, or demonstration equipment.

Practical Support

• Help maintain the cleanliness and organisation of education and outreach equipment.

• Support the preparation of educational resources and displays.

• Assist with basic administrative tasks such as feedback collection or session records.

Skills & Qualities Needed

Essential

• Friendly, reliable, and comfortable speaking with the public.

• Enthusiastic about reptiles, wildlife, conservation, or animal education.

• Willingness to learn and follow safety and welfare guidelines.

• Good teamwork skills and a positive, helpful attitude.

Desirable

• Experience working with animals, children, or in an educational setting.

• Confidence handling reptiles (training will be provided).

• Knowledge of reptile care, conservation, or science communication.

What We Provide

• Full training in reptile handling, welfare, and safe educational practice.

• Safeguarding and health & safety guidance.

• Support from staff and fellow volunteers.

• Opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, education, and animal care.

• Experience that can support future employment or studies in animal care, conservation, or education.

Time Commitment

• Flexible volunteer shifts available (weekdays, weekends, or event-based).

• Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they are comfortably able to.

• Outreach events may require occasional travel with staff.

Additional Requirements

• Minimum age (centre-specific, often 16+ or 18+).

• Willingness to undergo basic training and follow centre policies.

• Some roles may require a DBS check (depending on involvement with children).

Benefits of Volunteering

• Make a meaningful contribution to reptile welfare and conservation education.

• Gain confidence and skills in presenting and public engagement.

• Work closely with a variety of reptiles and learn from experienced handlers.

• Join a supportive team and become part of the centre’s community.

• Opportunities to assist in fundraising that supports vital veterinary and rescue work.

Edinburgh - Nicolson Street

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

The Nicolson Street shop is a modern, contemporary and urban street store, unlike any other charity shop you've ever seen - full of vintage treasures, gorgeous greenery and creativity!

Our Nicolson Street Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.