Volunteer roles in greater london

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Meetings will take place at the Dunk Memorial Hall Maidstone Tuesdays 19:30 - 21-00, Meetings are on a Tuesday night, and volunteers should make at least 1 a month

Interviews will be at a selection event in the new year

24/01/2026, at the dunk Memorial hall for interviews from 10 till 2pm
 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Are you passionate about animal welfare and skilled at creating engaging Instagram content?

IAPWA is looking for a talented Social Media Manager (Volunteer) to help us grow our audience on Instagram, strengthen supporter engagement, and above all, develop this channel into a source of vital fundraising income.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience managing and growing Instagram accounts
• Can create high-quality, tailored content that aligns with our brand and mission
• Understands how to drive engagement and build online communities
• Is enthusiastic about using social media to make a real impact for animals in need

We’re ideally looking for someone who would like to manage this channel as their own project, offering a small amount of time each day to post, respond, and engage with our audience. As social media and fundraising are dynamic and fast-moving, this regular attention will help us build momentum and maximise opportunities for growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your creative and strategic skills to support a global animal welfare charity and make a difference to the lives of so many animals in need.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

The Diana Award are thrilled to invite you to volunteer for our Mentoring Programme in Spring 2026, which operates across London. 

We collaborate with volunteer mentors to support young people aged 14-18 who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) through mentoring interventions, career skills development programmes, and support with their youth-led social action projects. 

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AS A MENTOR? 

We welcome applicants of all industries and levels of experience. Through mentoring you will gain skills in communication and leadership, building empathy and understanding of issues and barriers facing young people in their communities. 

OUR MENTORING PROGRAMMES  

We will be running our exciting Twelve-week Mentoring Programme from March - July 2026, across London, in the boroughs of Enfield, Hounslow, Southwark, Redbridge, and Sutton. 

The programme will involve: 

• Twelve weeks of in-person weekly mentoring sessions that last one hour (excluding travel) and are delivered on the same day and time each week. 

• Group mentoring, where a group of volunteer mentors work together to support a group of mentees, with the help of a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Volunteer mentors will share advice and guidance with young people who are at risk of becoming NEET.

We will train you to mentor and provide ongoing support for the duration of your programme. 

The Diana Award can provide you with a professional reference, paid for DBS check, and refund your travel expenses in exchange for your voluntary work. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Requirements 

• A minimum of 18-years-old.

• Willing to complete a DBS Check (paid for by The Diana Award).

• Willing to provide contact details for two referees.

• Has the right to work and volunteer in the UK. 

• Able to attend a three-hour in-person mentor training session. 

• Able to commit to weekly face-to-face sessions. 

• Lives or works in London.

Skills 

• Passion for working with young people. 

• Has developed or willing to develop active listening skills. 

• Ability to see solutions and opportunities when working with people or in a group setting. 

• Ability to show resilience when faced with challenging situations or behaviours. 

Experience / Knowledge 

• Has work experience, this can be professional, from previous volunteering, or social action initiatives. 

• Has developed or willing to develop experience of picking, planning, and delivering a social action campaign. 

Optional Experience / Knowledge 

• Has prior experience working with young people. 

• Has experience in organising grassroots activism. 

• Has experience or knowledge in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

• Has experience or knowledge in Widening Participation. 

• Has experience in project management. 

Responsibilities

• Commit to weekly sessions for twelve weeks, demonstrating consistency and punctuality. Mentoring Programme sessions last 60 to 90 minutes (excluding travel time). Follow through is key when working with young people at risk of becoming NEET. 

• Collaborate with a Diana Award Facilitator and other volunteer mentors to deliver and support group mentoring sessions within a school setting. 

• Review session plans and prepare for weekly sessions. Communicate weekly and in a timely manner with other volunteer mentors and a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Create a safe and positive learning environment and provide young people with encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback. 

• Nurture positive relationships with young people. Listen, understand, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. 

• Support young people to plan a social action project. 

• Foster a growth mindset and encourage young people to challenge themselves to work towards their goals. 

• Support young people’s professional development by connecting them with further opportunities. For example, workplace visits, work experience, resources, relevant networks etc. 

• Identify and report any safeguarding and child protection concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as per The Diana Award Safeguarding Policy. 

OUR CHARITY 

The Diana Award is the charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. We seek to empower young people, delivering bespoke youth programmes for children and young people aged 9 – 25. We work with young people to unlock their potential, create opportunities for their growth, and inspire action from them to lead the change they want to see. 

HOW CAN I APPLY?

1. Read the Mentor Application Pack attached, so you have all the necessary information before applying. 

2. Apply now using the Online Application Form. The deadline to apply is 7th January 2026 you will hear back about your application in mid-January 2026.

If your application is successful, volunteer mentoring will begin in March 2026, following identity checks and training. 

We can’t wait to receive your application! 

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Job Title: Trustee (Treasurer Role)

Location: Kent- but this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people and families navigate grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Treasurer, you’ll play a key part in keeping us financially accountable making sure we can keep supporting young people in the best way possible. You don’t have to be an accountant; we just need someone confident with numbers, organised, willing to learn and passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

 Finance Management

• Keep track of the charity’s income and spending.

• Manage the charity’s bank account and ensure everything matches our records.

• Work with the other trustees to plan an annual budget and keep an eye on how we’re doing.

• Prepare simple finance reports for trustee meetings so everyone understands how funds are being used.

 Reporting & Compliance

• Help prepare our yearly accounts and returns for the Charity Commission.

• Make sure we’re following all the right financial policies and keeping our records clear and transparent.

Advising the Board

• Explain financial info in plain English so everyone feels confident making decisions.

• Support us in planning sustainable income streams (like grants, donations, and fundraising).

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone confident with money management, budgets, or spreadsheets (finance or bookkeeping experience is great but not essential!).

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and honest.

• Friendly communicator who can make numbers make sense.

• Passionate about supporting young people, families, and communities through loss and mental health challenges.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary role — trustees are not paid, but reasonable expenses (like travel or supplies) will be reimbursed.

• We usually meet once every 1–2 months, and you’ll also help out a little between meetings when needed.

• You also have the opportunity to be involved in the charity's community work, however there is no expectation of this.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A meaningful role where your skills make a real difference.

• The chance to help shape a starting charity and see the impact firsthand.

• Experience in the charity sector, finance, strategy, and leadership.

• A warm, supportive team that actually cares about the cause 

• A great addition to your CV for employers.

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Volunteer Trustee (Secretary Role)

Location: Kent- however this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity supporting young people and families through grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Secretary, you’ll be the organised heartbeat of the board, keeping everything running smoothly, making sure meetings are well-structured, and helping us stay on top of our legal and admin responsibilities.

You don’t need to have charity admin experience — just good organisational skills, a bit of tech confidence, and a passion for helping young people heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

 Meetings & Records

• Arrange trustee meetings (usually every 1–2 months) and make sure everyone has the agenda and papers in advance.

• Take clear minutes and track action points so nothing slips through the cracks.

• Keep an organised record of all meetings, decisions, and official documents.

Governance & Compliance

• Help ensure the charity meets its legal requirements with the Charity Commission.

• Maintain up-to-date trustee contact details and declarations of interest.

• Support the Chair and Treasurer with key governance documents like policies, annual returns, and reports.

 Communication & Coordination

• Be the main point of contact for trustee communication — keeping everyone in the loop.

• Help coordinate between trustees, volunteers, and partners.

• Make sure important dates, tasks, and documents are shared in good time.

What We’re Looking For:

• Super organised and reliable — someone who loves keeping things in order.

• Good written communication skills and attention to detail.

• Comfortable using email, Google Drive, Word, or similar tools.

• Friendly and collaborative, with a genuine passion for supporting young people and families through loss.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary trustee role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (like travel or supplies) can be reimbursed.

• Trustees usually meet once every 1–2 months, with a few extra hours between meetings for admin or follow-ups.

• You will have the opportunity to be involved with community work, however this is not an expectation.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A hands-on role helping a growing charity stay organised and effective.

• Experience in charity governance, leadership, and administration.

• A friendly, purpose-driven team who truly cares about what we do.

• A good opportunity to get hands-on experience in the world of admin.

• The satisfaction of helping young people and families find hope and healing after loss.

Our partner is a long-established charity providing vital advice, support, and advocacy for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in South East London. They help people to know and exercise their rights, rebuild their lives, and thrive as part of an inclusive and welcoming community.

They are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and play a key role in ensuring effective financial management and governance. Candidates should be qualified finance professionals, ideally with knowledge of charity finance and a commitment to the organisation’s mission of justice, inclusion, and empowerment for migrant communities.

As Treasurer and Trustee, you will support the Board in fulfilling its financial responsibilities including advising on financial strategy, budgeting, and reserves policy; reviewing management accounts and annual reports; overseeing audit processes; and ensuring effective systems of financial control. You will also contribute to wider Board discussions, bringing financial insight to strategic planning and risk management.

The Board meets quarterly (alternating between online and in-person evening meetings in London), and Trustees typically devote around 1–2 days per month to their duties.

______________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Location: Remote or In-person (London-based preferred, flexible)
Hours: 8–12 hours per month (flexible)
Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to Counsellor / 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD
Payment Schedule: Weekly or monthly, depending on preference (flexible to support cash flow)

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

Guardian Light Enterprises LTD is the revenue-generating arm of Guardian Light Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, and hardship. Every service we provide contributes directly to creating safe spaces, housing, education, and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.

As a freelance counsellor with us, you are not just offering sessions—you are helping people heal, build resilience, and find hope, while supporting a social mission that changes lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Freelance Counsellor to provide emotional support, guidance, and therapy sessions to our clients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven social enterprise where your expertise directly fuels social impact.

As a counsellor, you will:

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions for children, teenagers, and single-parent families.

• Use your professional expertise to guide clients through challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, and abuse recovery.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards in line with UK regulations.

• Collaborate with Guardian Light Enterprises and the Foundation team to refer clients to additional support programs where appropriate.

• Participate in impact reporting to help shape future programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality counselling sessions tailored to individual client needs.

• Document sessions and maintain records securely in compliance with safeguarding and GDPR policies.

• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empowerment for clients.

• Engage with Guardian Light Enterprises LTD in strategic discussions to improve program delivery.

• Attend occasional training and team meetings (via Microsoft Teams).

Ideal Candidate

• Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Professional with relevant UK registration.

• Experience working with children, teenagers, and vulnerable families.

• Strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and a trauma-informed approach.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Passionate about social impact and committed to transforming lives.

Hours & Compensation

• Recommended: 8–12 hours per month (approx. 2–3 clients per week, depending on session length).

• Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to you, 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD.

• Payment Schedule: Flexible – weekly or monthly, depending on mutual preference and cash flow management.

Benefits

Even at this early stage, joining Guardian Light Enterprises LTD offers unique benefits:

• Impact-driven work: Every session contributes to funding programs that directly support children and single-parent families in crisis.

• Flexible schedule: Set your hours around your availability.

• Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities.

• Career progression: Exceptional counsellors may be invited to join our Advisory Board or eventually become a Board Member, shaping the direction of Guardian Light Foundation.

• Recognition: A chance to build your personal and professional brand as part of a pioneering social enterprise.

• Supportive environment: Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to real change.

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We'd like to open a new Cadet and Badger Group on a Monday evening, to allow even more young people to learn first-aid skills. If you'd be interested in helping set these Groups up, please state so in your application or at interview stage!

This is such an exciting time to join Sutton Network as a Youth Helper or Youth Leader. We’re hoping to open a new Cadet Group in our Sutton HQ, alongside a new Badger Sett, to teach even more young people vital first-aid skills and give them knowledge for life. Ideally this would be on a Monday or Thursday night, so please let us know your availability at interview.

We’d also like to open a new Group for the Cantonese speaking community in the future, so keep your eyes peeled for another vacancy for this Group!

Pursuing the role

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Role Overview

We are seeking Voluntary Survivor Ambassadors — individuals with lived experience or deep understanding of CSA who want to help build hope, raise awareness, and connect others to our movement.

Your role will be to encourage others to become guests on our podcast or join as members, volunteers, and supporters, helping us expand our outreach and create safe spaces for healing and advocacy.

This is an unpaid voluntary position, ideal for someone ready to turn their pain into power and help others find their voice — while contributing to a national cause that is changing the narrative on CSA.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a bridge between survivors, communities, and our CIC, promoting healing and participation.

• Reach out (with sensitivity and consent) to individuals who may wish to share their stories on our podcast or platforms.

• Encourage survivors and allies to join our membership and community initiatives.

• Represent the CIC at events, online forums, and local networks — sharing the message of protection, healing, and empowerment.

• Support our outreach and guest management team in identifying potential speakers, artists, and advocates.

• Participate in awareness campaigns, training, and empowerment workshops.

• Provide feedback from the survivor community to help us improve support and representation.

Ideal Candidate

• A survivor of CSA or someone with personal insight into its impact who feels ready to advocate for change.

• Passionate about protecting children, raising awareness, and building safe, empowering spaces.

• Emotionally grounded and able to communicate with sensitivity and compassion.

• Confident in sharing your story only if and when you choose to — there is no obligation to disclose personal trauma.

• A natural connector who enjoys community building and supporting others.

• Comfortable using email, phone, or social media for outreach and communication.

What You Will Gain

• The opportunity to turn your story into strength and inspire others to find their voice.

• Be part of a historic grassroots movement ending CSA silence in the UK.

• Mentorship, trauma-informed training, and emotional support from our team.

• Leadership experience in outreach, advocacy, and survivor representation.

• Access to our internal training courses, retreats, and wellness programmes.

• All travel, food, and related expenses covered.

• A chance to help shape the national conversation on CSA and survivor empowerment.

Safeguarding & Support

Your wellbeing is our priority.
We have trauma-informed policies, emotional support systems, and confidentiality procedures to ensure every ambassador feels safe, respected, and in control of their story.

The Role of the Chair: The Chair of Trustees plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction, governance and impact of Success Club. Working closely with the CEO and the Board, the Chair ensures that the charity operates effectively and remains true to its mission and values. The Chair acts as an ambassador for Success Club, promoting its mission and values to key stakeholders. This is a rewarding opportunity for an inspirational and experienced leader to guide an ambitious charity through its next phase of growth to achieve its ambitions and influence positive change for young people.

About Charity Success Club: Success Club is a dynamic and ambitious charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who are potentially at risk of under-achieving, both academically and socially. We became a charity in November 2018 but have been working in schools since 2014. We believe that, when children and young people succeed in the moment, they create templates that they can use at any time. Our team puts mindfulness at the heart of our intervention, teaching children and young people how to develop a better relationship with themselves. We help students understand the wider implications of negative attitudes, allowing them to find solutions to issues they may face now and in the future. During 2024 we have provided support and activities to 2970 children across 26 schools. Current tracking (for 2025 year to date) show that we are well on the way to surpassing those figures. We are a passionate team of staff and volunteers, supported by a committed Board of Trustees, working together to create lasting change.

 We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Community First Aid Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As Network Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year.

Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a café or undertake a local activity. 

These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.

The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.

But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

Our Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia, and are sometimes housebound.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of the training, Befrienders are matched with someone who lives close to them.

They make a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea or, where possible, go out for a walk together, visit a café or undertake a local activity.

These visits make such a difference for the client, but volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

Through volunteering as an Operational Support Team Member, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in providing essential resources to our medical and education teams. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Training for role - Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed, then inducted on a buddy system

Closing date for these opportunities is: 02/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below: