Volunteer roles in greater london

People consistently tell us that meeting others living with Parkinson's is the most important support they want locally. Volunteers run Parkinson's Cafes to provide an informal way of doing just that. This role will be co-ordinating our monthly Parkinson's Rochester Cafe and we'd love to hear from you if you can spare a few hours each month. 

What you will be doing:
-Ensure the cafe gathering takes place on the first Friday of the month from 1-3pm, and that those attending are warmly welcomed.
-Work with the chosen venue effectively, which would include reserving a table in the cafe (this has been organised so just needs monitoring) and having a space to layout relevent leaflets to support those with Parkinson's. 
-Provide updates and feedback to relevant Parkinson's UK staff members about how the cafe session are going
-With other volunteers, think of creative ways to add interest and value to the cafe sessions, such as arranging visits from relevant local health professionals
The skills you need:
-Warm and friendly; you'll be a good communicator, open to working and interacting with a range of people.
-Patient and empathetic, in order to deal with sensitive issues and topics.
What's in it for you

-You'll meet new people, forging friendships and connections in your area.
-You'll be supporting your community, knowing that thanks to you people affected by Parkinson's have vital support
-We'll support you to learn more about Parkinson's, and you'll be able to develop your organisational and communication skills.

Make a meaningful impact by teaching tech skills to neurodiverse young people in a supportive, inclusive environment. Join Atypify's mission to transform lives through accessible digital education at The Autism Hub in North London.

About Us: Atypify is an innovative non-profit digital inclusion project that breaks down barriers to tech education. Founded by women with lived experience of neurodiversity, we create safe spaces where young people aged 14-25 can explore technology at their own pace. With a particular focus on young women and non binary individuals, our approach combines tech education with wellbeing support, ensuring every learner feels valued and understood.

The Role: We're looking for passionate tech-skilled volunteers to lead engaging 2-hour weekend sessions at The Autism Hub. You'll be joining a friendly, forward-thinking team dedicated to making tech education accessible to everyone. Whether you're experienced in web design, coding, cybersecurity, or app development, your knowledge could help shape the future of our learners.

What You'll Do: • Deliver interactive tech workshops to small groups • Create an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels welcome • Share your tech knowledge in an accessible, engaging way • Help build confidence in our young learners • Be part of a supportive community making real change

What We Offer: • Meaningful volunteer experience in inclusive tech education • Supportive team environment • Opportunity to make a real difference in young people's lives • Professional development opportunities • Chance to enhance your teaching and mentoring skills

Location and Commitment: • The Autism Hub, North London • 2-hour sessions on Saturdays or Sundays • Flexible scheduling to suit your availability • DBS check required if joining on a long term basis (we'll support with this) • Full training and ongoing support provided

Join us in creating a more inclusive tech future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive in the digital world. Your expertise and patience could be the key that unlocks someone's potential in tech. 

The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is seeking new trustees to help the Board make the most of a transformative stage in its history. HTVF became a registered charity in 2024, and over the last year has undertaken a review of its mission, vision and strategy, with two new Executive Co-Directors.

About us: The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is an independent charity with a mission to promote the prosperity, sustainability and heritage of historic cities, towns and villages for the benefit of all.

We provide support, training and information to organisations (including local authorities, town and parish councils, civic and amenity societies, and consultancies) as well as individual professionals, students, and members of the public engaged in the planning and management of historic cities, towns and villages. We aim to help them conserve the character and significance of historic places, while realising their full social, environmental and economic potential. We do this through events, research projects, publications, and partnerships.

What we’re looking for: We are seeking a minimum of three individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas to join our Board of Trustees:

• Senior professional leadership in a Local Authority
• Placemaking and urban regeneration expertise
• Marketing and fundraising
• Financial management
• Community and political engagement
• Research programme development and management

For these roles we also value:

• Innovative Thinking: HTVF is entering a new phase of development. A creative and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities is sought from our new intake of trustees.  The ability to facilitate the Forum’s engagement with other organisations and groups would be helpful too.
• Geographical Spread: We aim for a wide geographical representation and welcome applications from across the UK, bearing in mind some meetings will be face-to-face in either London or Oxford.
• Inclusivity: We also aim to reflect the diversity of the communities with which we engage, and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds who can bring the skills and experience identified above.

In this round of recruitment, we are looking in particular for an Honorary Treasurer. All new trustees will receive a comprehensive induction to the role and the work of the Charity.

Exciting Fundraising Opportunity.

We are looking for an enthusastic Fundraiser to join our small and ambitious team who is passoniate about supporting children and young people with disabilities.  The purpose of the role is to increase our income streams with the initial focus on Grant Applications. This role will play a key part in achieving our Vision where disabled children and young adults along with their families can together enjoy a rewarding life, which is fun,beneficial and above all fulfilling.

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust seeks three dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees to play a part in making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May 2025

Location: Hybrid with regular meetings in London

Time commitment: 6 board meetings per year

About The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT) is a charitable multi-academy trust dedicated to reshaping primary education. With over 14,000 children across 36 schools in the West Midlands, East Anglia, and London, we are committed to fostering a nurturing and ambitious learning environment.

Our approach is simple yet powerful: put children first, equip teachers with the resources they need, and ensure that every child receives an education tailored to their needs. We believe in a broad, creative curriculum that inspires lifelong learning, empowering pupils to become confident, curious and engaged members of society.

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT) was founded to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment where children and educators can thrive. We believe that every child deserves an excellent education, regardless of background and that schools should be places where children feel valued, challenged and inspired.

About the roles

Becoming a Trustee of TEFAT is a unique opportunity to contribute to a thriving multi-academy trust that is making a real difference in children’s lives. As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight to ensure that our schools deliver the highest standards of education while remaining financially and operationally sustainable.

Who we are looking for

Educational leadership and governance

We seek individuals who are deeply committed to improving educational outcomes for children, particularly in primary education.

Whether you have experience as a headteacher, school governor, policymaker, or education strategist, your insights will help shape our approach to learning and development.

We welcome candidates with:

• A strong understanding of curriculum design, pedagogy and system leadership across multiple schools.
• Experience working within multi-academy trusts, local authorities, or educational charities.
• Senior leadership in other areas of the public sector, for example, the NHS or Emergency Services.
• A passion for inclusivity, ensuring that children from all backgrounds, including those with SEND, receive equal opportunities to succeed.

Your expertise will support our schools in providing innovative, high-quality education that prepares children for lifelong success.

Risk management and financial oversight

Effective governance relies on strong risk management and financial stewardship. We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in finance, law, corporate governance, or compliance.

Key areas of focus include:

• Ensuring financial sustainability and value for money
• Identifying and managing risks related to safeguarding, operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Overseeing strategic planning and investment in school infrastructure and development.

Your skills will help protect the long-term stability of TEFAT while enabling us to continue delivering outstanding education across our academies.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May 2025.

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

Roles

Volunteer Driver / Volunteer Minibus Driver

Department

Clinical Outpatients & Wellbeing

Role Summary

To transport patients to the Hospice at times specified by the Transport Co-ordinator, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.  Using your own vehicle, you could collect a patient from their own home or their nursing or residential home, to their appropriate destinations which could be one of our Wellbeing group sessions, our Clinical Outpatients for an appointment or our In-Patient Unit 

Time Commitment

We are looking for a commitment of ideally one day a week for around 4 hours.   This could be either a morning or afternoon shift. The times needed can vary though and flexible availability would be very helpful.

Location

Basildon and surrounding area

What will I be doing?

• To transport St. Luke’s guests using drivers’ own vehicles, to and from the hospice, or occasionally – other specified journeys under guidance of the Transport team
• Read and understand guidance notes issued with attached Volunteer Driver’s pack
• The identified Transport team will liaise with drivers to arrange transport for patients attending Therapies and Wellbeing groups specifying collection and return trip times
• Liaise with the group leaders regarding all patient related matters
• Maintain up to date records in relation to mileage claims and submit those claims at the end of each month using patients’ initials only
• Attend meetings and training organised for all drivers
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection at all times
• Attending to patient needs and providing maximum attention to their mobility, health, safety and comfort
• Follow drivers’ guidelines, but adapt to unforeseen circumstances
• Liaise with Transport team to inform of general availability/holidays, to arrange weekly drives, to check on any changes
• Be aware of guests’ emotional, social and spiritual needs, being empathetic, observant and report to nursing staff, when appropriate
• Liaise with the Transport team and nursing staff on any concerns or information relevant to the guests’ care and well-being
• Ensure all practice, keeping of information and contact with guests and staff within the hospice code of confidentiality
• Keep an accurate record of mileage – being aware of hospice finances when using a route, which is of maximum comfort to guests, but also economical to the hospice

Experience/Qualifications/Skills

• You will need a full and clean driving licence (a code is required from DVLA for checks to be done)
• Proof of insurance and MOT is required annually
• You will be in good health and have a responsible, reliable and mature attitude

What is in it for you?

• An excellent opportunity to gain experience within a busy organisation 
• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills 
• The chance to be at the heart of your local community, meet new people and be part of an enthusiastic team 
• Regular supervision and support 
• Invitation to our thank you events

What do I need to know?

• You will need two references and an Enhanced DBS check 
• Your participation is required in our Induction Program 
• We will need to undertake the hospice’s mandatory training (online) and manual handing training for patients
•  You’ll need to keep yourself up to date with our current policies and procedures 
• You will maintain dependable and regular communication

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.

***This is an unpaid voluntary role***

Perfect for you if you are a people-person, warm and chatty (and love cuppas and biscuits!). Co-host our Friday Coffee Mornings at 10.15 am – 12.15 pm (event runs 10.30 am -12.00 pm), welcome, chat and engage others in conversation. Help us set up and clear away as well to round off the fun!

Qualities you need for this role

• Someone able to chat and engage people in conversations 
• Ability to communicate with people of all different ages and backgrounds, being mindful of any support needs or health conditions people may have
• Reliability and punctuality

When you'll be needed

• Fridays 10:15am – 12:15pm.

Application Summary:
Are you skilled at writing, researching, and telling powerful stories? Join SheCanDo’s Fundraising & Partnerships Team as a Grants Writer & Researcher. Help us discover and secure funding opportunities that will drive our mission forward and impact thousands of girls across Africa.

About the Organisation
SheCanDo is a youth-led nonprofit organization working to empower girls and young women in Africa, especially in Nigeria. Our mission is to break gender stereotypes and help girls believe in their ability to lead, innovate, and create real change in their communities.

We organize programs, workshops, and campaigns that build girls’ confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Our goal is to raise a generation of bold, smart, and visionary girls who can challenge societal norms and shape a better future.

With the help of passionate volunteers, we’ve been able to reach thousands of girls across different communities. If you believe in the power of girls and want to be part of something meaningful, SheCanDo is the place for you.

Role Description:
As the Grants Writer & Researcher, you will:

• Research new grant opportunities and keep a running database.

• Draft and submit grant proposals aligned with SheCanDo’s mission.

• Track deadlines and ensure compliance with funder requirements.

• Work closely with the Fundraising Lead to align grant goals with organizational priorities.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Strong writing, editing, and research skills.

• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage deadlines.

• Experience in grant writing is a plus but not required.

Weekly Commitment:
4–6 hours per week (flexible schedule, remote role)

Join our innovative motivational video department at the intersection of neuroscience and generative AI technology.

The Role:
Unify Giving is seeking an experienced Product Manager to lead our generative AI video production initiatives. You'll drive our technology roadmap to deliver content that transforms viewers lives.

Key Responsibilities:
•⁠  ⁠Lead product development for our AI-driven video production platform
•⁠  ⁠Define product vision, strategy, and execution plans
•⁠  ⁠Manage the product lifecycle from conception to launch
•⁠  ⁠Analyse user feedback and metrics to continuously improve effectiveness

Requirements:
•⁠  ⁠Experience in product management for generative AI or video production
•⁠  ⁠Demonstrated success delivering AI-powered content creation tools
•⁠  ⁠Passion for creating transformative motivational content
•⁠  ⁠Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills

This is a volunteer position supporting the amazing work we do at Unify Giving, where we're pioneering the future of motivational content that creates meaningful, measurable change in people's lives.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Description

Are you a fluent Punjabi speaker who enjoys conversing in Punjabi? Are you a good listener? If so, you could be just the right person to facilitate our fortnightly special interest group for blind and partially sighted people who would like to talk to each other in Punjabi.

You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly.

This group will run fortnightly either by telephone or video call.

Independent Charity
External Advisers 
Unremunerated 

Our client is an independent charity and grant-maker which is part of the Royal College of Nursing Group. Their purpose is to support and strengthen nursing and midwifery, and to improve the health and wellbeing of the public. The charity supports nurses, midwives, nursing associates, healthcare support workers, student nurses and midwives, and retired nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers.

They are seeking to strengthen and widen the scope, expertise and diversity of their Committees to help shape the UK’s healthcare landscape. With ambitious plans for the growth and development of their work, this is an exciting time to join.

External Advisors provide independent and objective specialist knowledge and skills to help shape and inform the work of the Committees and they have the following opportunities currently:

Governance & Nominations Committee External Adviser (x1) 

Candidates will need to bring an excellent understanding and experience of charity governance and appointment to non-executive roles.

Finance & Investments Committee External Adviser (x2) 

Candidates who can offer an understanding and experience of fundraising, with a particular interest in one or more of the following: digital fundraising, regular giving and institutional donors.

For further information, and to find out how to apply, please visit our microsite by clicking 'Apply via Website'.

Deadline for applications: Monday 5th May (midnight)

Description

We’re looking for an empathic person with good listening skills to facilitate our new group for blind and partially sighted veterans. You might be a veteran yourself but this isn’t essential. You’ll help the group run smoothly and the participants to feel comfortable.

This group will run fortnightly by phone.