Volunteer roles in greater london

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run our retail shops, raising money for vulnerable children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail shops are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. Stock Room Volunteers sort and manage donated items in-store. Your role will be key in organising stock into the differing departments ready for delivery to the shop floor, ensuring our stores are always filled with quality stock.

It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Stock Room Volunteers sort and manage donated items in-store. Your role will be key in organising stock into the differing departments ready for delivery to the shop floor, ensuring our stores are always filled with quality stock.

What you will be doing

• Sorting donated items for distribution onto the shop floor
• Volunteering alongside a team of people involved with the management of donated stock
• Steaming and cleaning donated items
• Delivering stock as required to the shop floor
• Ensuring the store and back area remains clean and tidy
• Ensure all health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to
• Ensure all security procedures are adhered to

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team and use your initiative
• You will be happy to rumage and sort items and have an eye for which items may not be appropriate for the shop but may need to be ragged
• Good listening skills

What's in it for you

• Volunteer in a fast paced and diverse environment
• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

Unit 8, White Lion Retail Park, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4WL, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

24 Collier Row Road, Romford, Essex, RM5 3NX, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

We are seeking to appoint a voluntary Trustee for our charity who will also take up the role of Company Secretary.

As Company Secretary, you will:

• Liaise with and support the chair and other trustees in organising meetings and taking minutes.
• Ensure the trustees are aware of their legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Maintain the register of members, trustees, directors, and secretaries.
• Prepare and file annual returns and other statutory documents with Companies House and the charity regulator.
• Help us maintain compliance with charity regulations and governance standards.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Well-organised.
• An excellent communicator.
• Passionate about our mission.
• Committed to upholding the highest standards of governance

About Maidstone Homeless Care:

Maidstone Homeless Care is a well-established charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people in the Maidstone area . We run an active day centre, busy food bank and a small residential unit supporting homeless people. 

We have one formal evening meeting each month . The role of trustee is a voluntary role and consistent support is available from the trustee group as well as appropriate training.

If you're looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity where you can use your skills to support a vital cause, we'd love to hear from you.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

62 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8EF, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference. As a Membership and Retail Support

As a Membership and Retail Volunteer you will actively engage with our visitors and encourage them to support WWT as members. Enthusing them with stories of our conservation work and the many benefits of membership, you’ll help us secure the essential support we need to continue our ambitious plans for wetlands conservation.

And if you have an eye for something special and can offer excellent customer service to every one of our visitors, even better. You will also be a support to our retail team and help keep up the great work in offering a wide range of items for them to take home. Experience is always welcomed but not essential as training for this and our membership processes will be provided.

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Bright Futures UK is looking for compassionate and knowledgeable professionals in the gaming industry to mentor a young person living with long-term illnesses. 

What will you be doing? 

• Run mentoring sessions online to support a young person back into university

• Offer advice and insights related to game and character design or animation through tailored sessions

• Help the young person explore potential career paths in the gaming and animation industries

• Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire and motivate. 

• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report any concerns to BFUK

What are we looking for? 

• Expertise in gaming industry: Profound knowledge and experience in the gaming industry preferably in areas like character design. 

• Mentoring and Communication: Ability to mentor effectively, offering guidance and support to a young person with clarity and empathy. 

• Flexibility and Commitment: Willingness to commit to 5-6 months of 1-hour sessions 

What difference will you make? 

• By volunteering as a Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in empowering a young person to take control of their health and future, helping them to achieve their goals despite the challenges they face. 

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!  

Who are Literacy Pirates?   

Through our term-long after-school programmes, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.  

Children join us on our Virtual Ship once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance.  

What does a Volunteer do?  

As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.

Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means your time is solely focused on supporting the children in breakout rooms.

You will:  

• Receive full training.

• Gain experience working with children and leading small groups online.

• Develop your communication, leadership, problem-solving and digital skills.

• Take part in games and have fun. 

• Be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.  

We offer employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us. 

What are we looking for?  

We ask volunteers to give just three hours per month, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!  

Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.  

All we ask is that you:  

• Are aged 16+ 

• Must be a UK resident  

• Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this)  

• Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role) 

We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!  

Who are Literacy Pirates? 

Through our year-long after-school programme, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in class and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.  

Children join us in our fantastical, pirate-themed space in Hackney to practise their reading and writing. We also publish their work in the real world so that every Young Pirate finishes the programme a published author, journalist and film star!  

What does a Volunteer do?  

As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to come along to our sessions in Hackney and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements. 

Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means you can dedicate the whole time you’re with us to providing direct support to the children.  

You will:  

• Receive full training.

• Gain experience working with children and leading small groups.

• Develop your communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Take part in games and have fun. 

• Be invited to celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.  

We offer employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us.  

What are we looking for?  

We ask volunteers to give just three hours per month, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!  

Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.  

All we ask is that you:  

• Are aged 16+  

• Must be a UK resident, and are able to commute to our Hackney ship  

• Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this) 

Our Hackney ship is located at: 

138 Kingsland High Street 

London

E8 2NS

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Become a Volunteer Digital Buddy with Catbytes!

Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to make a real difference in your community?

We’re looking for friendly, patient people to join our team as Volunteer Digital Buddies. You’ll support individuals in Lewisham, South East London who have little or no experience with computers, smartphones, or the internet.

As a Digital Buddy, you’ll help people with everyday digital tasks like:

• Setting up an email account
• Using WhatsApp or other messaging apps
• Filling in online forms
• Navigating their smartphone, tablet, or laptop

No tech expertise needed — just patience and a willingness to help!

�� Only 2 hours per week
�� Must be able to travel to Lewisham
�� A great way to meet new people and give back to your community

Catbytes has been running digital drop-ins in Lewisham since 2014, and our volunteers are at the heart of what we do.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please get in touch using the contact details below. We’d love to hear from you!

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? We are seeking organised, compassionate individuals to be the welcoming heart of our Hub. If you have a friendly smile, are well orgabnised and are looking for a reception based role, this could be for you.

BACKGROUND:

• The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness, we: 
• Provide a home to 39 young people
• Offer support to local children and families at risk
• Help families keep or find a stable home and manage their money
• Mentor people to find work or training
• Help people secure their legal right to remain in the UK and access homes, work and benefits.

Last year we helped over 1200 people including nearly 600 families and 230 children and young people.  Our aim is to tackle homelessness, poor housing and poverty at a young age and break its cycle into later life.  We want to see the value in each individual and nurture potential, helping young people and families to thrive.

The Centre prides itself on its welcome and person-centred approach. It recognises each individual is different, often with complex needs and so our response must be multi-layered. We therefore have six principal services: residential services for homeless young people; family support; housing and welfare rights advice; employment support; learning; and immigration advice and advocacy. 

OUR PEOPLE - We believe each person matters: 

Our clients guide everything we do. We’re here to help children, families and young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or clients who have urgent needs that can be met at the Centre and not elsewhere. 

We seek to develop trusting relationships with our clients. We rely on them to help us improve and develop our services, so we include them wherever possible in our work. 

Our staff and volunteers: 
Our staff and volunteers are diverse in their backgrounds, and their skills and experience. Many have lived experience of the challenges our clients face. We are proud of our warm welcome and our team’s commitment to support people facing disadvantage to escape the cycle of poverty and homelessness. 

The HUB on Medway Street is the main entrance for clients who wish to access the services on offer.  Staff in the Hub can provide level 1 advice on housing and welfare rights and for more complex cases, can refer clients to one of our other services, such as housing, welfare rights, immigration, employment and learning, and family services. 

Summary of Role.

You will be supporting a team that is helping people from the local community, who are vulnerable and facing disadvantage, including; homeless young people, people living in insecure accommodation or at risk of losing their housing, low-income families with young children, unemployed people, refugees and migrants. (further details below)

Your presence supports the smooth running of the Centre and increases the team’s capacity to see and help more people.

This role is in the heart of the organisation where you will meet people of all backgrounds and learn how a community organisation responds to local need.

What will you be doing?

• Answering the intercom and buzzing clients in when they arrive
• Welcoming clients to the Centre, signing them in and out of the building calling the staff member to tell them that their client has arrived
• Registering new clients and booking an appointment with the Assessment team
• Assisting with the collection and distribution of client mail
• Administrative support to services, such as, photocopying or scanning documents for service teams and emailing them to relevant staff member
• Printing off and posting out letters to clients
• Possibility of assisting with benefit claims/forms

Other tasks that can be undertaken during quieter periods:

• Assisting clients and staff with phone calls if volunteer speaks a needed language

What are we looking for?

• You will be a confident and patient person with a professional and friendly manner and able to remain calm under pressure
• Some experience of customer service or dealing with a diverse range of people desirable
• Good listening skills
• An ability to communicate well and with confidence when handling enquiries
• Some IT skills useful
• A non-judgemental attitude towards people’s problems in their lives

What is the time commitment?

We are seeking someone for one day a week on a Thursday or Friday from 9.30am to 3pm, with an hour lunch break at 1pm. We are looking for a commitment of 6 months, which sounds like a long time, but there’s lots to learn and volunteers find this goes very quickly! 

How will you be supported?

You will be supported by the Advice and Assessment team  

You will be offered regular supervision and a staff member will be present in the Hub whilst you are on duty

You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel and contribution to lunch up to £6.

Recruitment Procedure

Apply> Informal interview> Reference and DBS checks> Trial period

Village Preschool E17 is a small charity in Walthamstow offering high-quality early years education. We’re currently undergoing a strategic transformation to improve operations, strengthen sustainability, and deepen our community impact.

What will you be doing?

Village Preschool E17 is a small, community-based educational charity in Walthamstow, providing high-quality early years education to local families. We are currently entering an exciting phase of transformation, and we’re seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide us through this journey.

As Chair, you will play a vital leadership role in ensuring strong governance, strategic direction, and a sustainable future for the preschool. You’ll work closely with the Headteacher of Preschool and a committed board of trustees to improve operations, shape long-term plans, and uphold our values and charitable mission. You’ll also provide support and supervision to the Headteacher, lead termly board meetings, and act as a key representative of the organisation.

This role is both strategic and supportive, requiring sound judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative leadership style. We’re looking for someone with experience in governance, leadership, or strategic planning—ideally within the charity, education, or early years sector. You should be confident in leading group discussions, supporting senior staff, and helping to identify funding and sponsorship opportunities.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and community development, and want to use your skills to make a lasting local impact, we’d love to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Chair termly trustee meetings and ensure all trustees are actively engaged and informed.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and development of trustees to build a strong and effective board.
• Ensure board decisions are actioned and followed up appropriately.

Support and Supervision:

• Provide regular line management and support to the Head of Preschool, including:
  • Leading the annual performance appraisal.
  • Acting as a sounding board for strategic and operational issues.

Communication and Representation:

• Main point of contact between the Board and the Head of Preschool.
• Create a positive, open relationship with staff, trustees, and stakeholders.

Strategic Oversight:

• Lead on the long-term development of the board and organisational planning.
• Facilitate effective collaboration and decision-making across the board.
• Take urgent action between meetings when necessary (not including decision-making unless explicitly authorised by the board).

Crisis Response:

• Act quickly and effectively in the event of emergencies or significant issues, working closely with the Head and trustees to coordinate an appropriate response.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in governance, leadership, or strategic oversight—preferably within a charity, education, or early years setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and facilitate group discussions and decision-making.
• Confidence in supervising and supporting senior staff.
• A genuine interest in early childhood education and community development.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of charity regulation, Ofsted requirements, or early years sector.
• Previous experience on a board or in a chairing role.
• Local to Waltham Forest or strong understanding of the local community.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Village Preschool E17. Your leadership will help guide our charity through an exciting period of transformation—strengthening governance, improving operations, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality early years education to local families.

You will be a key source of support for our Head of Preschool and a driving force behind a collaborative, effective trustee board. By bringing your skills and insight to strategic planning, compliance, and funding development, you will directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve.

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your experience for good—helping a valued local charity remain sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its community. Your voice, leadership, and vision could help secure a brighter future for Village Preschool E17.

Before you apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

**We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will close the opportunity once we've found the right person to join our board - early applications are encouraged.**

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Work from home but ideally based in Bracknell / Reading / Wokingham  

Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings 

Overview: 

Sometimes, you just need someone to listen without judgement. That’s why we’re launching a brand-new telephone support service for the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help make it happen. As a Volunteer Support Mentor, you’ll answer pre-booked calls from service users, creating a safe space for them to speak openly, offering emotional support, guidance, and signposting to other resources. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll need to be based in Berkshire, ideally in the Bracknell, Reading, or Wokingham area. 

• The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week. 

• Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website. 

• You’ll answer calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly, offering emotional support, guidance, and signposting to other relevant services. 

• After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting what was discussed, any guidance given and any safeguarding concerns. 

• Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation. 

Who This Role Would Suit 

• Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity. 

• Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community. 

• Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience. 

• Individuals with experience in mentoring, coaching, befriending, or other listening based support roles. 

• People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. 

What’s In It for You 

• Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

• Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before. 

• Offer meaningful support, even a short 30 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook. 

• Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community. 

• Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities. 

• Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team. 

Requirements 

• Based in Berkshire (preferably Bracknell, Reading, or Wokingham). 

• Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term. 

• Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills. 

• Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training. 

• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check. 

• Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U. 

• Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice.