Volunteer roles in hackney

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need. 

Since our first project based in Borneo in 2009, we have helped over 50,000 animals across the globe. We provide a lifeline to dogs and cats every year in need of veterinary care and support via humane dog and cat population projects. We also provide aid to companion animals, working donkeys, and endangered wildlife.

As a small charity, who has big plans, we can’t do it without the support of volunteers and fundraisers.

That’s where you come in! - Join Our Team and Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a rewarding way to contribute? Become a key part of our monthly online auctions and help raise vital funds for our cause!

As a Donation Support Officer, you'll play a crucial role in collecting items for our auctions, which take place in our Facebook group each month.

What You'll Do:

• Engage your network: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to gather preloved items for auction. You’ll help give things a second life while raising funds for animals in need!

• Connect with your community: Tap into local Freecycle groups, social media, and even your neighborhood to find exciting items to auction.

• Reach out to businesses: Approach local businesses for new, unused donations. It could be products, services, or gift cards that can help boost the auction's success.

• Spread the word: Share the auctions within your network to encourage bidding and excitement around the cause.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Make a real impact: Every item you help secure means more funds for our charity, which go toward animal care, rescue operations, and rehoming programs.

• Flexible commitment: You can volunteer from the comfort of your own home and set your own pace. We are looking for around 1-3hrs per week and while some tasks may be time sensitive the majority of the role will be flexible. 

• Support & Training: You’ll join a small friendly team and we will provide guidance to help you succeed in your role.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Outset Wellness

Outset Wellness encourages users to integrate physical activity into their daily routines by providing personalized indoor and outdoor workouts. This approach helps combat sedentary behaviors by making exercise a manageable and enjoyable part of everyday life, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Designer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We’re looking for a creative designer who’s excited to bring our in-app plant feature to life. Right now, users see a little plant grow as they stick with their routines — and we want to make that feel more fun, more rewarding, and a little bit magical.

This is the perfect role for someone who enjoys thinking about motivation and wants to experiment with gentle gamification. You’ll help us explore ways to visually represent progress, and we’ll collaborate closely to make sure it fits seamlessly into the app experience. Experience with Figma is great, but mostly we’re looking for someone who’s curious, thoughtful, and up for the challenge.

If you’re into design that makes people feel good about themselves — and want to contribute to a mission-driven product — we’d love to chat.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Your Legacy Starts Here

Become a Founding Trustee for SUNSHINE! - Approx 5-8 hours per month (flexible)

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for visionary leaders to join our passionate Board of Trustees – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As a founding Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the strategic direction of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your guidance directly establishes our foundation, enables our growth, and creates a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need Trustees with exceptional skills and a burning desire to make a difference, particularly for:

• General Trustees: Individuals with strong strategic thinking, governance awareness, and a passion for our mission to provide invaluable oversight and guidance.

Alongside our crucial core leadership roles (Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer), we are specifically seeking Trustees with vital experience in:

• Fundraising & Grant Writing: To unlock the vital resources that will fuel our mission and expand our reach, securing our sustainable future.

• Social Work, Community Work & Service Development: To ensure our programmes are deeply responsive to community needs, ethically delivered, and maximally impactful for those facing isolation.

• HR & Learning and Development: To champion the growth, wellbeing, and professional development of our invaluable volunteer team, making SUNSHINE a truly supportive environment.

• Marketing & Communications: To amplify our voice, build crucial alliances, and strategically spread the word about SUNSHINE far and wide, reaching those who need us most.

• And more! If you have strategic leadership skills and expertise in any field related to charity set up, growth, and development – from legal and finance to operations and technology – we want to hear from you.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of compassion and community impact awaits.

Your Legacy Starts Here

Become SUNSHINE's Founding Treasurer! - Approx 5-8 hours per month (flexible)

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for a visionary financial leader to join our passionate Board of Trustees – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As our founding Treasurer, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the financial integrity and sustainable growth of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your guidance directly establishes our financial foundation, enables our programmes to flourish, and creates a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need a Treasurer with exceptional financial skills and a burning desire to make a difference.

Your crucial role will be to:

• Expertly set up, manage, and control all our financial aspects from day one.

• Ensure transparency and robust financial governance, building trust and credibility.

• Guide our sustainable growth, providing vital insights for fundraising and resource allocation.

• Oversee meticulous record-keeping and compliance, safeguarding our charity's future.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your financial leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of financial integrity and community impact awaits.

Your Legacy Starts Here

Become SUNSHINE's Founding Charity/Company Secretary on our Board of Trustees! - Approx 5-8 hours per month (flexible)

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for a meticulously organised and dedicated individual to join our passionate Board of Trustees as our founding Charity Secretary / Company Secretary – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As a founding Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the essential administrative and governance framework of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your meticulous guidance directly establishes our operational backbone, ensures our legal compliance, and enables our growth, creating a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need a Charity Secretary with exceptional organisational skills and a burning desire to make a difference.

Your crucial role will be to:

• Be the backbone of our governance, ensuring meticulous records and efficient board operations from day one.

• Ensure legal compliance with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies, safeguarding our charity's future.

• Manage vital administrative processes, from preparing meeting agendas to accurately minuting discussions and decisions.

• Uphold transparency and accountability, providing the structural integrity for SUNSHINE to thrive.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your administrative leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of robust governance and community impact awaits.

VISUAL ARCHITECT

Design a Brighter Future as SUNSHINE's Graphic Designer!

Are you a creative visionary who believes in the power of design to inspire and connect?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, dedicated to combating loneliness and radiating joy throughout our community. To truly shine, we urgently need a talented Graphic Designer to craft our visual identity and make our message unforgettable!

This is a pivotal, flexible volunteer role where your design brilliance will directly transform lives. You'll be the artistic force behind our brand, ensuring a coherent, impactful style across everything we do:

• Vibrant Social Media Posts: Captivating visuals that tell our story and engage our audience.
• Compelling Posters & Flyers: Eye-catching materials for our Coffee Mornings and other initiatives.
• Heartwarming Booklets: Beautifully designed guides that convey our mission and invite involvement.
• Dynamic Motion Graphics: Bringing our message to life with movement.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to using your design skills to create a powerful, cohesive brand that fuels connection and spreads joy – this is your chance to leave an indelible mark.

Ready to visually ignite our mission and help SUNSHINE light up the world?

BE THE DRIVING FORCE

Lead SUNSHINE as in the Volunteer role of SUNSHINE Charity Manager! - Approx 5-8 hours per week (flexible)

Are you a natural leader ready to build something truly extraordinary from the ground up?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born to combat loneliness and infuse our community with joy and connection. We're on the brink of lighting up countless lives, but to truly take flight, we urgently need a passionate Charity Manager to lead us from the front!

This is more than a role; it's an exhilarating challenge for someone who thrives on getting things done, connecting with people, and seeing immediate impact. As our Charity Manager, you will be the strategic heartbeat and the energetic face driving SUNSHINE forward. You'll work hand-in-hand with our Founder and Board of Trustees, turning vision into vibrant reality.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

• Lead from the Front: Be the dynamic force getting SUNSHINE fully up and running in the community.
• Be Our Voice: Connect with local groups, partners, and residents, building our presence on the ground.
• Drive Operations: Oversee the launch of our vital programmes, ensuring everything runs smoothly and effectively.
• Empower Volunteers: Inspire, guide, and grow our incredible volunteer team.
• Change Lives: Directly enable the genuine connections that transform individuals from isolation to belonging.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this pivotal, flexible volunteer role, and you're ready to see the direct results of your leadership in a grateful community – this is your moment.

Your leadership will directly bring SUNSHINE to those who need it most.

Share Our Story

Become SUNSHINE's our Communications & Social Media Lead! - Approx 5-8 hours per week (flexible)

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for a visionary storyteller to join our passionate team – one of the very architects of SUNSHINE's voice and public presence. As our Communications & Social Media Lead, you won't just post; you'll build, shape, and drive the cohesive visual and written narrative of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your creativity directly establishes our brand, amplifies our message, and brings our warmth to screens and communities, creating a lasting impact on wellbeing.

We urgently need a Communications & Social Media Lead with exceptional creative and strategic skills and a burning desire to make a difference.

Your crucial role will be to:

• Amplify our voice across all digital platforms, ensuring our message of joy and connection reaches far and wide.

• Create a coherent branding style for all our materials – from vibrant social media posts and compelling posters to heartwarming booklets and engaging motion graphics.

• Drive online engagement, building a thriving virtual community that supports our mission.

• Tell our powerful stories of impact and transformation, inspiring others to join our cause, volunteer, or attend our events.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your digital leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one compelling post and powerful story at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of impactful communication and community outreach awaits.

IGNITE THE SPARK 

Become SUNSHINE's Volunteer Coordinator and Build Our Family! - Approx 5-8 hours per week (flexible)

Are you a natural people-person, brimming with enthusiasm, and passionate about empowering others?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, dedicated to combating loneliness and radiating joy throughout our community. Our mission lives and breathes through the incredible individuals who volunteer their time – and we urgently need a warm, dynamic Volunteer Coordinator to bring them all together!

This isn't just about managing schedules; it's about building a vibrant, supportive family. You'll be the heart of our volunteer team, playing a pivotal role in:

• Recruiting & Welcoming: Finding and onboarding the amazing people who will spread our message and our mission.
• Training & Empowering: Equipping our volunteers with the skills and confidence to shine.
• Motivating & Valuing: Ensuring every volunteer feels appreciated, supported, and truly part of the SUNSHINE mission and family.
• Fostering Connection: Creating a strong, happy team that embodies the very spirit of our charity.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to nurturing talent, building relationships, and seeing the direct impact of a thriving volunteer force – this flexible volunteer role is calling you! Your efforts will directly enable us to reach more isolated individuals and transform more lives.

Ready to build the most joyful volunteer family and truly spread SUNSHINE?

MAKE A REAL IMPACT!

Become SUNSHINE's Programme Manager! - Approx 5-8 hours per week (flexible)

Are you a natural organiser with a knack for bringing plans to life and a passion for creating meaningful community connections?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, dedicated to combating loneliness and radiating joy. We're looking for a Programme Manager to be the driving force behind our short, focused programmes, ensuring they run smoothly and effectively, helping us gather evidence of our impact to help us shape future programmes.

This pivotal role is about more than just administration; it's about making our mission a reality. You'll be the person who turns our ideas into impactful experiences for those who need them most.

You'll be responsible for:

• Planning and Logistics: Organising our monthly and 6-weekly programmes from start to finish.

• Volunteer Coordination: Working closely with our volunteers to recruit, train, and schedule them for programmes.

• Service User Liaison: Acting as the main point of contact for the people we support, ensuring their needs are met.

• Feedback and Evaluation: Gathering feedback to continuously improve our programmes and their impact.

If you are organised, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality programmes that genuinely change lives, and you're seeking a flexible volunteer role where your leadership skills can have a profound impact – this is your chance to shine.

Ready to help us bring more SUNSHINE to our community?

We'd love to welcome you to our team!

Your Legacy Starts Here!

Become a Founding Trustee for SUNSHINE! - Approx 5-8 hours per month (flexible)

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for visionary leaders to join our passionate Board of Trustees – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As a founding Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the strategic direction of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your guidance directly establishes our foundation, enables our growth, and creates a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need Trustees with exceptional skills and a burning desire to make a difference, particularly for the crucial roles of:

• Vice Chair: To provide dynamic leadership and strategic support to the Chair, ensuring robust governance and inspiring our team.
• Secretary: To be the backbone of our governance, ensuring meticulous records, legal compliance, and smooth board operations.
• Treasurer: To expertly set up, manage, and control our financial aspects, ensuring transparency and sustainable growth from day one.
• General Trustees

Beyond these core roles, we are also seeking Trustees with vital experience in:

• Fundraising: To unlock the resources that will fuel our mission and expand our reach. This includes Grant writing experience.
• Service Development: To design and refine impactful programmes that truly resonate with community needs.
• Marketing & Partnerships: To amplify our voice, build crucial alliances, and spread the word far and wide.
• And more! If you have strategic leadership skills and a passion for our cause, we want to hear from you.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of compassion and community impact awaits.

CULTIVATE CONNECTIONS

Become SUNSHINE's Volunteer Coordinator! - Approx 5-8 hours per week (flexible)

Do you have a unique talent for bringing out the best in people and building incredibly supportive communities?

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, dedicated to combating loneliness and radiating joy. Our mission thrives because of our amazing volunteers, and we desperately need a nurturing Volunteer Coordinator to be their champion!

This pivotal role isn't just about managing tasks; it's about building relationships, fostering growth, and ensuring every single volunteer feels valued, equipped, and excited to spread SUNSHINE. You'll be the backbone of our incredible team, responsible for:

• Inspiring Recruitment: Attracting kind-hearted individuals eager to make a difference.
• Empowering Training: Equipping our volunteers with the skills and confidence they need to shine.
• Nurturing Support: Providing ongoing guidance, appreciation, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Cultivating Community: Ensuring our volunteer team is as connected and joyful as the community we serve.

If you are passionate, dedicated, and committed to building a vibrant, engaged team, and you're seeking a flexible volunteer role where your people skills directly transform lives – this is your chance to make a profound impact.

Ready to grow our SUNSHINE family and help us light up the world?

Help Launch Something Bright – Volunteer with SUNSHINE!

Make a real impact in your community – and help us bring more SUNSHINE to those who need it most.

Are you ready to use your skills for good? SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity on a mission to combat loneliness and spark joy through meaningful programmes and community connections.

We're getting ready to launch as a fully registered charity – but we need your help to get off the ground! Whether you're a tech whiz, a strategic thinker, or a people person, there's a place for you on our founding team.

We’re currently recruiting volunteers across key areas:

• Finance and Development – Help build strong, sustainable finance structures

• Fundraising and Grant Writing – Secure vital support for our mission

• Information Technology – Shape the systems that run our services (cloud CRM, databases, service user records)

• Human Resources & Volunteer Management – Support our growing team and champion a vibrant volunteer culture

• Charity Management & Leadership – Play a central role in our early success

• Other help and support to get our brand new start up charity set up and ready to launch!

Why volunteer with SUNSHINE?

You’ll join a passionate, purpose-driven team at an exciting moment in our journey. From strategy to service delivery, you'll have real influence—and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping create something meaningful from the very beginning.

Whether you have a few hours a week or you’re looking to take on a bigger challenge, we welcome volunteers from all walks of life. Come shape the future with us.

When applying please let us know how you'd like to help and also how much committment and time you are able to give to support our mission in combating loneliness.

Together, we’ll radiate joy—one connection at a time.

Ready to help launch SUNSHINE?

We’d love to welcome you to our team.