Volunteer roles in ilkley, west yorkshire

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more.

We are looking for trustees to join our Board to support steering the charity forward. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

We are a charity which can influence anyone’s daily life.

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

 Our charity trustees play a key part in strategy development and bringing our strategy to life. We would welcome applicants with:

-Senior finance experience across the charity, government or private sectors.

-Legal experience in Charity Law or legal expertise relevant to the third sector.

We’re especially interested in candidates bringing diverse experience from the corporate sector. Additional digital skills are desirable. Whatever your background, a commitment to the values and objectives of the charity overall will be crucial.

We actively welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds generally and from all parts of the UK. 

Walk with us.

These roles are voluntary and unpaid, although appropriate expenses will be paid.

Closing date: 18/08/2025 (5pm)

Interviews: 03/09/2025 

Longleigh Foundation is a grant-making charity working to improve the lives and wellbeing of people living in social housing across the UK. From emergency grants that keep people afloat, to funding pioneering research that addresses systemic inequalities, we’re committed to transforming lives and influencing lasting change.

With our new strategy launching this summer, we’re looking for three new Trustees to join our dedicated Board and help drive our next phase of growth and impact.

We’re particularly seeking experience in:

· Finance and Accounting

· Investments

· HR / OD / People Management

· Governance, ideally with a charity setting

· Customer Services / Social Investment within Social Housing

…but above all, we want people who share our vision, values and commitment to social justice.

We warmly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of social housing and from under-represented communities, especially those identifying as Black, Asian or from other minority ethnic backgrounds.

What you’ll bring:

• Integrity and sound judgement
• Strategic thinking
• Commitment to our mission and values
• Willingness to contribute your skills and time

Trustees serve an initial term of three years, renewable for up to two further terms. Most meetings are virtual, making this an accessible and flexible opportunity.

Why join us?

• Be part of an ambitious and compassionate charity
• Influence real change in the social housing sector
• Learn and grow alongside a skilled and passionate Board

Make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

We are currently looking for a Volunteer Trustee to join our Charity to further the aims of the organisation, in keeping within its charitable objectives.

Please see attahced Role Description with full details of the role.

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.   

Our services include   

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values 

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteer to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.

We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our 12-week online progarmmes, starting mid-September 2025,

You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. The pupils on our online programmes have had some disrupted schooling due to personal circumstances and our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well. 

All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher / team manager throughout their placement.

Practical Considerations:

• Tutors can choose between between two online programmes: Tuesday mornings from 11:30am till 12:45pm or Tuesday afternoons from 16:45 till 18:00.
• The start date of both programmes is Tuesday 16th September 2025 and the final sessions are on Tuesday 9th September 2025.
• Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.

We are looking for:

• Strong grades in English or Maths
• Experience working with young people
• Committed, organised and patient individuals 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
• Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.

A Trustee will bring an individual area of expertise to benefit our organisation. Among the many skills they may have relate to business development, financial management; charity governance, staff development, performance management, local government, disability service development and adult social care. The Trustees work closely with the Executive Management Team (EMT) on the strategic direction of the business. They coordinate and attend quarterly board meetings, through which they review the work of the charity and provide advice, support and focus attention onto the areas that the EMT needs to consider and prepare for, to continuously improve what we do and respond to the changing environment in which Bethphage operates. Bethphage is a values-based charitable business, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community. The charity also needs to make a modest financial surplus to remain viable. The role of a Trustee is to be a critical friend to the management team, lending expertise and experience to help guide the organisation in achieving its aims and sometimes competing objectives. Some of our board members have been a part of Bethphage for many years, you will be joining a supportive, friendly, and collegiate team that will help you develop and grow your role as a Trustee. Trustees generally thoroughly enjoy the role and find that it is a very rewarding experience. The Trustees work on a voluntary capacity for the benefit of the charity, this usually equates to one day per month. All Trustees are requested to undergo a DBS check (Disclosure & Barring service). Currently, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with financial and/or legal experience and expertise.

Circular Library Network

Circular Library Network (CLN) builds smart, modular systems that enable communities to share tools and everyday items, making circular living accessible and scalable.

CLN addresses the twin challenges of resource overconsumption and limited access to essential goods by enabling communities to share tools, equipment, and household items instead of purchasing them individually. This reduces material waste, carbon emissions, and financial strain—especially in underserved areas—while promoting a culture of collaboration and sustainable use. By embedding circular infrastructure directly into housing, libraries, and public spaces, CLN makes low-impact living both practical and equitable.

CLN provides a modular sharing system that includes IoT-connected lockers and a real-time inventory platform, allowing communities to lend and manage shared tools, appliances, and equipment with ease. The system automates checkouts, returns, and maintenance tracking, enabling 24/7 access without staff. It’s designed to be customizable, locally managed, and scalable—making circular resource sharing simple, secure, and sustainable for housing, libraries, and public institutions.

Each item shared through CLN avoids the need for multiple individual purchases, significantly reducing carbon emissions. For example, sharing a power drill, which typically emits ~35 kg CO₂e in production, across 20 users instead of 20 individual purchases can save over 650 kg CO₂e. Across an average CLN site with 50–100 items in regular circulation, this equates to 5–8 tons of CO₂e avoided per year. At scale, with 500 systems deployed, CLN could save over 3,000 tons of CO₂e annually, supporting measurable climate impact aligned with EU Green Deal goals.

Social Media Content Designer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We are looking for a Social Media Designer who can transform our written content into visually appealing posts. The ideal candidate will take pre-written copy and create eye-catching designs for our two social media platforms: professional, business-oriented visuals for LinkedIn and fun, engaging graphics for Instagram. You will help us visually communicate our mission and values effectively across different audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design two visually engaging social media posts per week (one for LinkedIn, one for Instagram)
• Transform our written content into platform-appropriate graphics that align with brand guidelines
• Create designs on Canva for our team to review and schedule

What We're Looking For:

• Experience with Marketing/ Content Creation
• Experience with Canva to create designs following CLN design principles

Bonus Points For:

• Knowledge/ Interest, or past experience in Tool Libraries/ Libraries of Things/ Circular Economy

Why Join Us? Real impact – You'll craft engaging social media content that communicates our sustainable mission and connects with diverse audiences

Future growth – This position provides valuable experience in content creation and social media strategy within the growing field of circular economy

Flexibility – Remote work options with flexible scheduling

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Loved Before

A soft toy adoption agency, saving the planet one teddy at a time…

Each year in the UK alone, 8 million soft toys end up in landfill (and growing!). Along with them, the stories and memories shared with them are thrown away and left to rot. The difficult materials of these toys make them frankly impossible to recycle, and their composition means they take hundreds of years to break down and compose. Along with this, high carbon emissions come from the production of these toys which require immense fossil fuels, not to mention the carbon footprint of this high-demand global supply chain. As a culture, and quite literally from the moment we are born, we begin to grow our own collection of toys, with most children acquiring far more than they could ever love or play with within the first few years of their life. Charity shops are ill-equipped and overwhelmed, toy brand trends are fuelling over-consumption and the industry is calling for change.

This is why, when I discovered what was going on, I created Loved Before. We are a soft toy adoption agency looking to challenge perceptions of second hand, rebuild the consumer model and change the industry forever. When people are ready to part with their toys, they send them into us (we receive quite literally hundreds every single day). The toys visit our spa for a thorough clean, refresh and repair and are then beautifully packaged along with their bio (often written by their previous owners) before finding their next adventures across the world.

Fluffy Linkedin Lead

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Do you believe in second chances? So do we – especially when it comes to soft toys! Loved Before is on a mission to rescue, restore, and rehome pre-loved stuffed animals, proving that second-hand doesn’t mean second best. We’ve built an incredible, engaged community across our platforms, and now we need someone special to help us bring that same magic to LinkedIn.

About the Role We’re looking for a volunteer LinkedIn Manager to help us grow our presence on LinkedIn – connecting with like-minded brands, sustainability advocates, and supporters who believe in what we do. You'll play a key role in spreading our mission, building relationships, and helping us reach new audiences.

What You'll Be Doing: �� Creating engaging LinkedIn posts that showcase our impact, partnerships, and behind-the-scenes stories. �� Growing our network by connecting with potential collaborators, eco-conscious brands, and corporate supporters. �� Spotting LinkedIn trends and leveraging them to boost engagement. �� Tracking growth & insights to refine our approach. �� Engaging with our community—responding to comments, messages, and opportunities for collaboration.

What We’re Looking For: ✔ Someone who understands LinkedIn and can help us stand out. ✔ A creative storyteller who can turn our impact into compelling content. ✔ A self-starter who loves connecting with people and building relationships. ✔ Passion for sustainability, second-hand love, or social impact (bonus points if you have a soft spot for soft toys!).

What You’ll Get: ��A chance to be part of something truly special – an award-winning social enterprise changing how people see second-hand. �� Flexible remote volunteering – work from wherever, whenever suits you. �� The opportunity to make a real impact in growing a brand with purpose.

If you're ready to help us turn LinkedIn into a hub of second-hand storytelling, we'd love to hear from you! Apply now and let’s save the world, one teddy at a time.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Position:                Research, Communications and Project Intern

Location:               UK home-based (remote)

Commitment: Flexible hours (voluntary)

About Lived Expert

Lived Expert, founded by Mark Johnson MBE, is a pioneering social enterprise focusing on harnessing the power of lived experience. We've led transformative projects in areas like addiction, homelessness, neurodiversity, and the justice system, and now seek an enthusiastic intern to contribute to our mission.

Role Purpose

As a Research, Communications and Project Intern, you'll play a supportive role in our dynamic team, helping to convey powerful stories and assist in project coordination. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about social change and looking to gain experience in the social enterprise sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support Research Tasks: Help in data entry, collection and analysis.
2. Assist in Communications Tasks: Support in creating content for social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.
3. Project Support: Help in coordinating various projects, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication.
4. Consultation Assistance: Aid in gathering and analysing insight from peoples’ lived experience for ongoing projects.
5. Collaborative Work: Work closely with the team to support various initiatives and campaigns.

Person Specification

· A keen interest in social enterprise, research, communications, and project support.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Organised and detail-oriented, with a willingness to learn.

Benefits

· Gain valuable experience in communications and project coordination.

· Work remotely with a flexible schedule.

· Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a meaningful sector.

· Receive guidance and support from an experienced team.

InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of four student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.

InterVol is looking to increase its presence on university campuses around England and Wales, and therefore we are accepting applications from university students interested in setting up a student committee.As a committee member, you will be responsible for recruiting students to volunteer locally and abroad, liaising between the board of trustees and the committee, and recruiting committee members for the next academic year. The student committees will be supported by the trustee board, who are drawn from past student committees. 

Setting up a student committee is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, gain a developed insight into the charity sector and international development, and create positive change in your community and abroad. All student committees are supported by the trustee board, and there will be training provided. 

As a committee member you will:

·Work with the student union at your university to establish an InterVol committee. 

·Recruit students to volunteer locally and abroad. This will involve attending freshers’ fair, hosting information evenings, and running team-building days. 

·Organise local volunteering opportunities and liaise with our international project partners. 

·Recruit committee members for the following academic year. 

·Oversee volunteer fundraising. 

·Commit to being involved with the student committee for two years. 

·Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.

Person Specification:

·Experience of volunteering in the UK or abroad. 

·Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills. 

·Capable of leading teams and working under pressure. 

·Well-versed at time management and staying organised. 

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events. These events will be based in and around the South Wirral/Chester area.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

We are seeking individuals who can empower those aged between 4 and 16, to support and share our mission within their current school or youth provision setting (Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Youth Groups).

You will encourage your group to share the mission of Mary's Meals, raise awareness of our work and fundraise.

What support and resources will i receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
• Resources to fulfil your role
• A regular volunteer update e-mail

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.