Volunteer roles in richmond upon thames

Shape the Future: Become a Trustee for SUNSHINE!

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for positive change? Do you have the experience and vision to guide a brand new charity towards impactful success? SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, starting our exciting journey and we're looking for dedicated Trustees to help us get set up, registered, and truly shine!

We believe in the power of connection – of bringing people together to spread joy, build community spirit, and transform lives. From fostering new friendships to enhancing well-being, our mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity, one meaningful connection at a time.

This is a unique opportunity to provide vital leadership and governance from the very beginning. As a volunteer Trustee, you'll play a crucial role in establishing SUNSHINE's foundations, ensuring our legal registration, and strategically overseeing our operations to guarantee long-term success. Your insights, experience, and commitment will be instrumental in shaping our direction, ensuring effective governance, and helping us make a profound difference in the community.

Imagine the immense satisfaction of seeing a new charity flourish under your guidance, the pride of knowing your strategic decisions are directly impacting lives, and the profound legacy you'll help build. This isn't just volunteering; it's an invitation to be a foundational pillar, a visionary leader, and a guiding force behind a truly heartwarming cause.

Ready to help us light up the world with your leadership? Join the SUNSHINE family today!

We are looking for volunteers who can spend time with our clients  in and around Central London.  Meetings are  regular over a period of 6 months; weekly or fortnightly.  Many volunteers stay involved for much longer but only because they enjoy what they do! 

Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who is lonely or socially isolated and your gift of time, will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once told us, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Your meetings could be in the local community, having a chat in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest together, or in our client’s home and this is always risk assessed before an introduction so the activities you do will depend on the results of this, and our clients abilities or interests. Most of our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted.

ScotsCare works across London and beyond so we're looking for volunteers who live in the area or can travel to the following areas; Lambeth, Islington, Camden, central London and Brockley, please contact us to learn more about our current needs, we often have clients in other areas.

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters to keep you informed.

This could be an ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter. 

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:

• Good communication skills for conversation, English speaking
• Friendly, warm, non-judgemental 
• Honesty, reliable and committed to helping others
• Empathy and patience
• An understanding of the need to work within the framework of our policies and procedures.

We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and request two references.

Latin American House (LAH) is a registered charity and community organisation dedicated to supporting Latin American communities in the UK. Our mission is to provide legal advice, education, cultural activities, and essential services that promote social inclusion and wellbeing. Latin American House was established in 1983. We are a registered charity (no. 1127253) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 6720498). On joining the Board, members become both Trustees and Directors of the organisation.

We are seeking passionate individuals who can support our ongoing work promoting the social inclusion of Latin American refugees and migrants in the UK, particularly in London. We are especially interested in people with experience in the following areas:

1. Human Resources Management or Employment Law
2. Children and Young People’s Education, including Safeguarding and OFSTED
3. Legal and Social Welfare Advice
4. Corporate Engagement or Sponsorship

Inspire and Empower: Become SUNSHINE's Volunteer Coordinator!

Are you a people person with a knack for bringing out the best in others? Do you thrive on building connections and fostering a supportive team environment? SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, starting its exciting journey and we're looking for an inspiring volunteer to take on the brand new role of Volunteer Coordinator to help us get off the ground and truly shine!

We believe in the power of connection – of bringing people together to spread joy, build community spirit, and transform lives. From fostering new friendships to enhancing well-being, our mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity, one meaningful connection at a time.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the heart of our organisation. As our volunteer, Volunteer Coordinator, you'll be instrumental in building and nurturing the incredible team that makes everything possible. You'll lead the charge in recruiting, selecting, training, and motivating our dedicated volunteers, ensuring they feel truly valued, supported, and an integral part of the SUNSHINE family. Your passion for people and your organisational skills will be key to ensuring our volunteers are effectively utilized and empowered to make the biggest impact.

Imagine the satisfaction of seeing individuals grow and flourish in their roles, the joy of building a vibrant and cohesive volunteer community, and the profound impact you'll have on both our volunteers and the lives they touch. This isn't just volunteering; it's an invitation to be a mentor, a community builder, and the enthusiastic heart of our mission.

Ready to inspire our incredible volunteers and help us light up the world? Join the SUNSHINE family today!

Lead with Heart: Become SUNSHINE's Charity Manager!

Are you an exceptional leader with a passion for positive change? Do you dream of using your management skills to build a thriving community and spread joy? SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, starting our exciting journey and we're looking for an inspiring Charity Manager to help us get off the ground and truly shine!

We believe in the power of connection – of bringing people together to spread joy, build community spirit, and transform lives. From fostering new friendships to enhancing well-being, our mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity, one meaningful connection at a time.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a vital new organisation. As our volunteer, Charity Manager, you'll be instrumental in guiding our mission, supported every step of the way by our Founder and dedicated Board of Trustees. Your exceptional leadership skills will be crucial in managing our operations, coordinating our wonderful volunteers, and ensuring our programmes effectively bring people together and make a real difference.

Imagine the profound satisfaction of leading a team dedicated to spreading happiness, the pride of seeing our initiatives flourish under your guidance, and the immense impact you'll have on countless lives. This isn't just volunteering; it's an invitation to be a strategic leader, a community builder, and the driving force behind a truly heartwarming cause.

Ready to lead with heart and help us light up the world? Join the SUNSHINE family today!

Latin American House is a registered charity and community organisation dedicated to supporting Latin American communities in the UK. Our mission is to provide legal advice, education, cultural activities, and essential services that promote social inclusion and wellbeing. Latin American House was established in 1983. We are a registered charity (no. 1127253) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 6720498). On joining the Board, members become both Trustees and Directors of the organisation.

LAH is seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board of Trustees. This individual will provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial management, ensuring strong governance and financial sustainability. The Finance Trustee will play a key role in supporting the Board and senior leadership team to maintain financial integrity and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Unleash Your Creativity: Design a Brighter Future with SUNSHINE!

Are you a talented Graphic Designer with a passion for making a difference? Do you dream of using your skills to spread joy and build a stronger community? SUNSHINE is a brand new charity, taking its first exciting steps, and we're looking for a visionary Graphic Designer to volunteer their time and help us get off the ground and truly shine!

We believe in the power of connection – of bringing people together to spread joy, build community spirit, and transform lives. From fostering new friendships to enhancing well-being, our mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity, one meaningful connection at a time.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special from the very beginning. As our volunteer Graphic Designer, you won't just be creating visuals; you'll be shaping the very identity of SUNSHINE. Your impactful digital and print materials will be crucial in helping us tell our story, attract support, and engage with the community. We need your expertise to design everything from compelling social media graphics and engaging website visuals to heartwarming flyers and impactful event banners.

Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your designs bring our mission to life, inspiring others to join our cause and helping us reach those who need us most. This isn't just volunteering; it's an invitation to be a visual storyteller, a brand builder, and a vital force in creating a more vibrant, compassionate community.

Ready to help us light up the world with your designs? Join the SUNSHINE family today!

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.

Our current chair has been in the position for 6 years and after serving their maximum term, we are seeking a new Chair to lead the charity and help us deliver our four year strategic plan ‘Building a future together’.

The chair provides a pivotal role in ensuring the charity has a well governed organisation, strong staff team and board with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, with one shared goal of working towards the organisational mission underpinned by our values and principles.

The chair will support the CEO and ensure that the board functions as a unit and works closely with the senior leadership team to achieve agreed objectives. From time to time the chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO. An effective chairperson is a key player in ensuring effective governance for the charity. 

Be a Beacon of Sunshine: Help Us Build a Brighter Community!

Are you ready to make a real difference? Do you dream of a world where everyone feels connected, joyful, and supported? SUNSHINE is a brand new charity, taking its first exciting steps, and we're looking for passionate, kind-hearted individuals to help us get off the ground and truly shine!

We believe in the power of connection – of bringing people together to spread joy, build community spirit, and transform lives. From fostering new friendships to enhancing well-being, our mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity, one meaningful connection at a time.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special from the very beginning. As a volunteer with SUNSHINE, you won't just be helping out; you'll be laying the foundation for a movement that will brighten countless lives. Whether you have an hour a week or a day a month, your skills, enthusiasm, and time will be invaluable as we set up our programmes, organise events, and reach out to the community.

Imagine the joy of seeing new connections blossom, the satisfaction of knowing you've helped someone feel less alone, and the pride of building a more vibrant, compassionate community. This isn't just volunteering; it's an invitation to be a catalyst for change, a force for good, and a source of genuine SUNSHINE.

Ready to help us light up the world? Join the SUNSHINE family today!

Various Roles Available - Behind the scenes or up front directly with our participants. JOIN US TODAY!

SUNSHINE

An exciting new small charity looking to make a BIG impact in peoples lives across London

Title: Economics Advisor – Missing People 

Summary 

Missing People is recruiting volunteers with expertise in economics to support the early planning of a project exploring the economic impact of missing episodes and the harms experienced by individuals while missing. This work will inform the development of a robust, evidence-based estimate of the cost of a missing episode and the socio-economic return on investment (ROI) of prevention efforts. 

As an Advisory Volunteer, you will provide expert guidance to help shape the scope and direction of this project. Your insights will help the charity identify key considerations, methodologies, and data needs - an area where we have limited in-house expertise. 

Description

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones. Our services include: 

• A free and confidential helpline, available 7 days a week, for missing people and their loved ones, 

• A specialist family support and counselling service, 

• Case publicity to support loved ones with sharing appeals,

• Specialist services for children and young people, and their loved ones, experiencing exploitation,

• Commissioned intensive support services for young people at particular risk, 

• Research, consultancy and training for professionals working around the issue of missing.

Our vision is that every missing person is found safe.

By supporting us to develop a compelling economic case for prevention, you’ll play a vital role in shaping how missing incidents are understood and addressed across the UK. We will use the information to influence nationally: sharing the figures with key decision-makers in government, policing, health and social care. This work will strengthen our case for funding essential services that prevent repeat missing episodes and support the development of more effective early intervention strategies.

We’ve already begun exploring this work but need additional external expertise to guide our planning and approach. As such we are recruiting new volunteer Economics Advisors. Advisors will be asked to:

• Attend and participate in monthly project planning meeting (1-2 hours via video call, scheduled flexibly on weekdays or evenings) for a period of 6 months.

• Review relevant documents and provide ad hoc advice between meetings (no more than 1-2 hours)

• Get further involved in the project with a weekly commitment, if desired – this is entirely optional.

What impact will you have? 

Your input will support Missing People to build a stronger case for prevention and change for missing people and their loved ones.

About the volunteer 

We are looking for volunteers with: 

• A strong understanding of data and working with complex statistics 

• Experience in economic analysis of social issues and public policy, cost-benefit analysis, or social return on investment (SROI) 

• Willingness to support and advise Missing People’s Head of Policy and Head of Research in understanding an area outside of our usual expertise 

• The ability to ask key questions, offer constructive challenge, and act as a critical friend to staff 

• Commitment to attend monthly meetings for a 6-month project period 

We’re looking for a new trustee with senior-level experience in finance to join our Board and help us stay financially sound as we grow our impact. In particular you will:

• Understand and interpret financial reports, budgets and risk assessments.

• Support our team with charity finance, accounting regulations and financial planning.

• Provide commercial insight and guidance on our investment policy, contribute to our reserves policy and support the development of our investment and fundraising strategies.

• Lead our finance sub-committee and contribute to wider Board conversations.

• Share financial insight clearly and constructively with non-finance colleagues.

As a trustee, you’ll be part of a Board responsible for helping Big Change stay true to our mission and values, and for ensuring we’re a sustainable, well-run charity. Your statutory duties will include:

• Ensure we comply with our governing document and relevant laws.

• Work in the best interests of Big Change and the public benefit we aim to achieve.

• Manage our resources responsibly and help keep us financially sustainable.

• Provide strategic direction and oversee performance against our goals.

• Safeguard our reputation, values, and assets — both tangible and intangible.

• Ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.

ABOUT YOU

Skills and Experience we are looking for:

• Proven experience in charity or commercial finance, with the ability to interpret financial reports, provide strategic guidance on budgeting and investment, and communicate financial insights clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

• Good judgement, objectivity, and a collaborative mindset.

• Confidence to challenge constructively and speak up when needed.

• Experience working with stakeholders at a strategic level.

• A commitment to inclusion, intergenerational collaboration, and creating equitable environments.

• An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trustees.

• Willingness to prepare for and participate in quarterly board meetings.

• Time to be a sounding board and occasional support to the team.

Role Description:

Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.

As a volunteer your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.

We are looking for someone who

• Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
• Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours (Weds, Sat and Sun) Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role 
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

How to Apply:

Please attach your recent CV and expression of interest

Do you want to be an important part of the running of Berkshire’s Centre for the Arts, Business and Community?

You could be a trustee for South Hill Park Trust, the Bracknell-based charity that supports arts, theatre, dance, music, cinema and more.

 About South Hill Park

Set up in 1973, South Hill Park Trust manages two theatres, a dance studio, creative spaces and a cinema within the grounds of an 18th century mansion house in Bracknell, Berkshire, with a long history, now as a prominent centre for arts within the South East.

South Hill Park hosts over 300 artistic, musical and theatrical events a year, featuring a range of personalities from internationally renowned to emerging new talents. SHP offer a busy programme of over 250 courses, workshops and events, and attracts an average of 250,000 visitors a year to the park.

The charity is independently governed by a Board of trustees and has an income of  more than £2m p.a

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in the arts and in our community, and we’d expect new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and what we offer as our services and facilities.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as support from local charity-support organisations is always available.  Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training, as needed.

We are looking to add a range of skills from several trustees we hope to appoint to our Board, although we don’t expect any one trustee to have all of these abilities, experience and understanding:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Marketing, PR, social media
• Legal, regulatory, compliance
• Customer experience
• People development, people management

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about four hours of your time per month, which includes six Board meetings per year, trustee discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

Location & time commitment

Our Board meets every two months, on a weekday evening at 6pm (days/dates agreed in advance), for up to three hours, at South Hill Park mansion, RG12 7PA.

Our trustees are our Ambassadors, are expected to also meet with stakeholders, our staff and to join appropriate sub-committees as needed.

You are asked to dedicate a minimum of four hours per month to the role, preferably more; including preparation for and attendance at Board and other meetings; some of your duties may be carried out online and by phone/video, as well as face-to-face.

It would be expected that during your first few months as a trustee, the time needed for your familiarisation, induction and training my exceed those suggested hours, and at other times of year, such as our AGM, or in representation at events, etc., more time may be asked of you.

All trustees are expected to have contact with and meet people who use the services and facilities at SHP.

Trustees’ Term of Office is four years, with an option to be elected for an additional Term.

The focus of this role is strategic and you will not be managing the organisation on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with the CEO is expected.

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

Commitment: Ideally approximately 4 hours per month alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups. 

Overview: 

We’re looking for approachable and dependable volunteers to support and help run our monthly community groups in Bracknell and Reading, as well as assist at local Pride events and other community activities. This is an opportunity to be part of a welcoming team, contribute to creating safe and inclusive spaces and make a real difference for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

What’s in it for you? 

Volunteering with Support U is a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the LGBTQIA+ community by helping create safe, inclusive spaces for those who need them. You’ll also be joining a welcoming team of volunteers who are passionate about making a difference.  

We want your time with us to be rewarding, enjoyable and a chance to grow both personally and professionally. As such, you will also have access to: 

• Funded training opportunities after set periods of volunteering to help build your skills and enhance your CV. 

• A carefully curated welcome pack, designed to help you feel part of the team from day one. 

• Experience in areas such as community event planning, group facilitation and public engagement. 

• All essential training (including safeguarding & group facilitation), provided by the charity. 

What You’ll Be Doing: 

As a Support U Group Facilitator Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in helping us run safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Your involvement might vary slightly depending on your interests and availability, but typical responsibilities include: 

• Supporting Community Groups: Helping to set up and run local support and social groups in Bracknell / Wokingham / Reading, this includes welcoming attendees, signing people in, facilitating activities during any groups, gathering feedback and helping to create a positive and inclusive environment. 

• Contributing to Group Planning: Sharing ideas for group activities and discussions and assisting with light planning to help make sessions engaging and relevant for attendees. 

• Attending Local Pride and Community Events: Assisting the charity at local Pride events; setting up stalls, engaging with the public and helping to spread awareness of the support we offer as a local charity. 

• Team Contribution: Staying in touch with your fellow volunteers and the charity, this includes regular team catch-ups  and discussions. 

You don’t need to have experience in any of these areas to start, just a willingness to get involved and be part of a team working towards something meaningful. 

About You: 

• You’re friendly, approachable and enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life 

• You're passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and creating inclusive spaces 

• You're reliable, organised and willing to commit to a longer term volunteer role 

• You're a team player who shares the values and mission of Support U and the volunteer team 

• You're a strong communicator who is not afraid to get stuck in and help where needed 

• You’re open to learning and growing as part of a supportive team 

By joining us, you’ll be helping to create safer, more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as gaining valuable, transferrable skills along the way. Whether it’s building your confidence, gaining experience, or simply being part of a welcoming and supportive team, this is a chance to make a real difference while developing your own skills as well.