Volunteer roles in saint helens, merseyside

Join the only lived experience-led national mental health charity as a trustee, chair or treasurer!

NSUN is a network of grassroots, user-led community groups and people who have lived experience of mental ill-health, distress, and trauma. We connect, support, and amplify the voices and work of our members. As the only user-led national mental health charity, all of our staff members and trustees have lived experience, and our work is rooted in solidarity.

Trustees act as the guardian of the vision, purpose and values of NSUN. Being a trustee gives you valuable and transferable leadership, strategic and governance skills and experience in the non-profit sector.

We’re really hoping that our new trustees possess a deep interest in how mental ill-health, distress and trauma connects with other social justice issues, such as disability and racial justice.

St Leonards Youth & Community Centre are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the charity and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. The Treasurer leads the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted within required legal and accounting best practice. It is also the responsibility of the Treasurer to work in partnership with the Chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the board fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the Charity has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• inform the trustee board members of the finances of the Charity by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners, as our income is over £25K

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored and progress is evaluated
• to provide financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of St Leonards Youth & Community Centre
• a willingness to engage with the local community, including our beneficiaries and volunteers
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping all financial records up to date
• confidence to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the charity, always acting in its best interests
• experience of working effectively with others
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the charity’s operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or coming into contact with St Leonards Youth & Community Centre.

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

About Gresham College
Gresham College is a charity providing high-quality, free education to the public across a broad range of subjects. For more than 400 years, the College has stimulated a love of learning, intellectual curiosity, academic rigour, professional expertise, and freedom of expression.

Originally based in the City of London, Gresham lectures are now also streamed online worldwide and have attracted more than 51 million views. To watch, please visit our website or search for us on YouTube.

The College is now in year five of an exciting five-year plan, with the primary aim of increasing and broadening the audience we reach. Working at Gresham College is hugely rewarding due to the breadth of subjects covered and the intellectual reputation of our speakers.

Role Description

Are you highly organised, tech-savvy, and detail-oriented? We’re looking for a reliable volunteer to support our Content Curator in auditing our extensive digital archive of over 3,000 lecture videos.

Time Commitment

Minimum 4 hours per week for at least two months.

Flexible working hours and remote working available.

Initial training period (first two weeks): must be available for half a day per week in our central London office.

What You’ll Be Doing

Your primary responsibility will be auditing our online video archive, including reviewing lecture web pages to ensure they contain all key assets:

• Video recordings
• Audio files
• Transcripts
• Lecture descriptions

This role involves repetitive tasks and requires accuracy, consistency, and mental stamina.

Following the audit, you may also help with:

• Writing short lecture descriptions where missing
• Sourcing or assigning appropriate imagery for lecture pages
• Other general content and data management tasks as needed

What We’re Looking For

• Reliable and committed; able to meet deadlines and agreed hours
• Highly IT literate, with strong Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Comfortable with repetitive, screen-based work
• Good communication skills; able to work both independently and collaboratively
• A strong sense of confidentiality and data security

Training and Support

Full training will be provided, and you will be supported throughout by our friendly team.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Gain valuable experience in digital content management
• Contribute to improving access to a unique archive of educational resources
• Develop skills relevant to digital curation, content auditing, and library/information services

Expenses

Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed if agreed in advance. Receipts must be provided.

Equal Opportunities

Gresham College encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.
We are committed to fairness, consistency, and transparency in selection decisions. Panel members follow principles of equality of opportunity and fair selection.

Our Fundraising team is looking for a data entry volunteer to support them for 2 - 3 months to assist with the data migration from our current CRM to our new CRM.

This role would suit someone who is detail oriented as it will involve systematically working through all our contacts and seeing if they are up to date. They will also need to look through emails and summarise any important information or contact that has been made with the contact over the last few years. Confident in IT and good communication skills is essential. Ideally, the person can commit to help the charity for 2-3 months and minimum 2 days per week or more (5 days per week would be wonderful!) to complete the project in good time. This is a remote role unless the person would like to work in our office in Bristol. Laptop will be provided and we would require two references and ID checks. 

Our volunteers will also get the opportunity to learn more about the work that we and to support other projects that they may be interested in. Even better if you are interested in fundraising as you will be mostly working with our fundraising and comms team. 

Find out more about our work in farming and sustainability on our website. 

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.

· Attending charity events and other such commitments.

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class), Monday - Thursday between 16:30 and 20:30.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Are you aged between 16 to 25 years old? Do you want to make child poverty a thing of the past? Applications for our Youth Ambassador scheme are now open. We are looking to recruit 4 new Ambassadors.

Deadline for applications is 7th October 2025.

We are committed to developing and retaining Ambassadors that are representative of the diverse communities that we serve. We’re striving to build an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and diversity is celebrated by everyone.

We encourage people from all sections of the community to apply to be ambassadors. We particularly welcome applications from people living in Wales, Devon, Cornwall and the Midlands, young parents and people receiving benefits, because these groups are currently under-represented in our ambassadors.

Length of role:

One year minimum, with an option to continue on further. Ambassadors are aged between 16 and 25.

Role purpose:

To work alongside the existing Youth Ambassadors, to bring your own knowledge and experience, passion and enthusiasm to the group. These current Ambassadors have recently published this report about the impact of the cost of living crisis on 16 to 25 year olds. From this the Ambassadors have been campaigning to address differences in pay between younger workers and older workers. Ambassadors also work to support the work of the Coalition in other ways including attending meetings, working with member charities.

Other work as part of this role could include:

• Writing blogs for the website

• Developing surveys and conducting research

• Speaking to the media (we will provide training, and there is no need to do this if you don’t want to)

• Meeting MPs

• Speaking at events

Time Commitment and payment: This is flexible, you can do as much or as little as you like. We generally have a one hour meeting a month, and will organise a summer in-person meeting. Between that you may spend a couple of hours a month working on projects that interest you. Youth Ambassadors are remunerated for their time spent volunteering at a rate equivalent to the London Living Wage. This can either be with money via a bank transfer or with vouchers. We do not provide payment for taking part in media interviews, to ensure you never feel like you have to do these.

What’s in it for you? You will have the opportunity to work alongside a likeminded group of young people, who all want to ensure no child in the UK is growing up in poverty. We provide you with training on areas like campaigning and public speaking, you can find out how charities work, and we can use any existing skills and talents you have like drawing, video making etc. to influence MPs.

                    While gaining invaluable experience, practice your passion within real-life scenarios. 

We’re looking for Social Media Manager volunteers to join our team, who will play a key role in the growth of our brand messages and visions. The ideal candidate will assist us grow our on-line presence and increase traffic to our digital channels.

Responsibilities
Increase traffic to our digital channels
Grow our brand messages, visions and on-line presence.

Requirements
Working experience with online digital marketing & Social Media
Strong verbal, written, and organisational skills.
Enthusiastic, Dedicated and willing to learn.

The role could be entirely remote and is unremunerated but all reasonable expenses will be met.

About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Are you passionate about making a difference and shaping the future for young lives? Are you a professional interested in developing your own mentoring skills? Mentoring can be a rewarding way to ‘give back’ and share your experiences with someone who could really benefit from hearing an informed, consistent and fresh perspective…possibly something they haven’t had before.

We’re delivering ‘Developing Futures’ a funded 12-week e-mentoring programme for young people aged between 18-24 years from ethnic minority backgrounds and facing mental health challenges, in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow and Haringey.

What you will be doing

• Motivate, guide and support service users towards the achievement of positive goals.
• Support service users with exploring careers, identifying and setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources.
• Promote and develop a positive relationship

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
• To be consistent in attendance

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you!

We know that exercise releases happy endorphins that support us to improve our mood. It also helps reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, provides an opportunity to connect with others and build friendships. Volunteering with us at Hestia, will mean you will play a vital role in supporting people’s overall wellbeing!

We are recruiting volunteers to coordinate and facilitate fitness and general wellbeing sessions online!

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are you fluent in French and would like to teach others? We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to facilitate our online group and support others to improve their conversational and written French. You will be working with a diverse range of age groups and abilities and making a difference to those who would like to learn!

What you will be doing

• To facilitate an online group help people to learn French
• Engage in conversation, allowing individuals to feel supported and comfortable to practice their French
• Prepare session plans for beginners
• Encourage those attending to get involved in discussions

The skills you need

• Fluent in French . Desirable to hold a qualification
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Volunteer Family Mentor – Southend-on-Sea

Organisation: Volunteering Matters
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex (and surrounding 3-mile radius)
Commitment: Part-time, flexible – around 1–2 hours per week
Duration: Minimum 6 months
Expenses: Travel and out-of-pocket costs reimbursed
Training: Full training and ongoing support provided

Make a Lasting Impact – One Family at a Time

Are you a good listener with a few hours to spare each week? Do you live in or near Southend-on-Sea? Join the Family Mentors project and support local families facing challenging times.

As a volunteer Family Mentor, you’ll build a trusting relationship with a parent or carer, offering emotional support and practical help. You’ll visit them weekly and walk alongside them as they build resilience and confidence.

No experience is needed – just compassion, reliability, and a commitment to making a difference.

What You’ll Do:

• Visit a local family weekly (in-person)

• Provide emotional and practical support

• Help parents build confidence and access local services

• Be a consistent, friendly presence during tough times

What You’ll Gain:

• Full training and 1:1 support

• Experience working with families and community services

• The satisfaction of helping a local family thrive

• Reimbursement for travel expenses

Who We’re Looking For:

• Aged 18+

• Friendly, patient and non-judgmental

• Able to commit for at least 3 months

• Living in Southend-on-Sea or nearby (within 3 miles)

About ShowerBox

ShowerBox is a registered charity dedicated to providing free, safe showers and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that restores dignity, improves wellbeing, and helps to reduce isolation. We also connect our guests with health clinics and other vital services, supporting them to make long-term, positive changes in their lives.

Founded by our CEO, Sarah Lamptey, in response to the urgent need for accessible hygiene facilities, ShowerBox began in 2018 as a grassroots initiative and became a registered charity in 2021. Since then, it has grown into a multi-site service, operating both independently and in partnership with other organisations.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic and committed Chair to lead ShowerBox into its next phase of growth. Building on the success achieved since becoming a CIO and expanding to three locations, the Chair will work closely with the CEO to shape the organisation’s future and strengthen its impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing effective strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring sound governance and clear direction.
• Supporting and constructively challenging the CEO, while holding them accountable for delivering agreed objectives.
• Ensuring the Board remains effective and diverse, with the right balance of skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Acting as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing the charity externally and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate.
• Safeguarding the charity’s values, reputation, and financial sustainability.

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• A strong commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hygiene poverty.
• Previous experience as a Trustee or Board member (experience as a Chair of a voluntary organisation is highly desirable).
• A solid understanding of the legal, financial, and governance responsibilities of trusteeship.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative approach.
• The time, energy, and commitment to support a small but growing charity.

Time commitment and terms:

• The Chair of Trustees is appointed for a renewable term of two years.
• Expected time commitment: up to two days per month, with flexibility for additional time during new projects or unexpected challenges.
• Board meetings are held four times a year (mostly online), with occasional subcommittees and events depending on interest and expertise.
• This is an unpaid voluntary role; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.