Volunteer roles in south east

Islington Bereavement Service offers emotional, social and practical support to bereaved adults living in Islington.

We need volunteers to befriend bereaved people. You don’t need any previous experience, just good communication and listening skills, empathy and flexibility.

• Offer companionship, emotional support & a listening ear

• Accompany people to appointments or on local outings

• Direct people to important services

What commitment will I need to give?

• You must be able to offer 5–6 hours of your time per month

• You will need to attend a 2 day induction training

• We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months.

• Learn new skills and gain experience

• Receive peer support and attend group supervision

• We provide travel expenses and reference after 6 months

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so applicants would need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

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

Expedition medical teams are devised for each of our expeditions on a thorough assessment of medical requirements, considering a range of factors including but not limited to the environment, client group and access to local facilities/services. Our medical teams consist of fully qualified medical professionals and may include doctors and other healthcare professionals, such as nurses or paramedic, with appropriate specialist experience. Our expeditions include both Senior and standard medics. 

Join a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.

Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.

This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.

Why Join Us?

Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.

But the rewards? They’re immense:

• You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.

• You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.

• You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.

Your Role

As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)

• Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)

• Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support

• Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)

• Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines

• Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns

• Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers

What You’ll Bring

• Clear, friendly written and verbal communication

• Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline

• Strong organisation and time management skills

• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently

• A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work

• Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more

Time Commitment

• Flexible and remote

• Around 2 to 5 hours per week

• We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination

• Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio

• Real-world charity sector experience

• Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team

• A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need

• References available on request

How to Apply

Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!).

We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.

This role provides a telephone listening and support service to bereaved carers’ and family members whose relatives died under the care of The Hospice of St Francis. Last year our Bereavement Support Line volunteers made over 1,000 calls.

We are looking for additional volunteers to support this service.  Do you have strong listening skills?  Are you reflective, self-aware, adaptive with basic IT skills?  We'd love to hear from you. 

The role will be ome based and you will receive full training and ongoing support.

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire (Group) of 8-12 Young
Explorers. As the Adventure Leader you will be responsible for the adventurous activities of the
Fire during the expedition programme, within the parameters set by the Chief Leader, and where applicable the Senior Adventure Leader.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. 

This role provides a telephone listening and support service to bereaved carers’ and family members whose relatives died under the care of The Hospice of St Francis. Last year our Bereavement Support Line volunteers made over 1,000 calls.

We are looking for additional volunteers to support this service.  Do you have strong listening skills?  Are you reflective, self-aware, adaptive with basic IT skills?  We'd love to hear from you. 

The role will be ome based and you will receive full training and ongoing support.

This role provides a telephone listening and support service to bereaved carers’ and family members whose relatives died under the care of The Hospice of St Francis. Last year our Bereavement Support Line volunteers made over 1,000 calls.

We are looking for additional volunteers to support this service.  Do you have strong listening skills?  Are you reflective, self-aware, adaptive with basic IT skills?  We'd love to hear from you. 

The role will be ome based and you will receive full training and ongoing support.

Overview

This is a Senior Leadership team role.

The Base Camp Manager has responsibility for many of the logistical aspects of the expedition,
including equipment, food, and managing the environmental impact at base camp. You will need to be ready to turn your hand to a range of tasks, acting as the ‘fixer’ for the expedition and supporting the expedition team with all aspects of expedition life.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.

Inpatient unit Volunteers provide support to the kitchen staff by delivering meals and snacks to patients, collecting used crockery from patient rooms and washing up all staff & patient crockery and cutlery.  Volunteers in this role also provide a warm welcome to visitors when required. This allows catering staff to concentrate on food preparation, and nursing staff to concentrate on patient care. 

Full training provided. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

“Since helping at the Hospice of St Francis I feel as though my life has been much enriched”

IPU Volunteer

Young Carers Volunteer: Role Description 

We are recruiting passionate and motivated volunteers looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact on the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth.

Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

Outline of service 

Our new Young Carers’ Connect project is designed to support the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth. The aim of the service is to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, connect young people and provide opportunities for fun and respite.

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre supports individuals who are looking after someone who has an illness or disability. By volunteering with us you can help look after the health and wellbeing of Carers and provide them with the opportunity to take a break from their responsibilities and have time out for themselves. 

Outline of Role 

As a Young Carers’ volunteer, you will have the opportunity to support in a wide range of exciting and dynamic activities such as peer support groups, workshops, events, activities and trips. 

Main Responsibilities 

• Building rapport with Young Carers and helping them to feel safe and comfortable 

• Co-facilitating workshops and groups 

• Supporting with the facilitation of trips, events and activities 

• Supporting with setting up and tidying up 

• Supporting with keeping a record of attendance 

• Actively participating in activities, games, events and trips 

• Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns by reporting to them to the responsible member of staff 

• Upholding confidentiality 

• Maintaining good communication with responsible staff member.

Other Duties: May be agreed with the responsible staff member as per the requirements of the group. 

Skills and Experience 

• Ability to communicate with Young Carers and their families in a helpful and caring manner 

• Reliable and punctual 

• Ability to work effectively in partnership with Centre staff 

• Empathetic and understanding 

• An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality 

• Awareness of issues affecting Young Carers 

• Commitment to the implementation of our Equality and Inclusion policy and all the Centre’s polices 

Code of conduct

As a volunteer, and therefore a representative of the Carers’ Centre, you will be expected to comply with this code of conduct.

• Treat all Carers and the people they care for politely and with respect 

• Ensure that your appearance is clean, neat and tidy at all times 

• Conversations of a personal nature to you should not be had around Carers or the people they Care for 

Benefits To Volunteer 

• Obtain experience of working with a diverse group of young people 

• Reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be covered 

• Provide support to Carers and the people they Care for in Wandsworth 

• References available upon request (after 6 months) 

• Regular support and supervision 

Additional Information: 

DBS required: Yes – Enhanced.

Responsible to: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke

Supervised by: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke 

Hours: Availability after school and/or during school holidays. For peer support groups or regular activities: A minimum commitment of one session a month. 

Expenses: Reasonable expenses (e.g. travel and parking) incurred through carrying out volunteering activities will be reimbursed, upon the production of receipts. 

Supervision: Regular sessions with the appropriate staff member to be arranged mutually.

Supporting our events has something for everyone! With roles based at our community events and mass participation events there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in a fun, memorable event experience.

Event support volunteers help our events by marshalling, welcoming participants, setting up and stewarding.

Our volunteers help to run and structure the events better, keep participants safe and allow us to continue to raise money for our care services.

Each role requires a different level of commitment, so please get in touch if you think you can help.

"I love helping at events, there is such a sense of camaraderie"

Event Volunteer

Hours: Variable - Tuesday mornings

Many people may be well aware of The Hospice of St Francis and the wonderful work done with both inpatient and community-based care, however they perhaps will not be aware of the extensive grounds at the Hospice and that they are cared for by a team of volunteers.

The seven acres of grounds are a mix of formal gardens, woodland and a wildflower meadow with a woodland walk and provide an opportunity for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy the benefits of a wonderful garden and a chance to enjoy our part of the Hertfordshire countryside with wonderful views across to Ashridge.

The ethos of the gardens is very much towards conservation with no use of insecticides or herbicides and with composting of all possible matter. Our aim is to encourage all wildlife in the gardens.

There are a group of about 35 individuals, who operate in teams responsible for their own section of the garden under head gardener, Gill Johnson. We are currently looking for extra help, particularly from people with gardening experience, although all are welcome. We meet on a Tuesday morning each week, with a break for coffee and cake mid-morning.

We carry on throughout the winter, although not in snow and ice. Winter jobs are a warming workout and include leaf raking; grass cutting (training on machinery provided); fencing; building 'dead' hedges.

To quote one of our gardeners “I work with lovely people in a wonderful setting and we are doing something really useful, what’s not to like?“

The mentoring project at Esteem invites members of the community to share their skills and experience by mentoring a young person with similar interests. 

Mentoring is an important part of our organisation and runs alongside Work Experience opportunities, providing tailored volunteer opportunities to young people aged 14-26, social activities and wellbeing support.  Creating space for young adults to thrive within their lives and communities.

Role Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer for a charity that is passionate about giving young people the chance to develop their skills and confidence, both for their own benefit and for that of society as a whole. 

You can make a difference by mentoring 14-26 year olds who are developing or discovering their potential.

The mentors’ role is to support young people reach their next step focusing on their vocational development and encouraging progression into or maintaining Education, Employment or Training. The profile of many of Esteem’s young adults is that they have low levels of confidence and may be quite anxious; some young people may be neurodiverse including have a history of mental health problems, they also may have faced homelessness and other life affecting issues including the effects of long term unemployment 

• You will be based at Esteem’s Shoreham office but may meet your mentee in a public place such as a coffee shop, if that is what you both prefer and meets safeguarding requirements.

• You will be skills matched with a young person who will have similar interests, experience or an interest in your professional field. You will support your mentee by identifying and highlighting their skills and establishing realistic and achievable goals by breaking them down into manageable steps. 

• You will enter notes onto our database system UpShot after each meeting with your mentee and will be asked to fill in an outcome form at the conclusion of your mentoring relationship. 

Principal tasks and responsibilities 

1. To meet with your mentee regularly (once a week or once a fortnight) at a convenient time for you both either at the Esteem’s office or in a public place like a cafe. 

2. To offer ongoing vocational support to your mentee and support them to access services (such as in-house Counselling or from external organisations) if they need help with any issues they are dealing with. 

3. To support your mentee through their vocational setting, either volunteering at Esteem or within their personal, work or educational setting.

4. To offer positive feedback and aim to build self-confidence with your mentee.

5. To keep up to date notes of your meetings.

6. Complete regular reviews with the mentee and create a clear action plan if appropriate.

7. Attend all relevant training to your role.

8. To report any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Team.

9. To maintain the required level of confidentiality in all tasks and communications. 

10. Uphold the commitment of the organisation to equality and diversity and its set of values. 

Person Specification

Experience

For this round of recruitment we are looking primarily for those who work in the creative industry and those who may have started their own business and/or have an entrepreneurial background. That being said, we are more than happy to accept applications from those who feel they have other skills and experience that could benefit young adults.

Whilst some experience of mentoring or supporting young adults would be helpful this is something we will cover in the day’s training.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge 

• Motivated by promoting the development and wellbeing of young people; providing opportunities for growth where possible 

• Ability to problem solve; feeling able to support young adults to overcome obstacles

• Ability to work on own initiative (with guidance from mentor manager) 

• A willingness to undertake a small amount of preparation for each session and to take accurate notes after each session

• Ability and willingness to use computer systems, including googlemail (training provided)

• Good interpersonal skills; ability to listen, empathise and relate to others

To apply please visit our website jobs page to find out more.

Applicants will be invited to attend a short pre-interview call.

We look forward to hearing from you.