252 Volunteer volunteer roles in South West

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

What experience do I need?

• You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people
• We ask that you are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people and their families. This involves:

• Spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or their local community.
• You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

• You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with.
• All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your Co-ordinator.

Who am I responsible to?

The parent/carer.

• You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and that clear communication is maintained.
• Feedback must be given to the parent/carer following a visit.

Your co-ordinator and Time2Share@WECIL.

• You must respond promptly to any contact from your co-ordinator.
• You are required to report monthly on any time spent with the child you are linked with, any activities undertaken, and to take part in the annual review.

How often will I be needed?

• We typically ask for volunteers to commit to 2-4 hours a week
• The days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family.
• We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

What about expenses?

• Volunteer travel expenses can be reimbursed on receipt of a claim form. You won’t be left out of pocket.

Time2Share@WECIL is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the children we support. Time2Share@WECIL reserves the right to end a link without notice or giving reason

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Fundraising Volunteer – Hampshire Hub

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our brand-new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

This role covers the Hampshire area.

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  

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

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

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

Can you help the Bristol Oxfam Online Shop raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

We are looking for people with an eye for detail to help us research, prepare, photograph, describe and dispatch our homewares on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. Our specialist online shop sells an eclectic range of clothing, accessories, books, music, film and homewares, sourced from our generous donors at Oxfam shops across the area.

We have had some very interesting homewares donations over the years, from antique postal scales to vintage bears and Wedgwood tea sets. If you know your homewares and can help us identify, price, list and photograph our stock your help will be invaluable! You will receive full training and support from our friendly and knowledgeable team.

What you can do at the shop:

We believe in empowering our volunteers so, depending on your interests and what you would like to get out of the role, you can get involved with any of the following aspects of running the online shop (and more!):

· Researching rare and valuable stock

· Selection, preparation and presentation of stock

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

· Creating engaging content for the shop's social media platforms

· Packaging and dispatching items

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. We provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment and we have a range of tasks to suit all potential volunteers. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs. Our shop only sells online and we are not open to the public, so if are interested in gaining ecommerce experience but would value a quieter, relaxed working environment, you will love it here!

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling stuff online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

Love to read? Know your classics? Up on the latest bestsellers? We are looking for people that love books - fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary - to help us select, research, prepare, photograph and list our eclectic stock for sale on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. During these uncertain times Oxfam’s work to tackle global poverty is more vital (and more challenging) than ever before. Can you put your book expertise to use to help us raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

What you can do at the shop:

· Stock selection to help us match our listings with our customers’ interests

· Researching rare and valuable books

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs. Our shop only sells online and we are not open to the public, so if are interested in gaining ecommerce experience but would value a quieter, relaxed working environment, you will love it here!

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling books online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

About The Stray Cat Charity (TSCC)

The Stray Cat Charity is a newly established UK-registered CIO working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray cats in Greece, starting in Patras. Our current priority campaign is to raise £35,000 to build a dedicated stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece, which will provide safe housing, veterinary care, and a pathway to adoption for vulnerable cats. As a growing new charity, we are building our fundraising and outreach network across the UK.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support the growth of our charity by helping identify and connect with potential supporters in their local area. This includes community groups, schools, corporates, and potential major donors who may be interested in supporting or fundraising for stray cats in Greece. The aim of this role is to help generate awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising activity for our current and future campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

The volunteer may support with:

• Researching local community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses
• Identifying potential corporate partners and supporters in their region
• Contacting organisations to introduce The Stray Cat Charity and its mission
• Encouraging groups to support the charity through donations or fundraising
• Promoting our current campaign to raise £35,000 for a stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece
• Supporting or initiating community fundraising activities where appropriate (e.g. sponsored events, school fundraisers, awareness campaigns)
• Helping to raise awareness of stray cat welfare issues in Greece through local outreach

Fundraising Options

Volunteers may either:

• Focus on outreach and relationship-building, or
• Actively support or lead local fundraising efforts for the charity’s campaigns

Ideal Volunteer

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident communicating with people and organisations
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Comfortable researching and reaching out to potential supporters
• Interested in community engagement or fundraising

About the Charity

The Stray Cat Charity is a new organisation, meaning volunteers will play a key role in shaping our growth, impact, and fundraising success from the ground up.

Support Provided

We will provide:

• Guidance on messaging and outreach
• Information about the charity and campaigns
• Ongoing support and communication from the founder/trustee

Impact of This Role

Your work will directly contribute to raising vital funds to build a safe shelter in Patras, Greece, improving the lives of stray cats and creating long-term sustainable welfare solutions.

Volunteer Role: Event Volunteer

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: A few hours across the year

Reporting to: Adoption Community Manager

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS 

Events organised by Adoption UK Cymru are facilitated face to face or virtual meetings/events run by community group coordinators (who are volunteers) or the Adoption Community Manager. The events are run to offer local networking, support, information, advice, guidance and a sense of community for adoption UK members.

Events are held at different points during the year, and the frequency is dependent on the availability of the Adoption Community Manager or our Community Group Volunteers.

What you will be doing 

There could be a range of tasks depending on the event and your preferences. You could be setting up equipment and displays or helping to check in families on arrival at an event or supporting activities with children or adults. You will be a welcoming face and point of contact for families during an event.   

The Skills and Experience you need 

·Enthusiasm 

·A friendly manner 

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

·Ability to work as part of a team 

·Ability to respect and understand the need for confidentiality 

·Flexible and adaptable approach to work 

·Positive and motivated attitude to work 

·Professional approach 

·Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices 

·Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

What’s in it for you

·Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

·Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

·Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

·Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Volunteer Role: Community Group Volunteer

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: A few hours once a month

Reporting to: Adoption Community Manager

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS

Community groups are facilitated face to face or virtual meetings/events run by community group coordinators who are volunteers. The groups are run to offer local networking, support, information, advice, guidance and a sense of community for adoption UK members.

The role of a community group coordinator is to plan, organise, facilitate and network meeting and events both face to face and virtually for local adoption UK members. 

The groups are open to prospective adopters/ adopters awaiting a match and adopters with children. Meet ups are often held monthly although the frequency is dependent on the availability of the community group coordinator. 

What you will be doing   

·Plan dates for the community group meetings.

·Inform the Community officer and manager so the admin and booking link can be created for the group.

·Attend the group meetings, welcome the attendees, remind everyone at the start of the meeting about safeguarding and confidentiality, chair the meeting and provide a listening ear and potential signposting to the attendees.

·Ensure Adoption UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.

·After the meeting, send an attendance list to staff at Adoption UK.

The Skills and Experience you need  

·Personal experience, and understanding of the issues facing adoptive parents 

·Caring 

·Understanding 

·Good listening and communication skills 

·Good understanding of the importance of confidentiality

·Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices  

·Some IT and administration skills   

·Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

What’s in it for you

·Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

·Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

·Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

·Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Volunteer Role: Volunteer- Connect Service

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: Approximately six to ten hours per month 

Reporting to: Children and Young Peoples Service Manager 

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS

What you will be doing

As a volunteer with the Connect Service, you will work with the Lead Workers to support delivery of the Children and Young People Service, across South Wales. You will support the Lead Workers to maintain agreed levels of contact with young people and their adoptive family during their registered time with the service and support other Connect activities as agreed with you.

During the monthly sessions you will help with general tasks such as room set up, refreshments and general duties involved with group sessions as well as supporting the children and young people to engage in the group activities/workshops.

In between the monthly sessions it will be important to keep up to date with adoptive parenting issues through reading Adoption Today, Adoption UK publications and information, and other relevant background material. 

As a Volunteer with the Connect Service, you will attend volunteer induction training and ongoing training and development. As well as talking to, or meeting with, relevant Adoption UK staff for the purpose of supervision and review. It will be essential to comply with Adoption UK’s health and safety, equal opportunities, child protection and vulnerable adult, data protection, confidentiality and other policies. 

The Skills and Experience you need 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to relate to children and young people 

• Ability to work as part of a team 

• The capacity to understand and to empathise with the issues of concern for adopted children and young people and their parents 

• Awareness of, and dedicated to, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities 

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the aims and objectives of Adoption UK. 

• Ability to respect and understand the need for confidentiality 

• Flexible and adaptable approach to work 

• Positive and motivated attitude to work 

• Professional approach 

• The ability to speak Welsh is desirable and respect for the Welsh language is essential 

What’s in it for you

• Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

• Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

• Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

• Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

VOLUNTEER HEALTH ADVISOR

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our volunteer Health Advisors bring their professional skills and experience to help shape the work of their local branch, supporting other volunteers to produce solutions that meet the needs of our clients.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need will shape what you’ll be working on, but primarily you’ll be offering guidance to our Engineers/Makers on producing aids, adaptations and equipment.

What you’ll need for this role

· Qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist

· If you’re not currently practising that’s fine - you’ll just need to have done so within the past 3 years

· A commitment to our aims and values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, a reference check and a DBS check if you’re not practising.

Where will I volunteer

The team meets on the third Monday evening of each month in Rochford.  This is when we review ongoing and new jobs; input from our Health Advisor is a crucial part of the discussion.  For more medically complex cases, we may also ask you to accompany a volunteer on a client visit.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.