Volunteer roles in south woodford, greater london

English PEN is the founding centre of PEN International, a worldwide writers’ association with over 135 centres in more than 90 countries. English PEN is one of the world’s oldest human rights charities and works to promote literature and the right to freedom of expression through a wide range of campaigns, events, projects and publications.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our established Board of Trustees and help guide and advise us on financial affairs. The role of Treasurer is to oversee the accounts of the charity, chairing the Finance and Audit Committee, and acting as a point of liaison between the Board and the Director and Head of Operations. It does not involve day-to-day responsibility for the finances.

Duties and responsibilities

The Treasurer will provide financial expertise and oversight to help the Board carry out its financial responsibilities.

Specifically, they will:

• Chair the Finance and Audit Committee
• Work closely with the Director and the Head of Operations to monitor the financial stability of the charity
• Liaise with auditors and sign off the annual accounts
• Present the annual accounts to members at the annual general meeting
• Engage with PEN International on relevant matters

Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease which mostly affects the lungs, although other parts of the body such as the heart, eyes and nervous system can also be involved. It is not properly understood and there is currently no known cure.

SarcoidosisUK is a small charity with big ambitions! We want to make a difference to the lives of those affected by sarcoidosis in the UK by providing information and support, raising awareness and undertaking research into treatments and a cure.  We currently support over 9,000 people online and have strong relationships with both clinicians and patients.

We want to enlarge and strengthen our Trustee Board with the recruitment of new trustees who will bring their skills and passion to the work we do. The Trustee Board sets strategic direction for the charity, acts as guardian of our vision and values, and has responsibility for oversight and governance. 

We want our Trustee Board to represent our community, and welcome applications from anyone with an interest in sarcoidosis. To support the growth of the charity we are particularly looking for experience in the following areas:

· Fundraising in the charity sector

· Branding, marketing and communications

· Strategic development

· Community support and engagement

The Board is friendly and informal and meets online early evening each month for no more than 2 hours. We have a small staff team, currently 3 in number, and therefore Trustees may be asked to provide direct input and expertise on occasion. The role is not remunerated,  however expenses are reimbursed.

If you would like to be a considered as a Trustee for SarcoidosisUK, or would like to find out more about the role, please contact us.

Applications should outline the skills and experience you would bring to the role and tell us why you are personally interested in improving outcomes for those affected by sarcoidosis.

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.

Do you enjoy organising things and making this happen?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

We’re looking for admin volunteers to help with our daily operations.  We have a variety of ways you can get involved:

• Responding to client requests and enquiries
• Fundrasing and partnership management
• Managing and updating company databases
• Keeping track of partnership enquiries
• Maintaining internal, volunteer, and client records
• Drafting and mailing client correspondence and newsletters
• Organising events, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
• Providing administrative support to other departments or projects as needed
• Performing other duties as agreed in advance

We’ve designed our volunteering programme to be flexible and adaptive to you.  All volunteering is 100% remote and you’re supported fully by our team.  You control what you do and how many hours per week you want to volunteer.  Some roles may require an Enhanced DBS check. If your application is successful, we will ask for a donation towards the cost of your enhanced DBS check if it's required for your role. This cost is £20.60.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.  You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Training

We provide CPD accredited training with 3 short courses needing to be completed prior starting your volunteer role.  After, you’ll have access to over 90 accredited courses should you want to study further.

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Volunteer Business Development Lead

About us
We are breaking barriers to employment for capable jobseekers across the UK who are excluded from the job market because of age (too old / too young), background, lack of exact experience, or imperfect career paths. Through our personalised job search support and our innovative, gap-bridging Practice Hub, we help people present their strengths, bridge skills gaps and access opportunities aligned with their career aspirations.

The opportunity

We are seeking experienced business developers with strong networks and a passion for social impact to join us as volunteer Business Development Leads. This is a strategic, relationship-driven role; you will help us engage companies and corporates in fundraising partnerships that directly transform lives.

Please refer to the attached job description for details about this fantastic opportunity.

The difference you will make

Your expertise will help us build the partnerships and secure the resources needed to give talented people the fair chance they deserve. Every connection you create will translate into genuine career opportunities for those who deserve success, regardless of background or imperfect career path.

Next steps

Please provide a brief cover letter explaining why you would like to volunteer with us. Feel free to include ways this opportunity will help your own career goals. Interviews will be an informal online chat with our Director. 

We are excited to invite an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join the Board of Butterfly Conservation Trading Limited (BCT) as a Director ��

The object of BCT is to carry on business as a general commercial company to procure profits and gains for the purpose of paying them to the Butterfly Conservation charity.

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

If you have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas, we'd love to hear from you!

�� Charity fundraising
�� Charity marketing
�� Commercial experience
�� Financial experience, particularly in the charitable sector

Find out more and apply �� We are excited to invite an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join the Board of Butterfly Conservation Trading Limited (BCT) as a Director ��

The object of BCT is to carry on business as a general commercial company to procure profits and gains for the purpose of paying them to the Butterfly Conservation charity.

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

If you have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas, we'd love to hear from you!

�� Charity fundraising
�� Charity marketing
�� Commercial experience
�� Financial experience, particularly in the charitable sector

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. The estimated time commitment is around 10 hours per year.

Support Gunnersbury Museum to become a thriving resource for its local communities by joining their Board of Trustees.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October.

Location: Gunnersbury Estate, London

Time commitment: c. 1 day a month 

Gunnersbury Museum & Park Development Trust is seeking five new Trustees to help shape the future of one of West London’s most significant heritage and green spaces.

This recruitment follows a recent governance review and comes at a pivotal time for the Trust, as it builds momentum across heritage conservation, cultural programming, community engagement and environmental sustainability.

Gunnersbury is a unique estate, comprising 72 hectares of parkland, 21 listed buildings including a Regency-era mansion, and a museum that reflects the diverse histories of West London. With a growing programme of exhibitions, education, events and large-scale music festivals, it plays a vital role as both a cultural destination and a community asset.

The Trust is looking for individuals with insight, expertise and a strong commitment to its mission. Candidates with experience in heritage, sustainability, fundraising, events, or community leadership are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications are especially welcomed from those with strong local connections and from individuals who can help the Board reflect the diversity of the communities Gunnersbury serves.

You do not need previous board experience; we will provide induction and ongoing support.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October.

About Refugees at Home

We are a leading provider of hosting with an annual income of £1 million, dedicated to the prevention of homelessness for those claiming asylum or with Refugee status by offering temporary placements within our volunteer hosts homes. We recruit and support volunteer hosts who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand.  Our role is to carefully match each guest and host, to assess and prepare them ready for hosting, to advise on hosting arrangements and accommodation, and to provide ongoing support to hosts throughout each stay. We provide support to our guests across all four nations of the UK and to date have provided over 700,000 nights of accommodation. 

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Fundraising professional to join our Board of Trustees. We are open to the type of experience candidates may posses and recognise the importance of transferrable skills. 

We particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Greenwich

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday- Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00

Location: 6 Nelson Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9JB

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact us.

sheRebuilds

sheRebuilds is a nonprofit project that supports women who have experienced domestic violence by helping them rebuild their lives through psychological support, coaching, and career development.

sheRebuilds addresses social challenges faced by women who have experienced domestic violence, focusing on the long-term impact that abuse has on their emotional well-being, self-confidence, and economic independence. Many survivors struggle with trauma, social isolation, and limited access to opportunities for education and work. By offering psychological support, coaching, and career development guidance, the project helps women rebuild stability, regain their voice, and re-enter society with renewed strength and professional skills.

sheRebuilds provides a holistic, free support system for women who have experienced domestic violence. We combine psychological care, and professional coaching to help survivors heal from trauma and rebuild their lives with confidence. Through sessions with psychologists, interview preparation, and LinkedIn profile guidance, participants gain the emotional resilience and career tools they need to enter the job market and create sustainable independence. Our closed, safe community ensures that every woman feels supported, connected, and empowered to take her next step.

Join sheRebuilds and help empower women who have survived domestic violence! Your skills in social media, content creation, or partnership outreach can make a real difference. Together, we can raise awareness, connect with more women, and create a supportive community. Be part of a project that changes lives.

Social Media & Partnerships Manager

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Support sheRebuilds by managing social media accounts ( LinkedIn, Facebook), creating and posting engaging content, interacting with followers, and helping identify potential partners and collaborations to increase visibility and attract more women to the project.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

TAHMEF

We are a HealthTech nonprofit providing stigma-free digital and community-based mental health support to Tanzanian youth.

In Tanzania, over 50% of the population is under 25, yet youth face stigma, lack of access, and a severe shortage of mental health services. Only a handful of mental health professionals serve the entire country, and young people in underserved urban and rural areas are left without affordable or accessible support. This mental health gap leads to poor education outcomes, unemployment, and worsening health inequities.

Our flagship initiative, AHADI, is Tanzania’s first integrated hybrid digital and in-person mental health facility. It combines a mobile app (Ahadi App) , SMS helpline (15061), and toll-free IVR hotline (199) with AI-driven tools and community outreach. AHADI provides discreet, affordable, and accessible support, designed with and for young people. We also run stigma-reduction campaigns, and community outreach to normalize conversations around mental health.

Fundraising & Partnerships Volunteer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We are looking for a passionate volunteer to support the Tanzania Health and Medical Education Foundation (TAHMEF) in mobilizing resources to scale our flagship initiative, AHADI — Tanzania’s first hybrid digital and in-person mental health facility for youth.

Responsibilities include: -Researching and identifying potential donors, foundations, and corporate partners aligned with youth mental health and digital health. -Drafting fundraising proposals, concept notes, and partnership outreach emails. -Supporting the development of fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies. -Assisting in building and managing a donor/partner pipeline. -Contributing innovative ideas to strengthen sustainability and long-term growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing African HealthTech nonprofit that has already engaged over 500,000 youth and resolved more than 10,000 cases through our digital helpline and app.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Sharing Seeds

We are a non-profit organization empowering rural communities in Nepal through organic Arabica coffee farming, beekeeping, and women-led community tourism.

Across Nepali villages, many young people migrate to the Middle East and other countries in search of better income, often working in harsh, risky conditions for very little pay—and sometimes losing their lives. At Sharing Seeds, we encourage local youth and women to rediscover opportunities at home by engaging in sustainable cash crop farming and community-based enterprises.

By promoting modern agricultural practices, we help farmers transform unused land into thriving organic coffee and beekeeping ventures. At the same time, we create fair-wage opportunities for rural women, enabling financial independence and stronger families.

Based in Sarangkot Pandeli village near Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, Sharing Seeds is building a future where communities flourish through sustainable farming, women’s empowerment, and authentic tourism experiences.

Graphic Designer (Stickers)

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

This is the role for the interested creative volunteer with great experience in graphic design, who can create an outstanding sticker for our locally produced organic Coffee Cascara (Outer layer of dried arabica coffee) , sourced from our more than 100 small community farmers. We need this sticker to design and print as a label on our paperkfat packets to sell in the market and to travelers who come to our place for a visit.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-4 weeks

About Waterwatch UK
Waterwatch UK is a grassroots initiative based in Southend with national ambition. We bring communities, regulators, water companies, MPs, and local authorities together to hold decision-makers accountable for water quality. We are transitioning to become a registered charity and are building a strong local base in Southend before scaling nationally.

Role Purpose
We are looking for a volunteer Communications & Marketing Officer to lead and grow Waterwatch UK’s communications. This role is central to raising awareness of our work, engaging the public, and ensuring transparency as we set up our Southend Committee, take over the Southend Water Quality Summits, and expand nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver Waterwatch UK’s communications plan (starting locally, building to national reach).

• Lead on social media: create and schedule posts, engage followers, grow reach.

• Draft and publish news posts and updates on our website.

• Produce a regular newsletter for supporters, volunteers, and partners.

• Lead comms around key milestones:

  • Registration as a charity.

  • Launch of the Southend Community Committee.

  • Waterwatch UK taking over Southend Water Quality Summits (working with MPs, Anglian Water, Environment Agency, local council, and community partners).

• Build and maintain relationships with local press and media outlets.

• Support preparation of press releases, statements, and briefings.

• Ensure consistency of Waterwatch UK’s voice and messaging.

• Work with the CEO and volunteers to capture impact stories, case studies, and testimonies.

• Develop templates and systems so comms can scale to a national audience.

Commitment

• Approx. 5–10 hours per week, flexible to suit your availability.

• Mostly remote, with occasional Southend-based meetings or events.

What You Will Gain

• A leadership role in a fast-growing grassroots movement with national ambition.

• Hands-on experience in strategic communications, social media, and public engagement.

• Networking opportunities with MPs, local government, regulators, NGOs, and community groups.

• The chance to shape a new national charity from its early stages.

• Possibility of a paid role in the future, subject to funding.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience (professional or voluntary) in communications, PR, or digital media.

• Strong writing skills with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.

• Confident using social media platforms and tools for scheduling and analytics.

• Able to work independently and take initiative.

• Passionate about protecting the environment and empowering communities.