Volunteer roles in west midlands

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it! 

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in! 

What you will be doing 

• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock. 
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till. 
• Researching valuable and vintage stock. 
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays. 
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop. 

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers. 

The skills you need 

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering 
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required 
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others 

What's in it for you 

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered 
• Access to training and development 
• Grow your confidence and meet new people 
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle 
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust 

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people. 

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it! 

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in! 

What you will be doing 

• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock. 
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till. 
• Researching valuable and vintage stock. 
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays. 
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop. 

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers. 

The skills you need 

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering 
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required 
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others 

What's in it for you 

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development 
• Grow your confidence and meet new people 
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle 
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust 

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people. 

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it! 

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in! 

What you will be doing 

• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock. 

• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till. 

• Researching valuable and vintage stock. 

• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays. 

• Photographing and listing items for the online shop. 

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers. 

The skills you need 

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering 

• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required 

• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others 

What's in it for you 

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered 

• Access to training and development 

• Grow your confidence and meet new people 

• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle 

• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust 

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people. 

Could you help a troubled teenager thrive?

Are you the kind of person who feels helpless when you see negative news stories about young people, or perhaps when you watched the new Adolescence drama series about teenagers and the pressures they face from social media?

The fact that you care when you see or hear these things and feel the need to help could mean that you would make a perfect volunteer mentor for a young person struggling with life as a teenager. 

At Hope After Harm our New Leaf Young Peoples’ project offers a lifeline to vulnerable young people in the Thames Valley Area through our trained volunteers who offer support and guidance when they need it.

All we ask of you is your time. Just commit to one or two hours a week to meet the young person at their school for up to 16 weeks, and to be available to them by telephone at hours agreed between you and them. 

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

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

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

We are looking for a fundraising enthusiast to share the role with our current Volunteer Fundraising Team Leader. Together, you will support the Fundraising Volunteers with planning and delivering local events to raise vital funds for Cats Protection.

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

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
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

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!

A bit more information about what we're looking for 

We are particularly interested in hearing from people based near Uttoxeter, Rugeley or Cannock as we're looking to expand our fundraising team in these areas. However, if you live outside these areas, please still apply - we'd love to hear from you! 

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.

Join Our Board – Shape Futures, Change Lives

Could your skills or lived experience help reduce homelessness and support young people across Leicestershire?

If so, now is the time to step up.

YMCA Leicestershire is seeking new Trustees to join our dynamic Board as we drive forward our ambitious 2022–2027 Strategy. We’re tackling youth homelessness, expanding trauma-informed housing, and creating spaces where young people can belong, contribute and thrive.

We’re looking for passionate individuals who share our values of Community, Compassion and Empowerment, and who want to make a real difference.

We’re especially interested in hearing from people with (current) experience in:

• Legal
• Social Care
• Housing Development
• Or those with lived experience of homelessness

We’re also actively seeking applications from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) individuals to better reflect the communities we serve.

Why join us?

• Help address one of the biggest social issues of our time: youth homelessness.
• Shape services that support over 100 young people in supported accommodation.
• Be part of a charity with deep local roots and national influence.
• Gain leadership experience in a high-impact, values-driven organisation.

You don’t need previous board experience — just the right mindset, commitment, and relevant knowledge. Personal or professional experience of leadership and community development is desirable.

Sound like you?

If you would like the opportunity to have an informal conservation with the CEO, please email Gemma Winters, Executive Assistant to CEO.

Together, we can create lasting change - for more information please visit our website.

Barefoot and Free is a small UK-based charity that gifts unforgettable staycations to families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma.

We are seeking creative and committed UK based Volunteer Social Media Designers to help us share our story and grow our online presence.

This is a remote volunteer role ideal for someone looking to use their design skills and social media knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Role Overview
As a Volunteer Social Media Designer at Barefoot and Free, you will be responsible for creating engaging visual content for our social media platforms. You will work closely with the team to develop visuals that reflect our mission values and ongoing projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design social media content for use on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn
• Help maintain a consistent visual identity across all content
• Support campaigns events and awareness days with tailored designs
• Edit photos and create simple animations or videos where appropriate
• Collaborate with other volunteers to schedule and publish content

What You’ll Bring

• Proven commercial experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or similar design tools
• A background in design, marketing or content creation (relevant qualifications are a bonus but not essential)
• A good understanding of visual storytelling and social media trends
• Creativity, attention to detail and the ability to work to a brief
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently
• A passion for charitable work and a willingness to contribute time and skills

Time Commitment
This is a flexible remote role. We ask for a commitment of 2 to 5 hours per week. We are happy to work around your availability.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to use your skills for a good cause
• Experience working in the charity sector
• Portfolio development and references on request
• Being part of a friendly supportive team making a difference

To apply please send a recent C.V along with a short note about yourself & with samples of your design work or a portfolio.

Applications that do not include a C.V & portfolio / examples of work will be rejected.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Adventure Ashram is a small but mighty UK-based charity founded by adventurers in 2007. We support life-saving grassroots projects in India, focused on: 

• Combating human trafficking 

• Providing education for vulnerable children 

• Ensuring access to essential healthcare 

We work closely with our local Indian partners to deliver meaningful, sustainable change. Our UK-based operations raise vital funds through adventurous events, innovative campaigns, and international initiatives—most notably our global yoga campaign, Yoga Stops Traffick. 

Role: Trustee – Fundraising Specialist 

We are looking for a new Trustee with significant fundraising experience to help us grow and diversify our income and contribute to our overall strategic direction. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to use their professional skills to make a lasting impact on vulnerable communities, particularly vulnerable women and children in India.

What we’re looking for 

We welcome applications from individuals with fundraising expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Individual Giving & Major Donors 

• Trusts and Foundations 

• Corporate Partnerships 

• Community Fundraising and Events 

• Digital Campaigns and Innovation 

• Fundraising Strategy and Income Development 

Trustee Commitment 

• Board Meetings: 4 per year (weekday evenings, usually online) 

• Committee Involvement: All trustees join one of our committees (Fundraising, Finance, Programme Management), which meet every 2 months 

• Events: Attend 1–2 UK-based Adventure Ashram events per year (where possible) 

• Approximate time commitment: 1–2 hours per week 

We also hope that this new trustee would be open to supporting other trustees and staff in developing their fundraising skills to improve internal capabilities. 

Why Join Us? 

As a Trustee, you will: 

• Help shape the future of a unique, adventurous charity 

• Make a meaningful contribution to anti-trafficking and community development work 

• Be part of a passionate, values-driven team 

• Gain or develop experience in strategic charity governance and leadership 

“Adventure Ashram is a brilliant small charity; it supports fantastic projects in India and manages to have a lot of fun in the process. Volunteering as a trustee gives me a chance to do something meaningful with good people—and I can’t wait to welcome more members to the team.” 
— Current Trustee 

We do not currently engage current GARAS Clients or offer any Sponsorship and support for people wanting to work coming from abroad.

GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) provides a specialist, holistic service for asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants. We advocate for people’s rights, help improve their wellbeing, and support them in building a better future.

As part of GARAS you will always be compassionate and committed volunteers. As a Triage Volunteer, you will be the first point of contact for many of our clients – helping them access the right support at the right time. You will ensure that enquiries are dealt with effectively, that clients feel welcomed and safe, and that they are directed to the appropriate service: whether at GARAS or with another provider.

This role is essential to the smooth running of our service. With increasing demand, our advisers rely on triage volunteers to help ensure no one is missed and that our support is delivered where it is most needed.

We do not currently engage current GARAS Clients or offer any Sponsorship and support for people wanting to work coming from abroad.

As a Volunteer Welcomer at GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and welcoming environment for clients, staff, and visitors. You will be involved in various administrative, organisational, and practical tasks that directly support GARAS' services for refugees and asylum seekers. You will welcome each client, providing tea/coffee, and ascertain which staff member clients need to see. The waiting room is often busy, so Welcomers keep the waiting list in order, managing the flow of clients and liaising with advisors. Our Welcomers are the most important face of GARAS, helping clients to feel welcomed, safe and comfortable. More information on specific job role on our website.

Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer tutors to provide educational support in a range of subjects, from Primary to A-Level,  and a fun, safe space for young people living with serious illness.

Deliver online tutoring sessions, supported by our programme team, for just one hour per week flexibly to fit around you!

What are we looking for?

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of subject concepts and theories.
• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain ideas in a clear and engaging way.
• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
• Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment for a minimum of 14 weeks.
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided
• Safeguarding Level One Training
• Skill Development opportunities
• Direct experience working with children and young people

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.