Volunteer volunteer roles in West norwood, greater london

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for community engagement and urban planning? Perhaps you have recently retired and would like to help the next generation of planners to gain some experience?

Planning Aid for London is seeking dynamic individuals to join us as a Lead Volunteer Caseworkers. This role is a great opportunity for experienced town planners to help communities to shape the future of London's neighbourhoods and contribute to positive community development.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking experienced and motivated individuals with at least 5 years experience in:

• Urban planning
•  Development management
• Planning policy
• Planning enforcement 
• Planning applications (understanding the terminology, responding to planning applications)
• Navigating planning committee meetings

If you have proven leadership skills, excellent communication skills and a commitment to empowering communities, we want to hear from you!

Diversity Statement

Planning Aid for London's main aim is to help support greater diversity and inclusion for residents as part of the planning system. We work to empower people to have real influence over decisions about their environment and communities and welcome opportunities from anyone who would like to help us to achieve that.

Planning Aid for London is aware that discrimination based on sex, race, ability, sexuality, class, gender, religion, age, maternity, parenthood or other characteristics can be consciously or subconsciously replicated in its undertakings and will eliminate any form of discrimination in its activities. To achieve this Planning Aid for London regularly reviews and monitors their work and practises.

The role: Our scholars are eager to meet graduates and professionals who can support them in achieving their ambitions. Mentors are mainly responsible for providing support and career advice to pupils. Mentors must also be committed to supporting us at our events, which take place in the evenings and on Saturdays throughout the term. These events include our scholar enrichment days, our parent and pupil information sessions and our volunteer social events which are held in London. 

Availability: Mentors must be available for approximately 2-3 hours a month to meet with their mentee, and discuss via phone, email or in person. There is a minimum commitment of one year (three terms).

In addition to this, you will need to support a minimum of 2 events throughout the year. Enrichment and skill-building events for our scholars usually take place in the evenings and at weekends, with events ranging from 2-8 hours in length.

Location: Mentoring sessions and events can take place online or in person.

Responsibilities: 

• Working collaboratively with parents to give students guidance and advice on how to achieve their aspirations

• Informing pupils of opportunities to them so that they can achieve their aspirations

• Meeting with pupils for one to one mentoring sessions

• Supporting pupils with university, sixth form or job applications

• Monitoring and reporting on each pupils progress

• Giving feedback to parents and programme coordinators

• Working collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Supporting at events including:

  • Collaborate effectively with other volunteers within the events team

  • Assist with setting up and clearing up at events

  • Support workshop facilitators with managing groups of young people or parents

  • Assist with the coordination of lunch or refreshments for attendees

  • Assist the event coordinator with ensuring the health and safety of attendees and overall risk management at events

  • Give feedback to the event coordinators and programme managers at the end of each event.

Person specification:

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Enjoy working with children and young people

• Be educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent

• Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal

• Be punctual and organised

• Be able to remain calm under pressure

• Have excellent time management skills

Volunteer Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (Non-Uniform Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: REMOTE Flexible / National

Commitment: Volunteer Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Ranger Cadets in a non-uniform position. This is a pivotal volunteer role for someone who can bring strategic clarity, operational leadership, and inspirational energy to a growing national movement.

As CEO, you will:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for Ranger Cadets.

• Build and sustain partnerships with communities, schools, and youth organisations.

• Oversee governance, safeguarding, and operational excellence.

• Inspire and support volunteers, trustees, and staff to deliver our mission.

• Champion our values of inclusivity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Who We’re Looking For

• A proven leader with experience in charity, youth work, education, or community development.

• Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape and grow a national youth organisation from its earliest stages.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people across the UK.

• A role that blends vision, leadership, and community impact.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead with purpose and help unlock the potential of young people, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Volunteer Opportunity: Chief Operating Officer (Non-Uniform Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Remote Flexible / National

Commitment: Volunteer Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational heart of Ranger Cadets in a non-uniform position. This is a vital volunteer role for someone who can translate vision into action, ensuring our programmes, systems, and people run smoothly and effectively.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Ranger Cadets nationally.

• Develop and implement systems for governance, safeguarding, and compliance.

• Support programme delivery, volunteer management, and organisational growth.

• Work closely with the CEO, trustees, and senior volunteers to ensure strategic goals are achieved.

• Champion efficiency, clarity, and inclusivity across all operational areas.

Who We’re Looking For

• A proven organiser with experience in charity operations, youth work, or community development.

• Strong skills in planning, systems design, and operational management.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape the operational backbone of a national youth organisation.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people across the UK.

• A role that blends structure, impact, and community service.

How to Apply

If you are ready to bring clarity, structure, and operational excellence to Ranger Cadets, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Do you have a passion for using your beautician skills and expertise to support those who have experienced crisis? People in our services would benefit from social engagement, relaxation, and joy from learning about simple treatments they could use for themselves such as hand, foot massaging, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, cutting, overall hygiene tips and routines.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate weekly sessions via zoom
• Encourage group discussions around wellbeing, self-esteem and looking after themselves
• Inspire and motivate the group to be involved in future planning/designing of the session
• Share basic beauty tips and routines with group members
• Offer relaxation techniques that can be used to de-stress and promote positive mental wellbeing

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified beautician
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

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

Volunteer Team Leader (Employability)

Support. Guide. Empower.

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe in the power of employability to transform lives?

Do you want to help lead a programme that restores dignity, unlocks opportunity, and builds resilience for adults from low-income backgrounds?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are seeking a Volunteer Team Leader (Employability) to support our Delivery Manager in running our flagship employability programme. This is a hands-on leadership role — a chance to shape journeys, strengthen systems, and ensure every session flows with clarity, warmth, and impact.

Your Role

As Team Leader (Employability), you will:

• Support the planning and delivery of our Employability Programme, ensuring sessions are engaging, inclusive, and transformative.

• Guide volunteers and facilitators with clarity, compassion, and structure.

• Help monitor progress, gather feedback, and ensure each participant feels seen, supported, and empowered.

• Collaborate with the Delivery Manager to uphold the emotional and operational integrity of the programme.

• Be a steward of our mission — helping adults unlock their potential through skills, confidence, and opportunity.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Help adults build confidence, skills, and pathways to employment.
• Grow together: Support a team of facilitators, mentors, and wellbeing coaches.
• Belong: Join a movement rooted in warmth, clarity, and empowerment.
• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations.

Step forward. Lead with purpose. Support our mission as Team Leader (Employability).

Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

GET INVOLVED | VOLUNTEER | HELP CHANGE LIVES

Unlock YOUR Potential

BREAKING BARRIERS | UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK.

Our football for wellbeing hub provides a safe, inclusive and wellbeing space in the community to improve mental and physical health in collaboration with QPR FC, Everyone Active and FootyAddicts Company.

As Football Session Helper Volunteer you will help the facilitator/s with pre-session tasks and delivery of exciting football sessions while adhering to the FA code of conduct.  We are currently seeking applications to support our newly launched  football sessions and potentially coach/manage our Football Club’s (West London NHS Peer FC) team if an FA qualified coach or willing to get the qualification. 

In return we will offer you:

• A full induction including support to access the FA free training
• On-going support, guidance and supervision from a member of staff
• The opportunity to develop your personal, professional and football coaching skills
• The opportunity to get involved in other areas of The Trust’s work, including NHS careers
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• The opportunity to contribute to our mission

Volunteer Head of Business Development & Operations

Lead. Build. Transform.

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe in the power of strategy and operations to transform lives?

Do you want to help steer a movement that restores dignity, unlocks opportunity, and builds resilience for adults from low-income backgrounds?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are seeking a Volunteer Head of Business Development & Operations, a visionary leader who will strengthen our charity’s growth, partnerships, and delivery. This is not just a role; it is a calling to shape futures, expand opportunities, and ensure every programme flows with clarity, impact, and dignity.

Your Role

As Head of Business Development & Operations, you will:

• Drive business development, building partnerships, funding streams, and opportunities for growth.

• Support the Delivery Manager in ensuring the smooth running of programmes in Employability, Personal Development, Life Skills, Mentoring, and Wellbeing.

• Oversee operational systems, governance, and volunteer structures with precision and warmth.

• Build sustainable frameworks that balance practical detail with emotional resonance.

• Be a steward of our mission — ensuring every initiative reflects dignity, opportunity, and transformation.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Your leadership will unlock futures across the UK.
• Grow together: Guide a community of mentors, facilitators, and wellbeing coaches.
• Belong: Join a movement rooted in warmth, clarity, and empowerment.
• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations.

Step forward. Lead as Head of Business Development & Operations.

Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

GET INVOLVED | VOLUNTEER | HELP CHANGE LIVES

Unlock YOUR Potential

BREAKING BARRIERS | UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

The Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) service provides day service opportunities for people with low and medium Preventative Care Needs.

We are currently looking to offer volunteering placements with our Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) – a mental health provision based across three sites in Islington responding to the mental health needs of Islington residents.

You will be assisting service users who experience mental distress in group settings.

We ask for a commitment of at least 1 day a week 10:15am – 4:00pm for a full year (+ about 2-3 months for DBS check and induction), though there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer more than one day a week.

If this sounds interesting and suitable to you, please complete the MHRP volunteer application form and return with your CV, indicating why are you interested in volunteering for Islington Mind, if there is anything specific that you would like to do in your volunteering placement – e.g. facilitate activities, support our open access drop-in sessions, support service users with completing forms, accompany service users to appointments etc, and your availability – e.g. one or more days a week and which days of the week you are available.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Volunteer Opportunity: Graphic Designer

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Flexible / Remote

Commitment: Volunteer Creative Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a creative and committed Graphic Designer to join our volunteer team. This role is central to shaping the visual identity of Ranger Cadets, producing designs that inspire pride, belonging, and community impact.

As a Graphic Designer, you will:

• Create badges for cadet uniforms that embody dignity and achievement.

• Design posters, flyers, and social media posts to promote Ranger Cadets.

• Develop infographics and motion graphics to communicate our mission and programmes.

• Produce print and digital assets that expand our reach and strengthen our brand.

• Collaborate with leadership and volunteers to ensure designs are accurate, vibrant, and emotionally resonant.

Who We’re Looking For

• A creative individual with experience in graphic design (professional or volunteer).

• Strong skills in digital design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar).

• Ability to adapt designs for print, digital, and social media platforms.

• Passion for youth empowerment, community impact, and visual storytelling.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape the ceremonial and visual identity of a national youth organisation.

• A portfolio of impactful designs that inspire pride and belonging.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through creative work that supports young people.

How to Apply

If you are ready to use your creativity to empower young people and help Ranger Cadets grow, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

This is a befriending role to visit a 75-year-old die hard Watford FC fan in Borehamwood. He is looking for a man to join him at home for a cup of tea, to watch Final Score with him, and in time perhaps take him in his wheelchair to feed the ducks nearby or to Church on a Sunday.

His mobility and verbal communication are limited, so patience and a loud, clear voice are key. It may take some time to get to know one another, but soon enough you’ll find you can get an enthusiastic thumbs up for football talk and maybe even a cheeky grin if you make an impressive joke!

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This will start as a Stop and Stay visit role, meaning that the person you’ll be visiting might have some verbal communication skills or they use sounds and/or facial/body expressions to communicate with you.  The person you visit might choose to take part in simple activities or watch you doing the activities.  Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around half an hour to an hour long.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

- Sitting and having a chat

- Checking in on their well- being

- A craft activity at home

- Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

- Friendly and approachable

- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

- Reliable and patient

- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit

- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training

- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed

- Meet new people

- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes on our website.

As the Team Leader you are responsible for the proper and effective direction of your local group. This role will appeal to someone with enthusiasm and energy who will enjoy managing a team of diverse volunteers. Ideally, the Team Leader will remain in this role for at least two years.

How we will support you

You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies, and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional forums and annual conference which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

What you will be doing

● Leading the Management Team in setting goals and planning activities so that it functions effectively in delivering reading coaching to as many local people as possible.

● Encouraging and supporting Team members to fulfil and enjoy their roles, and managing succession planning for the group.

● Leading meetings and setting agendas.

● Ensuring that tasks are delegated and effectively completed so that all on the Management Team are able to contribute to the success of Read Easy locally.

● Ensuring that the requirements of your Constitution and Affiliation Agreement are met, and that the guidance in the handbooks provided by Read Easy UK is followed.

● Acting as an ambassador for your Read Easy group and building positive and beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.

● Building strong relationships with your Read Easy UK Regional Adviser.

● Maintaining and promoting the reputation of your group and of Read Easy UK as a whole and ensuring that members of the group uphold Read Easy UK’s values

The skills you need

● Strong leadership and team management skills and experience, with ability to motivate and inspire trust and confidence in others.

● An ability to think and act strategically, set goals, plan work and delegate.

● A willingness and ability to challenge others, deal with underperformance and manage conflict when necessary.

● Reasonable confidence in using IT.

● The ability to use initiative and work independently.

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.

● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of four to five hours a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you?

● Use your knowledge and skills to lead a team to support Reader achievement

● Meet and work collaboratively with new people

● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

What's in it for you

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