Volunteer roles in west sussex

At a glance

Join our team of amazing volunteers and help us at various fundraising collections, special events and sporting challenge events throughout the year.

What will I do?

Roles vary depending on the event. You may be involved with: 

• Collecting donations with our collection buckets
• Manning a charity stand at an event
• Cheering on our challenge event participants at a race
• Marshalling a race route
• Welcoming guests at events
• Selling raffle tickets
• Offering general information about the charity and our services to the public
• Speaking at events, collection cheques
• Being a friendly face to represent the charity!

Time commitment

No minimum commitment is required but we would be grateful if you could attend at least three events a year. You will be emailed when opportunities come up to then discuss availability.

Location

The majority of events take place in the Borough of Bromley but we also have some events in south London and Kent.

What will I gain?

• Experience of supporting charity events (all proceeds come to The Maypole Project)
• Become part of a friendly staff and volunteer team at The Maypole Project

What skills will I need?

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Enthusiasm 
• Reliability & Punctuality

*We always welcome specialist skills, so please do let us know if you are confident with any of the following/or anything you think may be of use (facepainting, balloon modelling, public speaking etc.)

About The Maypole Project

The Maypole Project provides a lifeline of support for children with complex and life threatening illnesses and their whole family; aiming to relieve and help preserve the mental and physical well-being of children and young people who have complex medical needs. We provide a range of support services to all members of the family from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

At a glance

Raise awareness and promote the work of The Maypole Project by attending local events and giving talks about the charity’s work.

What will I do?

• Deliver talks and presentations to local organisations and community groups e.g. WI, Round Table, Rotary, schools, multi-faith groups etc.
• Attend cheque presentations and officially thank donors for their support.
• Keep up to date with current work and projects at The Maypole Project.
• Encourage individuals, local organisations and groups to fundraise and/or volunteer on behalf of The Maypole Project.
• Co-ordinate information stands at local events on behalf of The Maypole Project, providing information on the charity’s work.
• Distribute leaflets and posters for local organisations and businesses to display.
• Full training will be given in this role and all materials, posters, leaflets etc. will be provided .

Time commitment

Specific times will be agreed depending on the volunteer’s availability. A willingness to work unsociable hours e.g. morning assemblies, early evening meetings and weekends would be appreciated.

Responsible to

Fundraising Manager      

Location

Out and about in your local community and surrounding area in South London and Kent.

What will I gain?

• Opportunity to meet a variety of new people
• Experience of marketing and fundraising in the charity sector
• Satisfaction from supporting our work with families with children with complex medical needs 
• Become part of a friendly staff and volunteer team at The Maypole Project

What skills will I need?

• A good communicator with an interest/experience in speaking to an audience
• Sociable, adaptable and reliable
• Confident in using IT/PowerPoint to demonstrate our services
• Enthusiastic and positive in your support of the work of The Maypole Project
• Able to use your own initiative and work in an independent and proactive manner
• Able to travel to different events and locations at different times 

About The Maypole Project

The Maypole Project provides a lifeline of support for children with complex medical needs and their whole family. We provide a range of support services to all members of the family from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Good Vibrations is a national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

We have an outstanding track record, with the impact of our work evidenced through nine independent pieces of academic research, including by Cambridge University and the University of London.

We are a Registered UK Learning Provider and OCNL Qualification Centre and hold National High Secure Prison Effective Intervention Status.

We are looking for new people to join our Board of Trustees as two members are reaching the end of their tenure. This is a very rewarding voluntary position with an ambitious charity.

We are looking for people with experience of one (or more) of the following areas:

• Lived experience of challenging circumstances / complex needs
• The arts / music in particular
• Fundraising
• Law
• The Criminal Justice System
• Business development
• Financial management
• Strategy

In particular we are looking for a treasurer to help provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. As a trustee, the Treasurer will work closely with the Board, CEO, Head of Delivery, and any finance-related professional advisors to support decision-making and financial planning. 

This is a voluntary governance role for which your travel expenses would be covered. Trustees are asked to commit to attending 4 meetings (in the evenings) and 1 strategic development day a year. They are also asked for help by sharing their skills on developmental projects. We are particularly interested in people who have experienced the issues participants of our courses have experienced.

To see who is already on our Board, visit Our Board of Trustees on our website's about us section.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to expand our existing Trustee Board, to bring their experience and fresh, innovative and realistic ideas to the charity.

To apply click below and please include a CV and cover letter.

The Whiteley Homes Trust owns and manages Whiteley Village near Walton on Thames, where we have been supporting older people in need for over a century. Our charity offers outstanding accommodation and care to around 400 older people, most of whom are beneficiaries and unable to buy or rent their own homes on the open market. We are proud to be one of the oldest charities in Surrey, and our Patron was the former Prince of Wales.

Our Clubhouse Community Café volunteers help us to add extra value to the service we offer. This role provides opportunities to make a direct impact on reducing social isolation, promoting inclusivity, creating awareness and helping local people who may not be able to afford food. 

Main Role:

Customer Service:

• Greet customers and take their orders.
• Serve food, beverages and alcohol promptly and courteously.
• Handle customer inquiries and resolve any issues.

Food Preparation:

• Assist in the preparation of food and drinks.
• Follow recipes and presentation standards.
• Hygiene and Cleanliness:
• Maintain cleanliness of the café, including tables, counters, and kitchen areas.
• Wash dishes and utensils.
• Adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations.

Cash Handling:

• Operate the cash register and handle transactions.
• Balance the till at the end of the shift.

Stock Management:

• Monitor stock levels and replenish supplies as needed.
• Assist with inventory checks.

We are looking for people who:

• Share our passion for community service
• Are friendly, approachable and like to work with the public
• Want to learn more about our work and share their enthusiasm with others

Meet and Greet Host

Dyscover offers long term support to people with aphasia, a communication problem which can occur after a stroke or brain injury.

Our Group Host welcomes our members and their carer as they arrive to our Kingston support group:

• Providing refreshments before the session and during breaks

• Helping to set up and tidy away

• Attending occasional meetings/training sessions relating to the role as required

Do you have…

• A personable and friendly manner

• Good communication skills

• Availability on a Tuesday morning

• The ability to make a real difference to a small local charity

We will provide…

• Training, support and induction to your role

• The chance to meet new people, make new friends and work as a team

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? The Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU) is seeking two dedicated Lay Trustees to join our esteemed Board of Trustees. This is a unique chance to contribute to the strategic direction of a dynamic, student-led charity based in the picturesque setting of Cornwall.

Why Become a Lay Trustee?

As a Lay Trustee, you will have the rewarding experience of shaping the future of our organisation and enhancing the student experience. This role offers the chance to:

- Make a Lasting Impact: Influence key decisions and policies that directly affect students’ lives.

- Mentorship Opportunities: Guide and support President and Student Trustees, fostering a culture of student leadership.

- Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, and charity operations.

- Networking: Collaborate with a diverse board, including recent graduates and current students, in a vibrant and evolving sector.

Role Overview:

Lay Trustees play a crucial role in supporting the strategic direction of The SU. You will be involved in finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan and the quintennial review of our Constitution. This is a voluntary, unpaid role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities:

- Ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and governing documents.

- Contribute to the development and monitoring of the organisation’s strategy.

- Safeguard the financial stability and assets of The SU.

- Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings.

- Provide mentorship to President and Student Trustees.

Skills and Experience:

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

- Finance

- Higher Education

- Human Resources

- Charity or Employment Law

Essential Attributes:

- Commitment to The SU’s mission and values.

- Strategic vision and independent judgement.

- Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively.

- Understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship.

Commitment:

- Four Board meetings per year (online).

- Additional sub-committee meetings (online).

- One or two in-person events in Cornwall annually (expenses paid).

How to Apply:

Submit your CV, a covering letter, and the completed Person Details form and Skills Audit spreadsheet: by 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will be conducted online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, with an additional slot on Thursday 22 May if needed.

Join us in creating a world-class student experience. Apply today and help shape the future of The SU!

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

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.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees.  We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:

· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work

· Developing our campaigning and strategic work

· Building up our social media and comms presence

· Stepping up our fundraising game

If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

Dreams Come True – Chair of Board of Trustees

Terms: This is a voluntary role and is therefore unremunerated

Length of tenure: The Chair’s tenure is for an initial period of three years.

Dreams Come True, a national charity which creates life-enhancing and life-changing experiences for children with serious and life-limiting conditions and who live in social deprivation, is seeking a new Chair for their board of trustees.

For over 30 years, Dreams Come True has been transforming lives through their unique mission and dream programme, bringing joy and lasting impact to thousands of children every year from the UK’s most socially deprived areas who have serious illnesses, life-limiting conditions or disabilities.

The charity helps to transform individual and community dreams into reality, and is committed to scaling up their work by forging new partnerships, innovating their fundraising approaches and enhancing the dream programmes to ensure that every dream granted has a lasting and transformative impact. They are now seeking a new Chair to help lead them into the next chapter of this journey to broaden reach and impact.

This is an opportunity for a compassionate and visionary individual with proven leadership skills and the ability to guide the board and executive team in achieving strategic objectives.  The ideal candidate will have significant experience on a charity board, either as a Chair or as a trustee, with a personal empathy to the mission of Dreams Come True. They will also bring strategic oversight and governance expertise, and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and well-established networks would be highly desirable. A solid understanding of finances, particularly within the charity sector, to support sustainability and growth will be essential, alongside strong diplomacy, interpersonal and negotiation skills. They will also need to understand the challenges and opportunities of a growing charity.

The new Chair will work closely with the CEO and a talented and committed board of trustees to ensure the charity continues to deliver life-changing dreams, builds on their successes and looks to the future with ambition and optimism.

Please click through to access and download our Candidate Pack for more information [PDF] including application details.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 31st March, 9am GMT.
 

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 

This is a dynamic and evolving charity with a high profile locally. We anticipate continuing to evolve rapidly and therefore the contribution of individual trustees in shaping our next phase is key. Every new idea can make a difference.

What will you be doing?

The trustees' role is to provide guidance, governance and strategic direction. We have small paid staff (including a full-time CEO) who co-ordinate a large cohort (~150) of volunteers.

The commitment for a trustee is 6 meetings (early evening) per year plus an annual away-day. Periodically trustees will also be needed for other duties - eg interviewing potential employees.

Our funding comes from a variety of sources: local council, National Lottery and other major funders as well as many local people and businesses.

We our looking to boost our Trustee capacity with a need for both "general" trustees and in particular people with financial knowledge able in due course to take on the role of treasurer. Other specific skills desired are: HR, knowledge/experience in the homeless sector, property management.

Whilst we welcome people of all faiths and none, the charity has its roots in local Christian churches and we particularly welcome interest from people active in their local churches.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to add more than one trustee. 

We are particularly interested in people with: financial expertise, experience in the homelessness sector, experience in property management, HR. 

However what is needed above all is people with vision and commitment to what we do as an organisation and a lack of experience in those areas is not a bar to application.

Though we welcome people of all faiths and none as users of our service, the organisation has its roots in local Christian churches and we especially welcome expressions of interest from people active in their local church.

What difference will you make?

This is a small charity which has grown quickly from a traditional volunteer-only, seasonal night shelter, to something much bigger.

It's clear that what we do makes a huge difference to our guests and everything the trustees do is built around doing what will best benefit them.

We anticipate continuing to evolve rapidly and therefore the contribution of individual trustees in shaping our next phase is key. Every new idea can make a difference.

A Little About Us!
Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.

Why we need you!
Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!

Responsibilities:

Actively contribute to the development and implementation of HR strategy in collaboration with the Chief People Officer, ensuring alignment with the charity’s mission and organisational goals.

Design and implement people-centric solutions to address key HR challenges, driving both strategic initiatives and practical, operational results.

Lead the development and execution of HR policies, ensuring they are in line with the organisation's objectives and reflect best practices in a volunteer-driven environment.

Manage and mentor a team of HR Managers and HR Business Partners, fostering their growth and ensuring they meet key deliverables.

Provide both high-level strategic support and hands-on, operational assistance when required, including driving recruitment, retention, L&D and engagement initiatives.

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief People Officer, offering strategic insights and designing solutions to resolve HR challenges and enhance organisational effectiveness.

Act as a key liaison between management and volunteers, addressing inquiries, escalating issues, and resolving work-related concerns with a solution-focused approach.

Produce and present insightful reports, surveys, and analytics to C-level Executives, delivering key HR metrics and analysis to inform decision-making.

The Head of HR reports directly to the Chief People Officer, working closely to set HR strategies, design solutions, and ensure the effective delivery of people initiatives across the charity.

You will have:

• At least 3 years' experience in an HR managerial position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Though we do not require you to be a native English speaker, you must be Fluent in English.
• Ability to work within organisational targets.
• IT Literacy, including Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• An understanding of HR-related processes and legislation.
• A CIPD qualification would be advantageous but is not essential depending on relevant experience.

Benefits:

• This is a UK based, 100% Fully remote and flexible role
• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

What we offer!
Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

Job Title: Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser
Reporting to: Operational Director
Hours: 4 to 6 hours per week (we can be flexible and work with your schedule)

Willowbrook Farm Charity

Willowbrook Farm Charity exists to create nurturing educational and cultural spaces in the Oxfordshire countryside that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to communities who have been historically underrepresented in rural environments — including people from racialised backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and young people with diverse learning needs.

In partnership with Willowbrook Farm (www  willowbrookfarm  co  uk), where we host our activities, we aim to build a nationally recognised centre of excellence that supports personal growth, wellbeing, and connection with nature. Through hands-on learning, community building, and cultural exchange, we empower individuals and groups to explore sustainable living, ethical land stewardship, and the transformative potential of nature-based education.

Our Values

Community
We foster a culture of care, connection, and belonging. We create space for people to come together in joy, learning, and mutual support, building relationships rooted in respect and shared purpose.

Stewardship
We honour the land as a living system and recognise that the wellbeing of people and nature are deeply interconnected. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of ethical and responsible stewards — who care for the earth, each other, and future generations.

Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to removing barriers so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities can access and participate fully in experiences of farming, countryside living, and sustainability. We celebrate diversity and work to create welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive.

Connection with Nature
We centre our actions on a deep respect for the natural world. We believe in restoring and nurturing the bond between humans and nature, creating a place where both can flourish in harmony.

Job description

We are thrilled to welcome a Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser to support our Operational Director at a pivotal time for our charity.

After a challenging period of inactivity due to the impacts of Covid, we are excited to embark on a new chapter, as we are ready to restart our activities in 2025 and to develop our projects and create a positive impact in our community.

This is a unique opportunity for those eager to be part of a project evolving from its early stages to the launch of new initiatives. The volunteer will have ample opportunity to grow with the charity.

We are looking for a passionate and articulate Fundraiser with experience in focusing on Trusts & Foundations.

What this position entails

Will be working and managing a team of three fundraising assistant volunteers who will also support our charity with Social Media activities. We are looking to recruit a talented and driven individual to join us and help to develop our Trust and Foundations fundraising programme as we are walking towards restarting our activities this year.

The key focus of the role is:

· Work towards developing a warm portfolio of donors, including large multi-year funders, seeking to extend their support wherever possible through close relationship fundraising.

· Researching, exploring and securing new business opportunities.

Main areas of responsibility:

·  Work closely with the Operational Director, Volunteer Marketing Manager and Volunteer Fundraising and Admin Assistants to develop innovative and persuasive proposals aimed at acquiring new partnerships and supporters.

· Thank funders promptly and ensure that regular progress reports and updates are received by supporters as and when required.

· Develop creative and exciting stewardship plans to enhance the long-term relationship between Willowbrook Farm Charity and our funders.

· Work on the fundraising cycle to identify new prospects securing new income.

· Identify new potential funders and match them to WBFC work.

· Prepare and submit high-quality funding proposals and budgets in accordance with timetables and application criteria.

· Maintain accurate records, analysis and reporting of new business secured.

What do you need to become our Fundraising Coordinator?

Essential:

This role would suit a candidate with a good understanding of the charity sector and

proven success in fundraising from trusts and foundations, along with a superb ability to write with flair and creativity, as well as the verbal presentation skills to match. We are looking for a motivated team player to join our exciting and new team of volunteers. If you are seeking personal development and the opportunity to take the next step in your trust fundraising career, this could be the role for you.

By getting involved you will gain:

· This is an excellent opportunity for professionals eager to utilise their talents to address community needs and contribute to reducing inequality.

· Additionally, this is an excellent starting point for those wanting to progress in their fundraising career and see projects developing from early stages.

Location: Fully Remote. But we welcome those who wish to come and visit the farm at least once to understand more about us.

Commitment:

The estimated time needed is 4 to 6 hours a week, and we welcome those volunteers who can offer more, although it is not a requirement for the role. We can be flexible and work with you to find hours that fit ours and your schedule - all help is much appreciated!

As a volunteer-led charity, we prioritise volunteers who want to become part of our team of volunteers rather than those looking for a temporary assignment. Therefore, we won’t accept applications from volunteers who cannot commit to at least 5-6 months with us.

How to apply:

Please send your CV and cover letter demonstrating your relevant experience and why you would like to get involved with our charity. 

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Interviews will be scheduled as the applications come in.

If we find some great candidates, we may close the vacancy earlier than the application deadline mentioned. So don't delay - apply today!