127 Volunteer roles

Volunteer Gym Buddy

 About the Role

As a Volunteer Gym Buddy, you will support people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities to attend and enjoy gym sessions. You will provide encouragement, help build confidence, and support people to achieve their fitness goals.

No gym expertise is required – just a positive attitude and a willingness to support others.

 The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help people to:

• Improve their health and wellbeing.
• Build confidence and independence.
• Access fitness opportunities in their community.
• Achieve personal goals in a supportive environment.

 What You Will Do

• Attend gym sessions with the person you support.
• Provide encouragement and motivation.
• Help people feel comfortable and confident in the gym.
• Promote independence and choice.
• Follow SeeAbility's safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Report any concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly and reliable.
• Patient and supportive.
• Good communicators.
• Enthusiastic about helping others.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Experience of autism, sight loss, or learning disabilities is helpful but not essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Complete volunteer training and induction.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and procedures.

Interested?

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

Volunteer Cook

 About the Role

We are looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Cooks to support people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss by helping to prepare and cook nutritious, enjoyable meals. This rewarding role provides an opportunity to share your passion for food, encourage independence, and help create positive social experiences through cooking and shared mealtimes.

 The Difference You Will Make

As a Volunteer Cook, you will help people develop practical cooking skills, build confidence, and enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals. Your support can promote independence, social inclusion, and wellbeing while creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, and enjoy new experiences.

 What You Will Do

• Support people to prepare and cook simple meals and snacks.
• Encourage participation in food preparation and kitchen activities.
• Promote safe food handling and good kitchen hygiene practices.
• Assist with meal planning and shopping lists where appropriate.
• Help create a welcoming and enjoyable cooking environment.
• Support individuals to develop confidence and independence in the kitchen.
• Work alongside staff to ensure activities are safe, enjoyable, and inclusive.
• Assist with clearing up and maintaining a clean kitchen area after sessions.

 What We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. You do not need to be a professional chef—just someone who enjoys cooking and supporting others.

We are looking for people who are:

• Friendly, patient, and reliable.
• Passionate about cooking and healthy eating.
• Good communicators and supportive team players.
• Respectful of diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiastic about helping people learn new skills.
• Able to encourage and motivate others in a positive way.

 Requirements

Successful volunteers will be required to:

• Complete an enhanced DBS check.
• Provide two satisfactory references.
• Complete some online training
• Follow SeeAbility's policies and procedures, including safeguarding, food hygiene, and health and safety requirements.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a specialist charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious lives. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals, develop independence, and be part of their community.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us provide meaningful opportunities, develop life skills, and support the people we work with to achieve their aspirations.

Arts and Crafts Volunteer

About the Role

We are looking for enthusiastic and creative Arts and Crafts Volunteers to support people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to take part in enjoyable and meaningful arts and crafts activities. This rewarding role provides an opportunity to share your creativity, build confidence in others, and help create a fun and inclusive environment where everyone can express themselves.

The Difference You Will Make

As an Arts and Crafts Volunteer, you will help people develop new skills, express their creativity, increase their confidence, and build social connections. Your support can make a significant difference by reducing isolation, encouraging participation, and helping individuals achieve their personal goals while having fun.

 What You Will Do

• Support and encourage people to participate in arts and crafts activities.
• Help set up and tidy away materials and equipment.
• Assist individuals to complete creative projects at their own pace.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and positive atmosphere.
• Encourage social interaction and conversation during sessions.
• Support staff to ensure activities are safe and enjoyable.
• Share ideas for new arts and crafts activities where appropriate.

 What We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. You do not need to be an artist or have professional experience—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help others.

We are looking for people who are:

• Friendly, patient, and reliable.
• Creative and enthusiastic about arts and crafts.
• Good listeners with effective communication skills.
• Respectful of diversity and inclusion.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Passionate about helping people achieve their potential.

Requirements

Successful volunteers will be required to:

• Complete an enhanced DBS check.
• Provide two satisfactory references.
• Complete some online training
• Follow SeeAbility's policies and procedures, including safeguarding and health and safety requirements.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a specialist charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious lives. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals, develop independence, and be part of their community.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us deliver meaningful opportunities and experiences for the people we support.

Are you a big football fan who enjoys playing football as well as watching it?

We are looking for volunteer football enthusiasts to both play football and enjoy talking all things football with someone with learning disabilities and or autism.  As a volunteer you will need to be able to volunteer for a couple of hours each week.

What does the role involve?

Our football volunteers will enjoy spending time having a kick about, perhaps watching a game on TV and perhaps having a post-match discussion. Trips to watch the odd live game would also be an enjoyable experience for the people we support.

Skills required: -

• To be kind, empathetic and friendly

• To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

• Good communication skills

• Positive & supporting attitude

• To be punctual and reliable

• Commitment to inclusion

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

• Becoming one of our football volunteers will provide opportunities for those we support to increase their confidence, boost their mood and keep fit. 

• Training and ongoing support from SeeAbility staff.

• The chance to develop new skills in accessible communication and inclusive practice.

• Being part of a warm, welcoming community that values every individual.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.

• This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. Being a football volunteer is a great way to get out and about, exercise, and help others

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Volunteer: Reading Volunteer

Hours: Flexible, as agreed

Do you love getting lost in a good book? Are you patient, kind, and passionate about helping others enjoy stories and conversation? Join us as a Reading Volunteer at SeeAbility and help make reading fun, inclusive, and meaningful for people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss.

What You Will Be Doing

As a Reading Volunteer, you will spend time reading with and supporting people we support to enjoy books, stories, magazines, poetry, and conversation. This could include:

• Reading aloud in a relaxed and friendly way
• Supporting people to choose books and topics they enjoy
• Encouraging communication, confidence, and imagination
• Sharing laughter, conversation, and meaningful one-to-one time
• Helping create a calm and enjoyable reading experience

Whether it’s a favourite childhood story, an audiobook, or discovering something new together, your time will help bring books to life.

The Difference You Will Make

For many people we support, reading and shared storytelling can reduce isolation, build confidence, improve communication, and create joyful moments of connection.

Your support could help someone:

• Feel more included and valued
• Develop confidence and social skills
• Discover new interests and experiences
• Enjoy companionship and meaningful interaction
• Experience the comfort and fun that stories can bring

Sometimes, simply having someone patient and understanding to spend time with can make a huge difference.

Skills Required

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, patient, and reliable
• Empathic, understanding, and encouraging
• Passionate about books, stories, and conversation
• Good listeners with a positive attitude
• Comfortable supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss

No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, kindness, and a love of reading.

Requirements

• Complete a DBS check
• Provide references
• Complete online training provided by SeeAbility

We will support you throughout the process.

The Benefits of Volunteering

• Gaining valuable experience and skills
• Meeting new people and becoming part of a supportive team
• Making a genuine difference in someone’s life
• Building confidence and communication skills
• Sharing your love of books and storytelling
• Receiving training and ongoing support
• We cover travel expenses up to 20 miles

Maintenance Volunteer

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

 The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

 What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Carry out basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and reliable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

 Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.

Interested?

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

By volunteering with SeeAbility, you can help create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

 The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

 What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Carry out basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and reliable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.
• Applicants must live near the volunteering location.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. In 2024 we  celebrated our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

It’s easy to forget how long a week can feel when you’re on your own. Could you spare an hour to brighten an older person’s day? Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale is looking for friendly volunteers to offer companionship to people who may spend long periods alone with little or no social contact.

A weekly visit or phone call can lift someone’s mood, ease isolation, and give them something positive to look forward to. You don’t need any experience — just kindness, good listening skills, and a genuine enjoyment of chatting.

What the older person gains

• Feeling less alone and more connected

• A boost to mood, confidence and wellbeing

• Friendly reassurance from someone they trust

What you gain

• The chance to make a real difference

• Warm, meaningful connections

• A flexible role that fits around life

• The feel‑good impact of helping someone feel less isolated

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are seeking Volunteer Drivers, to provide transport in their own vehicle, bringing Friends (people who use our services) to and returning them home from an Archway supportive social group. Occasionally we organise Archway Fundraising activities or events where may be asked to provide transport to an Archway Fundraising activity or event.  Some Archway Friends (people who use our services) are unable to attend a supportive social group independently, mainly due to physical barriers to public transport. Transport delivered by volunteers enables Friends to access the supportive social group, in turn alleviating loneliness. The groups may be the only opportunity for Friends to meet with others. Each Friend is invited to one group per month either in Oxford or Abingdon so transport volunteers usually offer one trip per month or more if they like.

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Exciting New Face to Face Befriending Connections Service, Community Outreach across East Sussex; From isolation to participation – be the link.  Do you have a couple of hours a week to make a real difference? We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to support older people to reconnect with their community and reduce loneliness. Just a few hours can change someone’s week — and yours. Get in touch to Volunteer today.

Apply By: 12th July 2026, Free Training & Induction: 15th July 2026

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of up to 12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy programme for a minimum of 6 months.
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• DBS check
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here to receive the application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our befriending volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us-, Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Our Big Buddies support young people, aged 10-18, for a few hours each week over a period of up to 12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths and build confidence.

Support may look like:

• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear 
• Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!

Essential Criteria:

• Can commit to the Big Buddies programme for a minimum of 6 months
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Full DBS check
• Support and supervision
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us by contacting us here for an online application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Come and make a difference to some young people who really need your input.

Go Beyond are a national UK charity giving children who have been bereaved, abused or bullied, who are living in poverty or caring for loved ones the chance to escape their worries and pressures through free breaks in the countryside. We need volunteers to help us deliver fun, creative and adventurous activities throughout the year.

Go Beyond’s centres in Essex, the Cornish coastline, and on the edge of the Peak District are where vulnerable young people facing various challenges in their life come for a week of freedom and fun. Running Monday-Friday throughout the year, our breaks give children and young people the chance for time away from the worries of their everyday life, to make friends, try new things, build confidence, and ultimately go home inspired by what the world can offer them and what they, in turn, can offer the world.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As a breaks volunteer, you will be part of a team, including trained Break Leaders, and will support by being an extra pair of eyes and ears, and a helping hand where needed. You will spend time with the young people attending Go Beyond and help ensure they have a positive week full of experiences and memories that will last a lifetime!

Full training and support will be given throughout. We have a wide variety of volunteer roles available and key responsibilities can include:

• Helping the Break Leaders with day-to-day tasks, such as setting up activities and keeping the centre tidy
• Assisting at mealtimes with preparing, serving, and cleaning
• Leading planned activities based on your skills with support from Break Leaders (such as baking, sports games, gardening, arts and crafts etc.)
• Capturing photos of special moments for the young people (using Go Beyond cameras only)
• Accompanying our driver to collect or drop off groups and supervise behaviour on the buses
• To be a positive role model and lead by example at all times
• To be encouraging and supportive to the young people and take an interest in each child
• To take part in the activities alongside the young people
• To be aware of boundaries and know when it is important to enforce these
• To inform the Break Leaders of any issues or concerns you have relating to the young people or the break experience
• To contribute to personalised messages which the young people receive in their goody bags as a lasting memory of their Go Beyond break
• To read, sign and ensure Safeguarding and Health and Safety Policies and Reporting Procedures are followed, and contribute to Go Beyond Hazard Analysis Critical Control Principles, Risk Assessment and Quality Assurance processes.

Qualities & Skills

• Enthusiasm and a willingness to help
• Good communication skills and a positive, friendly attitude
• Non-judgemental and approachable
• Experience of working with young people
• Willingness to work flexibly, adapting tasks to suit the needs of the group
• Ability to work well as part of a team in a busy, fast-paced environment

What you can gain from volunteering with Go Beyond

• Gain new skills and experience in a professional environment
• Training and personal development opportunities
• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference, just like you
• We will happily provide a reference for volunteers who complete training and reach the agreed number of volunteer hours
• Have a rewarding experience making a difference to children living in desperately difficult circumstances across the UK

Time commitment

A break will run Monday to Friday, various weeks throughout the year

Application process

• Complete the application form online 
• Two successful references will be required
• A successful DBS check would need to be completed (we pay, but you will need to prove your ID at the Post Office, which costs £12)
• A 30 minute online induction session
• Discussion of which break, where and when.