Volunteer volunteer roles in South east

"Hosting breaks down barriers and helps you realise how similar everyone is."  

Do you have a spare room in your home?

We are looking for people with a spare room who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand to a refugee or person seeking asylum as they plan their next steps in the UK. Hosting is only ever temporary and you decide how long you are willing to host for; it can vary from a few nights to several months and anything in between. 

Who can be a host?

Anyone with a spare room, or even a sofa bed, that is well connected and has good public transport systems can apply to host. This enables guests to travel to college, school, support groups or jobs, and retain their independence.

All hosts will need to complete an application form, provide two references and have a home visit. 

Support available

We carefully assess each guest and host, match according to preferences, advise on hosting arrangements and preparations, and provide ongoing support to hosts throughout the placement. We stay in contact with you when you have a guest staying with you, and someone from the team is available seven days a week if you have any questions or problems.

We will discuss with you any preferences, such as if you would prefer not to host someone who has not been vaccinated against covid, or who smokes. This will be recorded on your profile on our database so that our whole Placement Team can access this and match you with a guest who fits your circumstances.

All guests, hosts and households are different. Some hosts share meals and do activities with guests; others just give guests a key, show them round and get on with their busy lives. Our team are available to support you through every stage of the process.

Why is hosting needed?

Refugees and people seeking asylum are fleeing war or persecution in their own countries. But many who come to the UK in search of safety find themselves facing homelessness and destitution. They may be without statutory support for long periods, or need some additional help to build new lives.

Hosting is such a practical way to support refugees and it sends a powerful message of welcome, that the UK is in fact kind and compassionate to those who are trying to rebuild their lives here.

Don't have a spare room?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who does. Consider speaking to them about hosting.

"There are so few times you can do something practical to help. Hosting refugees felt like a practical thing to do."

Refugees at Home is the UK’s largest independent hosting charity, connecting those with a spare room in their home to refugees and people seeking asylum in need of somewhere to stay. Our vision is for every refugee and every person seeking asylum to have a safe place to stay. 

Many of our guests come to us on the verge of homelessness – some have already spent time sleeping on the streets. Since starting in 2016, we have supported over 7,500 guests into hosting, but the need is not going away.

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. 

Are you an experienced eBay seller? We are looking for volunteers skilled in online selling and photography to help turn donations into funds. You will have fun, contribute to making our eBay business a big success, and enable us to help more animals!

Overview of the role

This is an excellent opportunity if you are interested in collectables, researching unusual items, and love photographing objects making them look their best! The time you dedicate will ensure that we make more funds from the sale of donated items.

Our shops play an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch, so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. This role is based in our Chesham shop which sells a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items.

What you will be doing 

• Researching and listing the items for sale in our dedicated eBay store.

• A picture is worth 1,000 words so ensuring that attractive photographs are taken to boost eBay sales.

• Writing detailed and accurate descriptions of items.

• Responding in a timely and professional manner to any enquiries received from potential buyers. 

• Monitoring our eBay listings and account to keep them up to date. 

• Packaging items appropriately before taking them to the local post office and posting to the buyer. Parcels are small to medium sized.

• Maintaining accurate records of listed and sold items.

What we are looking for in a volunteer eCommerce Assistant

• Ideally, you would have experience in selling items on eBay or other online selling sites.

• Can create attractive and accurate listings for a wide variety of items. 

• IT literacy and ability to use our laptop is required, as is the ability to use a mobile phone (provided) to take and upload clear photographs. 

• Capable of researching the origin and value of items using a variety of sources. 

• Reliability and an ongoing commitment are required.  Someone who can offer approximately 2 hours on their chosen day(s).  The shops are open Mon-Sat, between 9.30am-5pm and the role can be carried out at any time during opening hours.  We are happy to divide the role between several volunteers. 

• Capable of working with minimal supervision, once fully trained. 

• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.

• This role is subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Services) to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. 

• Must be able to complete online induction training. You will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. 

 What we can offer you as a volunteer eCommerce Assistant

• Satisfaction of knowing that the extra funds you help to raise, will make a huge difference to the welfare of animals in your area.

• Meet new people and make new friends by being part of our friendly team.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

Our volunteer roles are subject to an informal interview, two references, completion of training and a trial period. 

Use your interest in tech to support independence. Sight Support Worthing (SSW) is looking for Tech Support Volunteers to help blind and partially sighted people get the most from their devices. Whether it’s setting up accessibility features, troubleshooting an app, or installing a smart speaker, your support can make everyday tasks easier and more empowering.

This is a great opportunity to build experience in assistive technology or charity work while making a meaningful difference in the community.

Role: Tech Support Volunteer

Reporting to: Tech Advisors

Hours/Days: To be agreed

Location: Sight Support Worthing, Rowlands Road, and home visits (company vehicle available if required).

Role Description

Tech Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to clients with their phones, tablets, computers, and other devices. Support may take place during tech drop-in sessions at our centre or via pre-arranged home visits for those unable to travel or using non-portable devices. The hours and time commitments are flexible depending on your availability, but we require volunteers to commit to a minimum of 3 sessions of 1 hour per month.

Full training and equipment are provided, and reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What You Will Be Doing

• Giving basic advice and support at tech support drop-in sessions
• Visiting clients at their homes
• Advising on assistive devices, apps, and accessibility features
• Troubleshooting basic issues with devices or connectivity
• Setting up smart speakers and other simple devices

Skills & Qualities

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, patient, and enthusiastic
• Flexible and willing to adapt to individual needs
• Confident communicating in ways tailored to each client

Technical Skills

• Good general knowledge of phones, tablets, or computers
• Willingness to learn new apps and devices
• Interest in accessibility and inclusive technology

Desirable (not essential):

• Experience working with people with a visual impairment or sensory impairment
• Personal or professional experience with assistive technology

What You’ll Gain

• Training in assistive technology, safeguarding, and first aid
• Practical experience to strengthen your CV
• The opportunity to be part of a supportive and community-focused charity
• Invitations to volunteer and charity social events
• A reference for future employment

Think this could be the role for you? Join our friendly team of volunteers and help make a difference for people affected by sight loss in our community. 

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling. 

We are looking for 3 experienced creative content writers who will enjoy planning, updating and delivering the content for our website, members magazine as well as other digital and print materials. We are looking for 3 skilled professionals who can write compelling and persuasive content, who will help ensure a consistent tone across all our digital and printed communications to promote awareness and engagement.

We deal with a wide range of people and professions, which means that it can be difficult to consistently communicate with everyone effectively. Therefore, a communication and marketing volunteer will help to market our projects, services and the condition more widely than we are currently able to do. This includes creating and helping to distribute marketing materials, creating content for the Burning Nights CRPS Support website and helping us create and develop a communications and marketing strategy.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Copywriting: Create well-written and compelling copy for use on our website, members magazine, leaflets, one-page/fact sheets, fundraising/promotional materials and in our membership packs
• Case study writing and storytelling: Help communicate our impact via stories and case studies that we can use on our website, in marketing materials, or for our fundraising materials
• Web copywriting: Create and update engaging content for our website that adheres to our brand
• Communication materials review: Review our existing communications materials. Recommend edits that will provide us with consistency in writing style and tone, accurate spelling and grammar, and a clear and engaging voice for our organisation. Evaluate the way we communicate with volunteers, members of the public and helping us to develop better ways of doing this
• Social media snippets - create information and case study snippets for the various social media platforms
• Press Releases and any content that could be used in different channel
• Annual Review/Brochure writing: Create or update copy for a brochure or our annual review, highlighting our impact current and potential stakeholders

We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to assist our Client Service Administrator on Reception in hosting our busy reception area and friendly waiting room. In this role, you will use your excellent interpersonal skills to welcome clients and visiting professionals and other volunteers to the Helen Bamber Foundation, making them feel comfortable, attending to any immediate needs they may have, assisting them with their queries and notifying clinicians and other staff of their arrival.

You will be at the heart of an exciting, team of experts working as a representative of the Helen Bamber Foundation and the first point of contact for our diverse range of clients and visitors.  You will be a self-motivating team player, organised, efficient and have a compassionate mind-set. 

Main tasks and activities

• Greeting clients and ensuring that clients are having their immediate needs met;
• Ensuring the reception is well-presented;
• Answering the phone and responding to a wide range of enquiries;
• Maintaining the shared Outlook calendar and co-ordinating room allocations;
• Ensuring the smooth running of the day-to-day activities;
• General office administration including: ordering of office supplies, entering data, filing and organising office supplies storage etc;
• Reception cover when needed.
• Handling reimbursement of expenses for clients and fellow volunteers

Skills and experience needed

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a high standard of written and spoken English;
• Excellent telephone manner; Empathetic and understanding.
• Computer literate with experience of Microsoft packages;
• High attention to detail and accuracy;
• Punctual, reliable and self-motivated with a positive, ’can-do’ attitude;
• Ability to deal sensitively and in a warm, friendly and appropriate manner with clients who have specific needs;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise tasks within a time-pressured environment;
• A high level of discretion and confidentiality given the sensitivity of the information and nature of the work;
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation.

What you will get out of the role:

• A better understanding of asylum seeker and refugee processes in the UK;
• Stronger administrative skills;
• An ability to multi-task between competing priorities;
• Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team in a Human Rights charity;
• Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;
• Ability to manage multiple busy calendars at the same time.

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Art Classes Volunteer to support our weekly Friday morning art sessions (10.30-12.30), held at St Faith’s Community Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About The Role

You’ll help our tutor support a group of adults with learning disabilities to explore a range of artistic practices from painting to clay making. You will play an important part in fostering a creative and relaxed environment so our learners can express themselves and discover new art techniques

As an Art Class Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners to express themselves
• Help with setting up and packing down art supplies and materials
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Build relationships with and support learners to learn new skills and grow in confidence
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers
• Receive appropriate training and guidance from an experienced team

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be able to draw to do this role! At Stepping Stones we value:

• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment
• Flexibility and adaptability

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you click 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Drama Class Volunteer to support our weekly Friday afternoon sessions (1.30-3.30), held at St Faith’s Community Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About The Role

We're looking for someone with a background in drama to support our tutor in delivering accessible and fun drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.

As a Drama Class Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
• Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
• Participate alongside learners where appropriate
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help cultivate a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves
• Offer creative input and feedback

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone with:

• A background or strong interest in drama, theatre, or performance
• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Come and serve with us at Rock UK! We are a Christian charity running adventure centres for schools, churches, and youth groups.

We are looking for Christian volunteers to join our Hospitality Team — helping in the kitchen, dining room, and accommodation areas, and being part of our Christian community.

Opportunities available:

• Short-term volunteers – 30 days (no visa needed)
• Full-time volunteers – up to 1 year (visa required, with a cost)

What you’ll get:

• Live and work alongside other Christians
• Meals and accommodation provided
• Training and support
• Opportunities to grow in your faith and serve others

When: Opportunities throughout the year
Where: Frontier Centre, Irthlingborough (Northamptonshire)

You must:

• Be a committed Christian, ready to share your faith in daily life
• Be over 18
• Be happy to work as part of a team

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone with a great eye for detail who enjoys keeping things organised and running smoothly. You'll be curious, keen to learn, and comfortable juggling a range of tasks from project support and research to evaluation activity. You'll work with a variety of stakeholders, so clear communication, confidence using IT, and an interest in tools such as surveys and evaluation platforms will really help you thrive in the role.

What you'll do

Lead a piece of work to review and evaluate our current learning and development surveys and engagement metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement and making recommendations to enhance their effectiveness.

What you'll get

You'll be part of a friendly and supportive team who are always on hand to offer guidance and answer questions. You'll gain valuable administrative, research and evaluation skills and understand how this benefits organisations in the third sector. You'll also be included in wider organisational activities, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the vital work of the NSPCC.

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• passionate about helping young people and children
• great communication skills
• able to think on your feet
• works well within a team
• brilliant organisational skills
• exceptional IT and email skills

Previous experience in an administrative role is desirable but not essential.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5.30pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5.30pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5.30pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre and we are trialing an outreach sessions at a local Library & Hotel on otger weekdays

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

In preparation for our International Biodiversity Arts Exhibtion, we are seeking volunteer support from a reliable and trustworthy person who wishes to gain experience working for an environmental arts social enterprise. 

This is a remote role for a UK based person who is able to populate application information from spreadsheets into our online gallery inventory within a programme called Kunstmatrix.

The volunteer will also be able to prepare word documents of name and artwork labels to feature in our physical gallery.

The work required should take the volunteer between 5 - 15 hours, depending upon how quickly they can work. Prior to starting work, the volunteer will be able to meet for a video call at a time convenient to them and Insecta Collective director Elizabeth.

The work can be undertaken at any time of day, on any day of the week, providing it is completed within the specified deadline given when the volunteer meeting takes place.

In return for volunteer hours, the volunteer can enter their artwork into our open call exhibition for free. They will also recieve a certificate for their time and dedication.

Zambia Orphans Aid UK (ZOA-UK) is looking for part-time volunteers to support our Digital & Communications work. The ideal candidates will have passion for all things digital and an interest in international development. We are seeking people who have good digital understanding, a flare for design and experience of creating social media content across a range of platforms.

You will possess a positive attitude together with a proactive approach to problem solving. You will be home-based and have the freedom to set your own hours, so self-motivation is essential.

Volunteers support ZOA-UK’s communications and digital activities to increase the reach, profile and influence of the charity and build our brand as a leading charity supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Africa. The volunteers will support the small team to create a cohesive and effective approach to delivering our messages to target audiences, driving supporter engagement and donations, and raising awareness of the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia. 

Range of likely duties to include:

1. Write up case studies and stories of change and ensure they and accompanying photographs and video footage are stored securely in our image and case study database

2. Help build our social media activity to achieve measurable outcomes in terms of raising awareness, and increasing numbers of supporters who convert to become donors

3. Create and schedule inspiring content for social media channels – Instagram, facebook, X, linkedin, ticktock etc

4. Create blogs, infographics and other content for our wordpress website, supporter newsletters and annual report