Advocacy network development coordinator volunteer roles

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity where you can make a real difference? We are currently recruiting new Volunteer Mentors to join our growing, diverse network of dedicated volunteers.

At Hope for the Young, our mission to support young refugees and asylum seekers in London as they overcome the many challenges of starting a new life in the UK. From navigating education systems to building confidence and social connections, our Volunteer Mentors play a crucial role in helping young people achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.

What You’ll Do as a Mentor

• Meet with a young person (mentee) once a week for 1–3 hours, usually in a local café, library, or community space in London

• Set education and personal development goals and offer guidance, support and motivation towards these

• Commit to mentoring for a minimum of six months

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of different ages, cultural backgrounds, and professional experiences. You don’t need prior mentoring experience - just empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support a young person.

We’re especially keen to build a diverse pool of mentors to reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the young people we support. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from those with lived experience of forced migration, as well those with ethnically diverse backgrounds. 

What We Provide

When you volunteer with us, you’ll receive:

• A comprehensive induction and training to prepare you for the role

• Ongoing 1:1 support from a dedicated Mentoring Coordinator

• Reimbursed expenses for all meetings and activities with your mentee

• Invitations to regular social events for mentors and mentees

• The opportunity to join a passionate community committed to making a positive impact

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a tangiable difference in a young person's life, and you will also be able to:

• Develop your coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Gain a deeper understanding of the refugee and asylum seeker experience

• Join a supportive and inspiring community of volunteers

If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to help someone build a brighter future, we’d love to hear from you!

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a respected and impactful organisation, guiding our strategic direction and supporting our mission to empower and strengthen communities across Lincolnshire. We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven individual to lead a committed Board of Trustees and work closely with the Chief Executive to ensure YMCA Lincolnshire remains ambitious in its vision, financially sustainable, and firmly rooted in its purpose and values.

Hours per week: Quarterly Board meetings that are held on weekdays, starting at 4pm and typically finishing at 6pm. Occasional Saturdays for strategic planning when required 9am - 2pm.

As Chair, you will foster a culture of effective and collaborative governance by encouraging constructive challenge, inclusive discussion, thoughtful decision-making, and collective accountability. You will help create the conditions for the Board to operate at its very best, while ensuring the organisation remains focused on the people and communities it exists to serve.

YMCA Lincolnshire’s work is varied from tackling homelessness, delivering early year education and working alongside young people and communities across the county. In all of these fields we aspire to creating safe spaces, supporting wellbeing, building resilience, and helping people realise their potential. We are looking for someone who understands that lived experience strengthens governance, sharpens strategy, and helps organisations stay connected to the change they are seeking to create.

We are looking for someone who brings:

· Strategic thinking and sound judgement

· The ability to guide and influence with credibility and integrity

· A collaborative and inclusive approach

· Experience of governance, senior decision making or organisational oversight

· An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing charities and communities today

· The confidence to support, challenge, and inspire others constructively

· A commitment to equity, inclusion and amplifying diverse voices

· Passion for the mission and values of YMCA Lincolnshire

The Chair will be expected to attend Board meetings, Committee meeting where appropriate and key organisational events while maintaining regular contact with the Chief Executive and Trustees.

As Chair you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation and contribute to meaningful, lasting change across Lincolnshire.

If you are interested in applying, please click on our attached Recruitment Pack for full details about the role and how to submit your application.

The closing date for applications is Friday 17th July 2026 at 5pm.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Wednesday 22 July 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing the 3rd August 2026 at The Showroom with our panel.