Cafe volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

VOLUNTEER HEAD OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Join SUNSHINE — Bringing Connection, Joy, Community Spirit and SUNSHINE to Every Neighbourhood

WHO WE ARE

SUNSHINE is a start‑up loneliness charity at the very beginning of its journey — a modern, volunteer‑powered movement bringing people together through simple, meaningful activities that spark connection, build confidence, and spread joy.

Our work reflects the diversity of London — its cultures, communities, and neighbourhoods.

We don’t rely on a building or a centre. We go where people already are — parks, libraries, cafés, community halls, online spaces, neighbourhood corners. Wherever people gather, we show up with warmth, welcome, and community spirit.

Loneliness affects people of all ages and backgrounds, often silently.

We’re building a future where every neighbourhood feels connected, supported, and full of opportunities for people to grow, contribute, and belong. If you believe in people, community, and the power of small moments to create big impact, you’ll feel right at home here.

WHAT WE DO

SUNSHINE will be delivering free and low‑cost community‑led activities that help people connect, learn, and thrive, including:

• Social groups and pop‑up events

• Health and wellbeing sessions

• Skills workshops (digital, creative, financial, employment readiness)

• Family‑friendly activities

• Neighbourhood outreach in underserved areas

• Volunteer‑led community projects

Everything we do is shaped by local voices and powered by volunteers — bringing connection, joy, and community spirit to the places people already love.

OUR APPROACH

• Local — We go where people already are.

• Inclusive — Everyone is welcome.

• Flexible — We adapt to community needs.

• Volunteer‑Powered — People make this possible.

THE ROLE — VOLUNTEER HEAD OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

We’re looking for a Volunteer Head of Marketing & Communications to help shape the voice, story, and visibility of SUNSHINE as we grow across London.

This is a creative, strategic, and hands‑on leadership role for someone who loves storytelling, branding, digital engagement, and building movements that people feel proud to be part of.

You’ll help bring SUNSHINE to life — online, in communities, and in the hearts of the people we serve.

As our Volunteer Head of Marketing & Communications, you will:

1. Lead Brand & Storytelling

• Shape SUNSHINE’s tone of voice, visual identity, and storytelling approach.

• Bring our mission to life through warm, human, community‑centred messaging.

• Ensure our communications reflect the diversity and spirit of London.

2. Grow Our Digital Presence

• Lead our social media strategy across key platforms.

• Create engaging, accessible content that sparks connection and builds awareness.

• Support volunteers to share stories, photos, and moments from their activities.

3. Support Recruitment & Engagement

• Develop simple, effective campaigns to attract volunteers, partners, and supporters.

• Help ensure our messaging is inclusive, welcoming, and easy to understand.

• Build a sense of pride, belonging, and movement‑energy across our community.

4. Build Partnerships & Visibility

• Develop relationships with local media, community groups, and partners.

• Identify opportunities for positive coverage, collaborations, and storytelling.

• Represent SUNSHINE with warmth, confidence, and authenticity.

5. Work with Leadership

• Collaborate with the Founder/CEO and volunteer leads to align communications with strategy.

• Ensure our marketing supports the growth of services, fundraising, and community outreach.

• Champion our values and embed them in every message, post, and campaign.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Loves creativity, storytelling, and community‑powered movements.

• Enjoys shaping brand identity and building digital engagement.

• Has experience in marketing, communications, social media, or content creation — or is excited to grow into it.

• Thrives in start‑up environments where you can build things from scratch.

• Values inclusion, kindness, and making information accessible to everyone.

• Wants to help reduce loneliness and strengthen neighbourhoods.

• Believes in the power of stories to create change.

Time commitment is flexible and can fit around your life. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences — especially those with lived experience of the communities we serve.

WHY IT MATTERS

Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing our communities today. Too many people feel disconnected, unseen, or without a place to belong.

SUNSHINE exists to change that.

By joining us as our Volunteer Head of Marketing & Communications, you’ll help shape the voice and visibility of a movement that brings people together, builds confidence, and creates moments of joy and belonging.

Your creativity will help us reach more people, inspire more volunteers, and bring SUNSHINE to neighbourhoods that need it most.

Together, we can bring SUNSHINE to every corner of our communities.

VOLUNTEER COMPANY/CHARITY SECRETARY

Join SUNSHINE — Bringing Connection, Joy, Community Spirit and SUNSHINE to Every Neighbourhood

WHO WE ARE

SUNSHINE is a start‑up loneliness charity at the very beginning of its journey — a modern, volunteer‑powered movement bringing people together through simple, meaningful activities that spark connection, build confidence, and spread joy.

Our work reflects the diversity of London — its cultures, communities, and neighbourhoods.

We don’t rely on a building or a centre. We go where people already are — parks, libraries, cafés, community halls, online spaces, neighbourhood corners. Wherever people gather, we show up with warmth, welcome, and community spirit.

Loneliness affects people of all ages and backgrounds, often silently.

We’re building a future where every neighbourhood feels connected, supported, and full of opportunities for people to grow, contribute, and belong. If you believe in people, community, and the power of small moments to create big impact, you’ll feel right at home here.

WHAT WE DO

SUNSHINE will be delivering free and low‑cost community‑led activities that help people connect, learn, and thrive, including:

• Social groups and pop‑up events.

• Health and wellbeing sessions.

• Skills workshops (digital, creative, financial, employment readiness).

• Family‑friendly activities.

• Neighbourhood outreach in underserved areas.

• Volunteer‑led community projects.

Everything we do is shaped by local voices and powered by volunteers — bringing connection, joy, and community spirit to the places people already love.

OUR APPROACH

• Local — We go where people already are.

• Inclusive — Everyone is welcome.

• Flexible — We adapt to community needs.

• Volunteer‑Powered — People make this possible.

THE ROLE — VOLUNTEER COMPANY/CHARITY SECRETARY

We’re looking for a Volunteer Company/Charity Secretary to help build the governance foundations that will keep SUNSHINE safe, transparent, and thriving as we grow.

This role can be shaped around you. You can join us as a Trustee and Company Secretary, taking a place on the Board, or you can contribute as a non‑trustee Company Secretary, supporting the Board while not being a voting member.

Either pathway is welcome — what matters most is your commitment to good governance, community spirit, and helping a new start-up charity grow with confidence.

As our Volunteer Company Secretary, you will:

• Support the Board to meet its legal and regulatory responsibilities.

• Ensure our governance is clear, organised, and accessible.

• Keep accurate records of meetings, decisions, and key documents.

• Help schedule and prepare Board meetings, agendas, and papers.

• Maintain statutory registers and support Charity Commission filings.

• Ensure policies and governance documents are up‑to‑date and easy to understand.

• Promote good practice in transparency, accountability, and safeguarding.

• Be a calm, organised presence helping SUNSHINE run smoothly behind the scenes.

If joining as a Trustee, you will also contribute to strategic decision‑making, oversight, and shaping the long‑term direction of the charity.

If joining as a non‑trustee, you will work closely with the Board and Founder/CEO while focusing on governance support rather than voting responsibilities.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Enjoys structure, clarity, and good governance.

• Wants to use their organisational skills for social impact.

• Believes in community, connection, and volunteer‑powered change.

• Thrives in start‑up environments where you can help build things from the ground up.

• Values kindness, inclusion, and making things easier for others.

• Wants to help a new charity grow safely, confidently, and sustainably.

Time commitment is flexible and can fit around your life. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences — especially those new to the charity sector.

WHY IT MATTERS

Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing our communities today. Too many people feel disconnected, unseen, or without a place to belong.

SUNSHINE exists to change that.

By joining us as our Volunteer Company Secretary, you’ll help build the governance backbone of a movement that brings people together, strengthens neighbourhoods, and creates opportunities for connection, confidence, joy, and community spirit.

Your contribution will help ensure SUNSHINE is safe, trusted, well‑run, and ready to grow — so we can bring SUNSHINE to every corner of our communities.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Woodwork, Football and Walking - Coventry)

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

We are looking for a patient and caring volunteer to visit a man in his early 60s who lives in a supported living home in central Coventry. He enjoys going to watch the football, woodwork and crafts, gentle walks, and watching sports and films.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

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

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

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

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

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.

In this role, you will be supporting a lovely gentleman in his early 80s living in South Norwood. He is a keen drawer, gardener and chocolate-eater. His speech sometimes requires patience to understand, but his chattiness and lively sense of humour thrive with a calm, friendly and kind visitor. He would love to have you stop by for a cuppa, to watch the football with him and perhaps, in time, head out to a pub or café. 

Visitors visit 6 times a year (every 2 months) to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.                                                                               

Can you help a visually impaired adult experience the joys and freedoms of cycling?

We’re looking for people to volunteer as front riders for our Two’s Company group rides!

About this role

As a volunteer front rider, you’ll assist our visually impaired back riders by piloting a tandem bicycle on cycle paths and the countryside around Bristol.

Many of the participants cannot ride a bike independently. Group tandem rides are a great way to connect with others while experiencing the countryside through its sounds, scents, and the exhilaration of cycling together.

The rides are very sociable, and we usually stop at a café or pub for lunch. If you enjoy meeting and chatting with new people, you’ll be a perfect fit!

About the rides

Each year we run rides between March and October, mostly at weekends, but with occasional weekdays or evening rides. The rides are pitched at different levels -gentle, intermediate, and advanced - to enable people of all abilities and fitness levels to participate. Front riders are matched to a different back rider every ride, and each ride has a trained group Ride Leader.

About you

To be a front rider, you should be a strong and experienced cyclist - but no prior tandem experience is required as training is provided. We also ask that you commit to a minimum of three rides a year.

To be a front rider, you should also fit the following criteria:

• Be 18+ years of age
• Be able to cycle long distances (20 – 30 miles)
• Be friendly, outgoing and a good communicator
• Treat visually impaired people on an equal, non-patronising basis
• Be at least 5’6” (168 cm), so you can comfortably pilot our tandems
• Be able to attend induction and training sessions - we do have some adaptability though, so please ask if you are struggling to meet the dates and times offered or have any other specific requirements.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are required for our front riders whilst volunteering as part of supervised group rides.

To help you settle in as a front rider, we’ll provide the following training:

• Practical tandem training
• Visual impairment training
• Safeguarding training
• Disability training

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry. 

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.