Charity manager volunteer roles

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction. 

Childcare Volunteer – Make a Lasting Difference in Ghana

Help children learn, grow and thrive

At SFLIG Volunteers, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, feel safe and reach their full potential. Since 2011, we have partnered with schools, childcare centres and community organisations across Ghana to provide educational support, care and encouragement to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Are you passionate about working with children and looking for a meaningful international volunteering experience? Join our team and become part of a programme that creates lasting change while allowing you to experience the rich culture and hospitality of Ghana.

About the role

As a Childcare Volunteer, you will work alongside experienced local staff in a childcare centre, supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing. Your encouragement, creativity and enthusiasm can have a positive impact on the lives of young children while giving you a rewarding international experience.

No two days are the same. You will build relationships with the children, assist with educational and recreational activities and help create a fun, safe and engaging environment where children can flourish.

What you'll be doing

You will:

• Support children with reading, writing and basic learning activities.
• Organise games, arts and crafts, music and educational activities.
• Help supervise indoor and outdoor play.
• Encourage children's confidence, creativity and social development.
• Assist local staff with daily childcare routines.
• Share your culture while learning about Ghanaian traditions and community life.
• Work respectfully within the local community and follow safeguarding procedures at all times.

Programme details

Location: Accra, Kasoa, Senya Breku, Kumas (All in Ghana)

Placement Type: Onsite international volunteer placement

Duration: Flexible placements available throughout the year

Accommodation: Volunteer accommodation provided from the program cost

Meals: Three meals per day included from the program cost

Support: Airport pickup, orientation, local SIM card, ongoing in-country support and a certificate upon successful completion.

This placement is for you if...

• You enjoy working with children.
• You are caring, patient and adaptable.
• You are enthusiastic about learning a new culture.
• You work well as part of a team.
• You are willing to contribute positively to the local community.
• Previous childcare, teaching or youth work experience is welcome but not essential.

Important information

This is an onsite, self-funded international volunteer programme in Ghana. Volunteers are responsible for their programme fee, international flights, visa, travel insurance and personal expenses.

Applicants must answer the screening questions as part of the application process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further information about the placement and the next steps.

If you're ready to make a meaningful difference while experiencing the warmth, culture and beauty of Ghana, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the SFLIG Volunteers family.

�� Important Eligibility Note:

This is an onsite, self-funded international volunteer and internship placement located in Ghana. This opportunity is open ONLY to international applicants traveling from outside the African continent (including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica). Because SFLIG Volunteers operates on a sustainable, grassroots model, participants must fully fund their own experience, including international flights, visa arrangements, and the program fee which covers safe community housing, daily meals, airport pickup, and 24/7 onsite support. Local applications cannot be considered for this international framework.

Ready to step out of your comfort zone, travel with true purpose, and change young lives? Join our close-knit team in beautiful Ghana to inspire eager students, bridge vital educational gaps, and experience an unforgettable cultural immersion.

At SFLIG Volunteers, we don't believe in standard, sterile office jobs—we believe in human connection. In many of our partner communities just outside Accra, local classrooms are overflowing, and passionate teachers are stretched thin. They don't just need an extra pair of hands; they need your unique energy, your background, and your global perspective to help open up the world for their students.

This is your opportunity to break away from the everyday routine, build unmatched international leadership skills, and see the tangible, smiling results of your hard work every single morning.

Your Typical Day in the Classroom

This role is active, vibrant, and highly collaborative. You won’t just be sitting at a desk; you will be an active spark in the school community:

• The Co-Pilot: Work hand-in-hand with local headteachers to make core subjects like English conversation, basic Mathematics, and General Sciences come alive through interactive games and discussions.

• The Creative Spark: Bring your own hobbies across the globe! Whether you love drawing, music, painting, or sports, you will design and lead engaging workshops that build child confidence and creativity.

• The Mentor: Provide crucial, patient one-on-one reading and arithmetic support to bright children who have fallen behind and just need someone to believe in them.

Who You Are

We care far more about your heart, your drive, and your empathy than a piece of paper. You are the perfect fit if:

• You have a deep-seated desire to travel, explore new cultures respectfully, and give back to grassroots communities.

• You are patient, highly adaptable, and ready to embrace a vibrant, slow-paced, and welcoming new environment.

• No formal teaching qualifications or TEFL certificates are required. We provide all the training and tools; you just need to bring the enthusiasm!

The SFLIG Volunteers Experience: What's Included

We treat our international volunteers like family from the moment they apply:

• Total Support Network: From your comprehensive pre-departure prep to airport pickup and local orientation, our dedicated team guides you every step of the way.

• The Perfect Work-Life Balance: Your projects run Monday through Friday, giving you long weekends to explore Ghana’s beautiful coastal beaches, historic forts, and bustling local markets with your fellow volunteers.

• True 'Akwaaba' Hospitality: Live and work safely embedded within an authentic Ghanaian community, building lifelong global friendships.

Cultural Experience & Weekend Tours

Volunteering with SFLIG is a full cultural immersion. Beyond your hours at your placement, you will experience the famous warmth and hospitality of Ghana through local language lessons, traditional cooking sessions, and community gatherings.

On the weekends, you will have the opportunity to join coordinated group excursions to explore Ghana's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Depending on your placement region, weekend tours can include:

• Walking the canopy bridges at Kakum National Park.

• Exploring the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.

• Visiting the vibrant cultural markets of Kumasi.

• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the coastal region.

Program Flexibility & Hours

• Flexible Start Dates: This is an all-year-round opportunity. Volunteers and interns select their own arrival and departure dates to align with their personal, professional, or academic schedules.

• Customizable Schedules: You have the flexibility to determine your daily school/center shift lengths and the total number of hours you wish to commit each day, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the local culture.

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.
Capped reimbursement of expenses is awarded for lunches and travel, where applicable.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

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.

We are looking for a volunteer youth worker who will work closely with the WFRC Youth coordinators in the planning and delivery of high-quality youth activities which are fun, safe, social and educational.

You will be helping to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people learn to;

→ treat themselves and others with kindness and respect

→ discover exciting new ideas and activities they are unlikely to experience anywhere else

→ laugh, learn, experiment, make mistakes and

thrive & grow into motivated, positive, resilient and caring citizens

Principal Responsibilities

→ Welcoming young people, ensuring everything is running smoothly and supporting young people in engaging with activities provided.

→ Delivering a drop-in / online session for example organising games, positive activities and conversations, taking accountability for security and safe working within the youth sessions

→ Supporting the delivery of creative and partnership projects

→ Having conversations with young people, identifying issues affecting them and how their needs can be met

→ Mentoring, coaching and supporting individuals, encouraging young people to develop their self-awareness, independence and individuality

→ Identifying where targeted youth support is needed and facilitate referrals and connections

→ Helping ensure that all evidence of projects are properly documented, and that work is evaluated and reported in accordance with contractual commitments

→ Keeping registers, writing evaluation reports and inputting data into our management information system

→ Taking part in outreach activities, both independently and in partnership with other services

→ Developing and building strong community relationships with external stakeholders i.e schools and colleges, and developing relationships with youth networks in Wolverhampton

→ Staying informed on legislation, local and national issues, and best practice in youth work

→ Ensuring child protection procedures are followed and that the safeguarding of young people is paramount

→ Carry out all duties in accordance with WFRC’s policies on Health and Safety, Child Protection and Data Protection, and with relevant legislation

→ Act as a role model for young people, inspiring them to engage in the services and understand and appreciate the role of youth work as a career opportunity

→ Any other duties appropriate to the post as directed by WFRC

You are

→ Friendly, cheerful, positive and self-driven, able to work independently and as part of a team

Education, qualifications or experience

→ Level 2 JNC or relevant youth work experience

→ Experience of working with children and/or young people in an online/ offline environment

→ Experience of organising small scale events or coordinating projects is desirable

Knowledge, skills and abilities

→ Excellent communication skills, with the ability to quickly establish positive relationships with young people and motivate them to participate in activities and events

→ Good organisational and administration skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office

→ Understanding and appreciation of the importance of monitoring and evaluation in a youth work setting

→ Politically and creatively aware and ‘plugged in’ to emerging youth subculture

→ Positive about embracing challenge and change, open to experimenting, new ideas, reflective practice and working with other organisations in a spirit of partnership

→ Ability to prioritise effectively and enjoy multitasking in a busy environment

→ A believer in strongly supportive environments, sharing and being open with colleagues

→ A working understanding of safeguarding children and young people and how to maintain appropriate professional boundaries

→ A working understanding of equality and diversity with the ability to challenge discriminatory behaviour

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.