Children volunteer roles

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Ready to step up? This is for people who want more responsibility at the Community Food Hub.

As a Food Co-op Lead Volunteer, you'll be a go-to person on the floor — helping coordinate sessions, supporting other volunteers, and keeping the co-op running smoothly and with pride.

You'll work closely with the Food Hub Manager (Petagaye) and Thomas (Head of Food & Partnerships) — taking ownership of your sessions and helping to build a strong, reliable volunteer team around you.

This role is a real stepping stone — building the skills and track record that open doors to more senior roles in community food work, charity operations, or beyond.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Take the lead during sessions — directing volunteers, managing the floor, keeping things moving

• Support the Food Hub Manager in coordinating session activity and volunteer tasks

• Help with stock management — tracking what is available, what is needed, and communicating this clearly

• Keep simple session records — numbers served, feedback, any issues to flag

• Be the first point of contact for volunteers during sessions

• Ensure all food hygiene, safeguarding, and health and safety standards are maintained

• Support the induction and settling-in of newer volunteers

• Communicate updates and any concerns clearly to the Food Hub Manager after each session

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Some experience of volunteering or working in a team setting

• A natural ability to take initiative and keep things organised

• Confident communicator — able to give clear, calm direction to others

• Reliable, consistent, and able to commit to regular sessions

• Understanding of safeguarding and food hygiene principles

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Previous experience at a food bank, food co-op, or community kitchen

• A food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2)

• Experience coordinating or supervising a small team of volunteers

• Knowledge of the Hackney community or similar urban settings

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• Hands-on leadership and team coordination experience

• A strong reference from our Food Hub Manager and Head of Food & Partnerships

• A clear pathway towards more senior roles within Children With Voices

• Stock management, session coordination, and operational skills

• The genuine satisfaction of leading a team that feeds and supports Hackney families

The Organisation
Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network working towards one vision: a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family. We support the transformation of child protection and alternative care systems, shifting away from institutional care and strengthening families and communities to keep children safe.
The unique composition of our Foundation brings together our Key Assets teams in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and represents a network of over 1,000 foster care and child care practitioners. We combine this practical expertise with international advocacy and grant making through our MJF Global division to champion global care reform and support local organisations working to prevent family separation.

Structure
Our structure enables us to share and build on our collective experience, knowledge, practitioner skills, and proven best practice models as we continue to deliver innovative and quality services. Each organisation within the Martin James Foundation has its own strategy and mission of how it works towards our shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.
In addition, a set of shared strategic objectives enables us to achieve a greater combined impact. These objectives span a range of interventions that seek to support children, families and communities, as well as the structures and systems designed to protect them. Our work is informed and guided by the principles of the Guidelines of Alternative Care for Children, designed to enhance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Board
The Board of Trustees has strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that ambitious strategic goals are set and worked towards effectively. The Board of Trustees works in collaboration with the Executive team to make decisions on key issues, offering support and challenge on a range of matters. The Board of Trustees acts as a point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, for example any complaints or grievances, in line with agreed processes. The Board of Trustees also has legal oversight of the charity, including responsibility for ensuring that statutory and reporting requirements to the Charity Commission are met.

Board Statement of Values and Decision Making
Board Members embrace the entrepreneurial ethos of the Martin James Foundation. The Board is keen to take innovative approaches to delivering the Foundation’s work and commits to working collaboratively and effectively, as a collective decision-making body, to ensure the success of the charity. In doing so, board members commit to upholding the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Trustee
All Martin James Foundation Trustees contribute to the effective governance of the Foundation, through supporting the Board to make objective, long-term decisions on key issues in order to advance the charity’s mission and goals. Typically, such key issues will include: strategy, goal-setting, programme or project design, relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. government), public relations, finance, safeguarding, or any other legal matters. The Chair will hold the Board of Trustees and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. Each Trustee will support the Chair and Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.

Person Specification
1. A strong and visible passion and commitment to Martin James Foundation, its strategic objectives, values and cause
2. Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
3. Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. An understanding and experience of international issues and the challenges facing NGOs working internationally is desirable
4. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
5. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
6. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events.
7. Desirable: Broad knowledge and understanding of children’s protection and social care and current issues affecting it.
8. Desirable: Lived experience of foster care or other family-based care.
9. Essential: Expertise in charity law and regulations gained through operating as a legal professional for Not-For-Profit / Charitable organisations.

Commitment and Conduct
The average time commitment is approximately 1 day per month, encompassing the following activities:
• Attendance at four quarterly Board meetings including review of all relevant papers and policies in advance of meetings. Meetings are held remotely with one in person annual general meeting. Papers for these meetings are circulated one week in advance. Meetings will focus on new projects, annual report and accounts, and other strategic decisions.
• Occasional exceptional Board meetings may be convened as required and are held by video call.
• Attendance at four quarterly Finance, Risk and Audit sub-committee meetings. Additional Board Committees are under consideration to which new Trustees would be invited to join in accordance with relevant skill sets.
• Meetings with executive leadership team members in relation to specific policies and projects, linking to relevant skills and specialisms brought by Trustees.
• Optional monthly meetings with the Chief Executive.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions to the Board, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply. All Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be fully covered.

New Trustees will be provided with a structured induction and ongoing training and one-to-one support as appropriate.
As part of the appointment process, all Board members are required to adhere to the Martin James Foundation Code of Conduct and complete the Declaration of Eligibility and Interest form. The content of the Declaration of Interest form may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.

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.

Purpose of the Role

The Strategic Partnerships Volunteer will support the organisation in identifying, developing, and facilitating strategic partnerships that respond directly to the needs and priorities identified by our delivery partners. The role focuses on translating on-the-ground demands into meaningful collaborations with institutions, organisations, companies, or networks that can add value beyond funding alone.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the team to understand the concrete needs, gaps, and priorities identified by partner organisations.
• Research and map potential strategic partners (e.g. NGOs, corporates, foundations, universities, public bodies) aligned with those needs.
• Identify partnership opportunities that may include in-kind support, technical expertise, training, resources, visibility, or long-term collaboration.
• Support the preparation of short concept notes or partnership briefs linking partner needs with potential collaborators.
• Assist in initiating and nurturing conversations with prospective partners, where appropriate.
• Maintain a simple tracking system of potential partnerships, contacts, and progress.
• Contribute ideas on how partnerships can be structured in a way that is ethical, balanced, and mutually beneficial.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong interest in partnerships, collaboration, and social impact.
• Ability to think strategically while remaining grounded in practical, partner-led needs.
• Good research and analytical skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Comfortable working independently, with guidance from the team.
• Sensitivity to power dynamics, context, and ethical considerations in international or community-based work.

Approach and Mindset

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to different cultural, social, and organisational contexts.
• Alignment with Disability Africa’s vision and way of working, including the Social Model of Disability, and a willingness to apply this ethos in practical partnership-building.
• An ethical and reflective approach to collaboration, grounded in integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities, and to approaches that expand access and participation for disabled children and young people.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in partnerships, fundraising, business development, CSR, or NGO work.
• Familiarity with international development, disability inclusion, education, or community-based programmes.
• Experience working with or alongside grassroots organisations.

Time Commitment

• Flexible; typically 4–6 hours per week.
• Minimum commitment of 12 months.
• The role can be adapted to the volunteer’s availability and interests.

What the Volunteer Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in strategic partnership development within a values-driven organisation.
• Exposure to partner-led, community-based approaches to social change.
• Opportunity to shape real collaborations with tangible impact.
• Professional references upon successful completion of the role.

Location

• Remote / flexible.

OOEF runs free music sessions for children aged 7–11 at two primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway. The sessions are so valued by the schools that children are released from maths lessons to attend. We need volunteers to sit alongside children as they practise — listening, encouraging, celebrating their progress. No musical experience needed. If you love music and care about young people, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As a Practice Buddy you sit alongside small groups of children as they work through their instruments — listening, encouraging and celebrating their progress. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times; no one ever works alone with children. Training and mentoring are built in from day one.

What you'll bring

• A warm, patient approach with primary-school-age children

• Reliability — children build trust with familiar faces, and a volunteer who keeps coming back has a disproportionate impact

• Comfort working as part of a team in a school environment

• A love of music — you don't need to play a note

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — a typical session is around 1.5–2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon (more days planned). Some come via company or organisation rotas (like Camella estate agents and Bathavon Rotary Club), others as University of Bath students fitting volunteering around their studies. One-off or ad hoc sessions are also very welcome. We will work around whatever suits you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children grow in confidence and ability in real time — often children who struggle in conventional classroom settings

• A supportive, welcoming team with training and mentoring provided

• The knowledge that this is genuinely high-impact work — these children's lives are being changed

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

This is a pivotal leadership role for an experienced, values-driven Chair who can provide strategic direction and oversight, strong governance leadership, and visible ambassadorial support to the organisation.

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.

Are you a Child and Young Person Clinical Supervisor interested in supporting child and young person counsellors and therapists?

Burning Nights CRPS Support has a highly skilled counselling and therapy team who provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and children who have been impacted by a debilitating pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This team is expanding rapidly and we are now looking for 1 volunteer Child and Young Person (CYP) Clinical Supervisor to join this team ensuring we can continue the provision of our vital emotional support services to this community specifically for young people. We would ideally like to take on 1 CYP Clinical Supervisor supporting a small group of CYP therapists who specialise in a range of modalities.

All our Counselling and therapy team help to develop our growing mental health support service for patients, families and carers affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a volunteer with the CRPS Counselling & Therapy Service, your skills and experience as a CYP Clinical Supervisor will be providing support to therapists who offer therapy to vulnerable children and young people aged 5-18.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, you will provide group and 1-2-1 Supervision support for CYP counsellors or psychotherapists who provide counselling support or specialist services for children and young people. The service currently offers specialist support to anyone over the age of 5 who is affected by CRPS.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Facilitate Clinical Supervision group sessions on a monthly basis (online) and be able to offer at least 1 or 2 supervisees on 1-2-1 basis mainly trainees

• Administer this supervision from invitation through to record keeping

• Take part in complex case allocation meetings with the Clinical Lead

• Maintain appropriate clinical records of all work and to report, along with any concerns on individuals or their practice to the Clinical Lead

• Commitment to ongoing supervision of supervision practice at Burning Nights CRPS Support as well as engaging in separate own personal supervision

• Work flexibly as part of a small team as necessary to provide maximum coverage for supervision, such as in the event of emergencies

• Abide by all Burning Nights CRPS Support policies and procedures

• Adhere to BACP, BABCP (or other appropriate therapies governing body) Ethical Framework

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Psychotherapy/Counselling qualification with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a similar field

• Qualification in Clinical Supervision - ideally level 7 or above (could also suit experienced counsellors who require a placement during Clinical Supervision placement, or experienced counsellors wishing to gain experience in supervision)

• Had experience of supervising CYP therapists 

• Accreditation/registration (or working at the level of or towards this qualification) as a Supervisor with BACP/HCPC/BABCP or equivalent

• Significant proven experience of supervising individual CYP counsellors/psychotherapists from a range of training backgrounds 

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with young people with a range of difficulties including complex medical health issues, loss and bereavement. Ideally experience of working with children and young people living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Willingness to engage in any Burning Nights CRPS Support training

• Understanding of issues regarding confidentiality and management of risk within a counselling service

• Good administrative skills

• Understanding of the voluntary sector

• Commitment to on-going engagement in personal supervision

• Knowledgeable of and committed to equalities’ provision

Desirable:

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with children and young people living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Being able to supervise CYP therapists in small groups

• Experience of working within a low-cost / free voluntary sector counselling setting

• Experience of working within the voluntary charity sector

OOEF runs two different music clubs at our primary schools: a lunchtime club for younger children who are just discovering instruments, and an after-school club for older children who have had some experience and want to take it further. Both are relaxed, informal settings — very different from the classroom — and both need volunteers to support the children and the lead practitioner. Experience playing an instrument is helpful, but not vital. If you are patient, reliable and love music, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As a club helper you will support the lead practitioner and the children — helping set up and pack away instruments, encouraging children who are hesitant, celebrating small breakthroughs, and being a warm, reliable adult presence in a setting where that matters enormously. The lunchtime club is for younger children's first experiences with the instruments; the after-school club has a slightly older group who have been learning for longer. Both need volunteers who can adapt to the mood of the room. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times.

What you'll bring

• Patience and warmth with children, including those with SEND

• Reliability — familiar faces build trust, and that trust is the foundation of everything we do

• Flexibility to support whatever the session needs

• A love of music

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — current sessions run on Wednesday lunchtimes and after school for around an hour each, with more days planned. Some come via company or organisation rotas, others as University of Bath students. One-off sessions are very welcome too. We will shape the commitment entirely around what works for you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children build confidence in a way that rarely happens in formal settings

• Flexible, impactful volunteering that fits around work or other commitments

• A supportive team with training and mentoring provided

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

Purpose of the Role

The Fundraising & Grants Volunteer will support Disability Africa in identifying aligned funding opportunities and preparing clear, well-structured grant applications. The role connects donor research with proposal development, helping to strengthen the organisation’s funding pipeline in line with programme priorities and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify trusts, foundations, corporates, and other grant-making bodies aligned with disability inclusion, play, education, and community-based development.
• Assess eligibility criteria, funding priorities, grant size, and strategic fit.
• Prepare concise donor briefs summarising alignment and recommended next steps.
• Maintain and update a simple tracking system (deadlines, application stages, reporting requirements).
• Draft and edit sections of grant applications.
• Adapt core organisational content to specific funder guidelines and word limits.
• Support budget alignment in collaboration with the team.
• Contribute to building a reusable content library (programme summaries, impact statements, organisational descriptions).

What We Are Looking For

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written English.
• Ability to synthesise complex information clearly and concisely.
• Structured, detail-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently with guidance from the team.
• Comfortable integrating feedback into draft applications.

Approach and Mindset

• Alignment with Disability Africa’s vision and Social Model of Disability.
• Commitment to accurate, ethical, and respectful representation.
• Sensitivity to power dynamics in funding relationships.
• Respect for partner-led priorities rather than donor-driven agendas.
• Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for disabled children and young people.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, CSR, or NGO work.
• Previous exposure to trust and foundation applications.
• Familiarity with UK funding landscapes.
• Experience working with or alongside grassroots organisations.

Time Commitment

Flexible; typically 4–6 hours per week.
Minimum commitment of 12 months.
The role can be adapted to the volunteer’s availability and strengths.

What the Volunteer Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in live funding pipelines.
• Exposure to real grant applications and funder criteria.
• Insight into how strategy translates into organisational sustainability.
• Professional reference upon successful completion of the role.

THE ROLE

The Safeguarding Trustee acts as the Board’s lead on safeguarding, providing strategic oversight, guidance, and challenge to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding practice across the organisation.

You will:

• Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding policy and practice
• Support and challenge the organisation to maintain high standards
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded in governance and decision-making
• Ensure safeguarding risks are appropriately reflected in the risk register
• Work closely with the Chair, Charity Director, and safeguarding lead to promote a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We would welcome applications from people who have:

• Experience or knowledge of safeguarding children and young people
• An understanding of safeguarding legislation or guidance
• Good judgement, integrity, and the ability to think strategically

Trustee experience is not essential—we will support your development.

WHY JOIN US?

Blue Smile is a children’s mental health charity dedicated to transforming the mental health and life chances of children across Cambridgeshire through arts-based therapies. We support over 200 children each week, working closely with schools and families.

This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute your expertise to a well-respected charity and help make a lasting difference to children’s mental health.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

This is a pivotal governance role for experienced, values-driven Trustees who can provide strategic insight, support strong and effective governance, and act as positive ambassadors for the organisation.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in the following areas:

• People and Culture (including candidates interested in Chairing the People and Culture Subcommittee)
• Safeguarding and Youth Services
• Fundraising
• PR and Communications
• Finance

Why we want you

Join the Make-A-Wish UK Volunteer team on Sunday 13th September 2026 and cheer on our incredible runners at The Great North Run Cheer Spot!

We would be so grateful for your support, and your presence will make all the difference to our #WishHero runners. It’s one of the best days that is full of joy, and your time will help us to grant more wishes!

Arrive: 10:00am Approximate Finish: 3:00pm Location: Tyne Bridge, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Nearest train station: Newcastle Station

Bring your energy, your enthusiasm, and your friends and family too if you like! Join us now for an amazing volunteering experience

What you will be doing

• Cheering on our runners at the cheer spot
• Representing Make-A-Wish UK on the day with your fellow volunteers

The skills you need

• A commitment to our values and behaviours
• Excellent communication skills
• A warm, enthusiastic and friendly manner

What's in it for you

• Join an inspiring and magical organisation, where you will help children experience the anticipation and long-lasting effects of a wish
• Develop new skills and gain new experiences and relationships

Disclaimer

Make-A-Wish is committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as it’s important that our trustees, employees, ambassadors and volunteers reflect the communities we serve at every level within the organisation. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The relevant disclosure check will be requested where required.

An international child protection NGO headquartered in Cambodia is seeking a volunteer accountant to review and strengthen accounting systems, software and financial management processes.

The organisation works across Southeast Asia, supporting vulnerable children, young people and communities through programmes focused on child protection, education, livelihoods and social inclusion.

The volunteer will work alongside the finance team to assess current systems and support practical improvements across financial management and reporting.

Key areas of support may include accounting systems, software options, financial reporting consistency, internal controls and practical systems improvements across country programmes.

This would suit a volunteer with strong systems and financial management experience, ideally with experience of complex organisations or multi programme environments.

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Accounting for International Development, AfID, matches experienced accountants with charities, NGOs and social enterprises around the world. Our volunteers provide practical finance support, helping partners strengthen systems, reporting, controls and confidence.