Children and families volunteer roles in Cotswold, gloucestershire

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Child Psychotherapist to join our team in Buckinghamshire, with a particular focus on Early Years work with Autistic children aged 0–5 years.

Applicants must have direct Early Years (0–5) experience to be considered.

Working closely with our Paediatric Occupational Therapist, you will co-deliver supportive, evidence-based programmes for young autistic children and their families, including our flagship First Steps programme.

What will you be doing?

• Assess separately and jointly with the Occupational Therapist the needs of the child and their families,
• Writing reports for the family and organisation, as required
• Participate in regular meeting with the Occupational Therapist and Child psychotherapist Team Leader
• Report any concerns to child psychotherapist Team Leader and provide suggestions and recommendations for action

What are we looking for?

• An accredited Professional qualification in Child Psychotherapy -Trained child and adolescent psychotherapist or psychoanalytic psychotherapist or psychodynamic psychotherapist
• Experience of working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrable experience of working with young autistic children and their families
• Understanding of safeguarding requirements and relevant legislation
• Understanding of data protection requirements and relevant legislation
• Understanding of confidentiality and in service provision and their limitations

What difference will you make?

Transforming Autism is a charity that focuses on early intervention for young autistic children. Our goal is to transform lives through the home-based family services available to families with young autistic children.

What is distinctive about our approach is that it focuses on facilitating a strong trusting relationship between child and their parents/primary caregivers, as primary means of reducing anxiety and enhancing the child's sense of security to enable them to realise their full potential. We also challenge conventional perceptions of autism and offer our own radical and empowering perspective.

Expected hours: 3 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexitime

Work Location: Remote/ Buckinghamshire 

We want you to help us to connect families across Scotland by managing a special closed Community Network Facebook group and a Padlet of groups and events with the support of Adoption UK Staff and current Community Network volunteers. As a Virtual Community Network Volunteer (VCNV), you would be responsible for administering a closed Facebook group for families with adopted children and young people. The purpose of the group is to share Adoption UK Scotland groups and events but also to share activities aimed at adoptive families or care experienced children in one place. 

s a Virtual Community Network Volunteer (VCNV), you would be responsible for administering a closed Facebook group for families with adopted children and young people. The purpose of the group is to share Adoption UK Scotland groups and events but also to share activities aimed at adoptive families or care experienced children in one place. It would also allow parents to post in the group to find families local to them that they can connect with outside Adoption UK Scotland activities. As VCNV you would be responsible for moderating the chat and posts within the group, creating and managing a Padlet that contains groups or events that local authorities or other 3rd sector organisations are hosting. 

The Skills and Experience you need 

• IT literate and familiar with Facebook
• Enthusiasm

• Ability to respect other people’s differences and non-judgemental 

• Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

• Desirable but not essential: Personal experience or understanding of the issues facing adoptive parents 

What’s in it for you 

• Be part of a new way of supporting adoptive families to thrive in Scotland

• Flexibility to volunteer at a time that suits you

• Free membership to AUK and access to relevant training and development opportunities

• Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills 

• Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses 

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Why volunteer with Doorstep Library?

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading.
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing.
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement.
• You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week.
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being.
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Volunteer Bid Writer – Children With Voices

Position Overview:

Children With Voices, a dynamic and community-driven charity committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, is seeking a motivated and skilled Volunteer Bid Writer. This role is instrumental in securing funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to ensure the continuous growth and success of the charity's initiatives.

Responsibilities:

1. Research and Identify Funding Opportunities:

  - Conduct thorough research to identify potential funding sources, grants, and partnership opportunities aligned with Children With Voices' mission and projects.

2. Proposal Development:

  - Collaborate with the charity's leadership team to gather information on projects and programs requiring funding.

  - Develop compelling and well-articulated grant proposals, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and requirements.

  - Craft persuasive narratives that effectively communicate the impact of Children With Voices' activities.

3. Grant Application Submission:

  - Prepare and submit grant applications within specified deadlines, adhering to all application guidelines and requirements.

  - Maintain accurate records of submitted proposals, deadlines, and communication with funding bodies.

4. Relationship Building:

  - Establish and maintain positive relationships with potential donors, grant-making organisations, and other stakeholders.

  - Engage in effective communication to convey the charity's mission and project goals.

5. Collaboration and Coordination:

  - Work closely with the fundraising team and project managers to gather necessary information for proposals.

  - Collaborate with other team members to ensure the integration of programmatic and financial data in grant applications.

Qualifications:

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Previous experience in grant writing, proposal development, or related fields is desirable.

- Strong research skills to identify relevant funding opportunities.

- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

- Detail-oriented with strong organisational and project management skills.

- Passion for the mission and values of Children With Voices.

Time Commitment:

Flexible, with an estimated commitment of 5-10 hours per week.

Location:

This role can be performed remotely, with occasional virtual or in-person meetings as needed.

Benefits:

- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and make a positive impact.

- Gain valuable experience in grant writing and fundraising within a charitable organisation.

- Develop and enhance your skills in communication, research, and project coordination.

- Travel expenses are paid and you will have a healthy meal!

Events Volunteers are an essential part of our work for reaching and supporting different communities. Our partners in the community hold events across the UK and your support will help ensure they run smoothly, and attendees have a positive experience! You may be on your own, or as part of a team so you’ll need to be enthusiastic and motivated. 

About you 

• Aged 18 years and over 

• Reliable and good at organising your time 

• Good attention to detail 

• Friendly and polite with good communication skills 

• Self-directed and motivated 

When and where 

• Events will vary regionally and may take place during the day, evening, or weekends as a one-off or regular occurrence 

• You’ll decide where and when you’d like to volunteer - we don’t expect anyone to travel far from their home

• We're looking for volunteers in Berkshire, Somerset, and Bristol

What you will do 

Your tasks will depend on who you are supporting and what kind of event they’re running, but they will probably include: 

• Completing agreed tasks on time and responding to any changes on the day 

• Engaging with families and sharing your expertise if appropriate (either professional or lived experience) 

• Supporting with different areas, e.g. signing people in, helping with directions, sharing information 

• Identifying tasks that need doing and any issues that need reporting 

• Using your initiative to respond to situations and help out without being asked 

• Presenting the National Deaf Children’s Society and our community partners in a positive way 

What will you gain from the role? 

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:  

• Increased confidence and new skills   

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families  

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training 

You will be provided with: 

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe 

• A named point of contact for support 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic disclosure check, provide references, complete a self-disclosure form, and complete our essential training.

Make A Smile is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Safeguarding Officer to help us ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children, families, and volunteers we support across the UK. If you have safeguarding experience and want to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, this role offers the chance to help shape safe, joyful experiences for vulnerable children.

About the Role

The Safeguarding Officer plays a central role in maintaining high safeguarding standards across all Make A Smile Chapters. You will work closely with the Recruitment Manager to deliver high‑quality safeguarding training to volunteers, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and feel confident when working with children.

You will also lead on maintaining and updating our safeguarding policies, liaising with relevant organisations to ensure they remain comprehensive, compliant, and aligned with current legislation. A key part of the role involves supporting local officers to ensure all volunteers have an up‑to‑date DBS check before attending events.

As the charity’s central point of safeguarding expertise, you will provide guidance on concerns, advise on escalation routes, and help embed a strong safeguarding culture throughout the organisation.

What We Need You to Do

- Deliver safeguarding training to volunteers
- Maintain and update safeguarding policies
- Ensure DBS compliance across all Chapters
- Provide guidance on safeguarding concerns
- Promote best practice and support volunteers
- Liaise with external organisations and stay up‑to‑date with legislation

Qualities and Experience

We are looking for someone with:

- Proven safeguarding experience (charity, education, healthcare, or social care preferred)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A calm, supportive, and approachable manner
- The ability to coordinate processes across multiple teams
- Good judgement, discretion, and attention to detail
- A commitment to Make A Smile’s mission and values

How This Role Helps Make A Smile

The Safeguarding Officer ensures Make A Smile can operate safely, responsibly, and confidently. Your leadership protects children, supports volunteers, and strengthens trust with families and partners. By maintaining robust safeguarding processes, you enable us to continue delivering magical, meaningful experiences to vulnerable children across the UK.

Grants from charitable trusts and foundations are an essential source of funding for community organisations working with deaf children, young people and their families. This support allows communities to develop work that meets the needs of deaf children and young people. With your knowledge of grants and persuasive writing skills, you’ll help support communities to research and submit life-changing funding bids.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over

• Knowledge of potential funding sources both locally and nationally

• Ability to volunteer independently from home under your own initiative

• Well organised with good attention to detail

• Proactive and reliable

• Confident user of Microsoft packages and databases

What you will do

• Support community groups and organisations to identify and win new sources of funding

• Research trusts and foundations (both locally and nationally) that may support work in communities

• Prepare information about funders including deadlines and criteria for applications

• Develop links with funders and share information

• Work with organisations to write compelling applications that meet the required conditions

• Understand the boundaries of the role and ask for support where appropriate

What will you gain from the role?

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:

• Increased confidence and new skills

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training
We will provide you with:

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe

• Feedback on the funding bids to which you contribute and their outcomes

• A named point of contact at the National Deaf Children’s Society

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something

Children of Voices is a hugely respected charitable organisation helping to improve the lives of young people and their families through genuine care, love, and support.  

We are currently seeking a volunteer PR & Marketing Manager. This role is ideal for an individual with previous experience in a PR/Marketing role looking to work within the charity sector. 

Responsibilities typically include: 

Writing and editing social media content, press releases, CWV guidelines, leaflets, speeches, newsletters and website content 

Utilising social media to maintain and manage the CWV image 

Representing CWV at events/presentations/meetings 

Owning and managing communications related to CWV’s online and offline presence 

Developing good working relationships with the media

overseeing and approving all social media content produced by social media team 

We are Looking for 1 – 2 Exceptional Volunteers! Use your expertise to help shape the future of care for children and families who need us most. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is recruiting Non-Executive Members for our Income Generation Committee – inspiring leaders who can bring sharp insight, sector know-how and big-picture thinking to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategies forward. If you are experienced in the charity sector, passionate about fundraising and ready to make a strategic impact that genuinely changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and guidance across income and marketing priorities.
• Share sector knowledge to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the income portfolio.
• Support the development of ambitious, innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches.
• Champion best practice in fundraising and marketing.
• Work collaboratively with Trustees, senior leaders and fellow committee members.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experienced in the non-profit sector, with substantial insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities of income generation today.
• Specialised in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: Digital fundraising: digital acquisition, online giving, digital optimisation. Supporter journeys and engagement: insight-led supporter experience design. High-value fundraising and major campaigns: strategic planning, mobilisation, creative development, impact storytelling
• Forward-thinking: able to consider the bigger picture and ask the right questions to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborative and values-led, contributing constructively while upholding the organisation’s mission and values.
• Committed to volunteering, motivated to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference.

Are you passionate about making a real difference to families facing financial hardship?
Bromley Brighter Beginnings is a local charity founded in 2012 which provides essential baby, child and household items to families facing poverty.
We believe no child should be disadvantaged because of financial hardship, and no parent should have to struggle to meet their family’s basic needs.

Join our team as a Grants & Fundraising Volunteer and help secure the funding that keeps our services going. In this role, you’ll support our Fundraising & Communications Lead with tasks that directly impact how many families we’re able to help.

What You’ll Do

• Research and identify potential grant funding opportunities (“horizon scanning”)
• Help maintain our 'tracker' of funding opportunities
• Assist with drafting and editing grant applications
• Attend relevant online events or webinars to stay up to date with funding trends
• Support the preparation of reports and updates for current funders

 About You

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience of researching and / or writing grant applications / funding bids
• Great attention to detail
• Good IT skills
• An understanding of the charity sector (helpful but not essential)
• The ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• A genuine commitment to supporting families living in poverty

For further information on the role and details of how to apply please visit our website.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 English

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 English concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.ed

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Science tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 Science 

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Science concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

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

Volunteer & Fundraise with Becky’s Child Foundation
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Join Becky’s Child Foundation and become part of a growing community dedicated to transforming lives in underserved communities in Uganda.
We are inviting individuals, teams, and corporate partners to volunteer and fundraise in support of our impactful programs. Whether you are experienced in fundraising or simply have the heart to help, there is a place for you.
What We Do
At Becky’s Child Foundation, we focus on:

Kidney Medical Camps – Providing life-saving screening, treatment, and awareness in hard-to-reach communities

Education Support – Equipping children with scholastic materials and opportunities for a brighter future

Fighting Hunger – Delivering food aid to vulnerable families and children

Empowering Persons with Disabilities – Promoting inclusion, dignity, and access to opportunities

Your Role as a Volunteer Fundraiser
We believe everyone has unique strengths. As a volunteer, you can choose the area that best matches your passion and expertise:

Organize fundraising events

Run online or workplace campaigns

Advocate for a specific cause (health, education, disability, or hunger relief)

Partner with your company or community to raise awareness and funds

Why Join Us?

Make a tangible impact in real communities

Use your skills for a meaningful cause

Be part of a mission that brings hope, dignity, and opportunity to those in need

Our Vision
We envision a world where no child or elder suffers from poverty, hopelessness, or lack of opportunity. Through compassion, education, and empowerment, we strive to create a future filled with dignity, love, and hope for all.
Get Involved Today
Choose your cause. Use your voice. Change lives.
Join us in bringing light where it is needed most.