Children support volunteer roles

Give Back to Children in Your Community with The Kids Network

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or find a meaningful way to use your time? The Kids Network offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children while practicing your skills and connecting with others.

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Long Term Impact: With 93% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring even once the year is over. TKN’s mentoring programme supports a long term increase in wellbeing, emotional literacy and sustained agency that children continue to draw on well beyond the programme; equipping them for a positive and happy future. 

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner

· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities

· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children

· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement

· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Enjoy working with children and families.

· Interest in child development

· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.

· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.

· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required
 

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Location

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

About the role

While financial matters are the responsibility of all trustees, the Treasurer is instrumental in guiding the CEO and the Board with advice, guidance and reassurance on all aspects of the charity’s financial management and reporting and controls.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with relevant expertise and experience to join our Board of Trustees, initially as an Ordinary Trustee, but with the aim of taking over the Treasurer role upon completion of induction and handover

You will form part of our Board of Trustees, accountable in the UK with the following responsibilities:
1. Ensure the charity complies with charity law and does not breach any requirements or rules set out in our governing documents.
2. Provide strategic oversight and input into the running of the organisation.
3. Contribute towards securing a sustainable funding base for the charity.

4. Oversee and present budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board,
advising on specific issues during the annual audit process.
5. Lead in the Board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled and spent, and adequate reserves are maintained.
6. Oversee the design of financial controls and adherence to systems; leading the financial risk‐management process.
7. Act as a signatory on Able Child’s bank accounts.
8. Actively participate in and steer the Resources Sub-Committee of the Board

About You

You will live the values of Able Child, keeping the best interests of our staff and beneficiaries at the heart of decision making. You will have the capability to support our Strategic Plan, working closely with the CEO to ensure the organisation remains well governed and at the forefront of our sector.

As Treasurer, you will have background knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and the specific charity finance, including but not limited to, accounting for restricted and unrestricted funding, full cost recovery from grants and managing foreign exchange. We are especially interested in hearing from women for this role, although applications from all qualified candidates are welcomed

Experience
1. A recognised professional qualification (e.g. CIMA, ACA, ACCA or CIPFA) with demonstrable post qualification experience (greater than 5 years) and a thorough practical understanding of management accounting principles and techniques.
2. Experience of working within a charity finance function (desirable).
3. Previous (or current) experience as a trustee (not essential).

Skills and Technical Competencies
4. Proven ability to make and act on strategic and critical decisions.
5. Some knowledge of charity governance, administration and regulations.
6. An ability to foster positive working relationships with a diverse range of people.

Qualities
7. An understanding of, and commitment to, Able Child’s vision, mission, values and approach.
8. Lived experience of disability or from the African community/diaspora (desirable, but not essential).
9. High level of personal integrity and commitment, with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, resilience and gravitas.

 Volunteer Opportunity: Family Mentor – Southend-on-Sea 

Are you compassionate, reliable, and looking to make a real difference in your community this summer?

Volunteering Matters is seeking dedicated Family Mentors to support local families facing challenges such as isolation, mental health difficulties, and parenting pressures. By volunteering just 1 hour a week, you can help parents build confidence, strengthen family relationships, and create positive outcomes for children.

✅ Full training provided
✅ Ongoing support from experienced staff
✅ Flexible volunteering opportunity
✅ Travel expenses reimbursed
✅ Valuable experience and references for future employment

No professional qualifications are required – just patience, empathy, and a commitment to supporting families over a six-month period.

This is a rewarding opportunity to develop new skills, enhance your CV, and make a lasting impact in Southend-on-Sea.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support qualified staff in creating a welcoming environment for families attending breastfeeding and infant feeding sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome parents and carers to infant feeding sessions, making them feel at ease.

· Offer encouragement, reassurance, and a listening ear to families, providing peer support under staff guidance.

· Support with preparing and tidying away resources used during sessions.

· Model sensitivity, respect, and inclusivity when discussing feeding choices.

· Promote the benefits of breastfeeding and infant feeding best practices (Hertfordshire Family Centres are Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) accredited through UNICEF)

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable and empathetic.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Respectful and non-judgemental attitude towards different feeding choices

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

· Experience of infant feeding (personal or professional)

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

Seeking support with childcare for children aged 0-12 for a Community Arts project in Vauxhall. We are looking for a volunteer to join experienced childcare providers.

The Amies Projects (part of Pan Intercultural Arts) are music and drama projects for women survivors of human trafficking, providing an uplifting and empowering space for participants to make friends, learn new skills and get creative together. We hold several sessions each week and provide childcare for all the participants who need it, with 2 childcare team members during each session. The sessions for the participants are in an adjacent room to the childcare space, meaning parents are in the same building.

Key Info

Sessions are 2 hours long

We share a meal before starting sessions, and have a short debrief afterwards

Project is based in Vauxhall

Induction training provided (building induction, safeguarding, boundaries)

Sessions are term time only

Availability

We are seeking weekly childcare support for the following sessions (term time only):

Mondays 17:45-20:00

Tuesdays 14:15-16:00

Tuesdays 17:45-20:00

Essential

Some experience looking after children aged 0-12

Willingness to undergo Enhanced DBS check

Desirable

Understanding of safeguarding (we will offer training if not)

Description of role

To support the childcare practitioner with providing supervision of young people aged 0-12. During the session there is no set curriculum to follow. We encourage children to be creative, offering arts supplies eg play doh and crayons, as well as toys for creative play. Children will have food during the session, which will be provided either by the charity or by the parents depending on the age and preferences. Children will need to be supported to use the toilet, nappies changed etc. We ask that volunteers alert staff of any safeguarding issues arising.

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

The Children's Book Project is a national charity on a mission to tackle book poverty. We passionately believe that every child should have the opportunity to own a book and have, in the last year, celebrated gifting our 1 millionth book! We are looking for some wonderful volunteers to help us in managing book sorting and packing with a range of amazing corporate volunteers at our three HQs in Birmingham, Leeds and London.

We gift beautiful pre-loved and new books to schools and we gift within prison settings in order to reach children who may not otherwise have access to book ownership.

We are looking for volunteers in Birmingham, Leeds and London able to help us in the running of our book sorting days at each of our three HQs.  Ideally you will be able to commit to 2-3 days per half term.  (We work term-times only).  Our hours are 10am - 2:30pm.

We work with a range of amazing corporate volunteer teams who come to organise, sort and then pack our books in preparation for delivery. These corporate days are always full of energy and fun and we are looking for energetic and passionate people to support these events as Volunteer Coordinators - helping to make sure that there is a warm welcome, a clear plan for the day and that our one-off visitors can contribute productively.

What is required:

• On average, a commitment to 2 days per half term 
• Flexibility to travel to your local HQ for sorting and corporate volunteering days
• A can-do attitude and enjoyment of working as part of a team.

In return, you’ll get to be part of an extraordinary family of volunteers as we make a real and lasting difference to young lives – there is almost an immeasurable benefit to empowering a child to read for pleasure and we believe that no child should be denied access to a book through poverty. We would love your support!

Children North East provides life-changing services including vital mental health counselling, community interest projects, support for families in crisis, and safe spaces that help children and young people overcome obstacles and thrive. 

By volunteering in our first flagship charity shop, you are helping us invest in a brighter tomorrow for babies, children and young people across the North East. 

We welcome volunteers aged 18+ who can spare any amount of time - whether a few hours occasionally, regularly scheduled days, or just whenever suits you. 

What you will be doing 

 Engaging with customers, providing a welcoming environment that enhances their shopping experience 

 Processing payments and encouraging sign-up to Gift Aid 

 Accepting donations and accurately completing Gift Aid processSorting, preparing, and organising donated items for display 

 Assisting with creative in-store displays and window arrangements. 

The skills you need 

 Approachable and enthusiasticWillingness to learn 

 Flexible and happy to adapt to a variety of shop activities day-by-dayKeen to be part of a supportive team of staff and volunteers 

What's in it for you 

 Gain valuable experience in retail and customer service 

 Develop your skills and knowledge for your CV and increase your employability 

 Flexible volunteering, designed to suit your availability and lifestyleEnjoy the camaraderie of a welcoming, supportive team 

 Be an integral part of creating positive community impact 

 Join an established charity with over 130 years of history supporting children and families 

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

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

The Community Food Hub at Children With Voices runs because of people like you.

This is our entry-level food co-op role — no experience needed, no qualifications required, just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and be part of something that genuinely feeds and supports Hackney families.

You'll be working alongside a warm, welcoming team in our co-op space, helping to make sure that every family who comes through our doors leaves with what they need and feels respected and valued.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Sort and organise food donations as they come in

• Pack food parcels for families with care and accuracy

• Help set up and pack down the co-op space before and after sessions

• Welcome community members as they arrive and make them feel at home

• Assist with basic stock checks and flagging when items are running low

• Keep the co-op floor clean, tidy, and well-organised throughout the session

• Follow all food hygiene and health and safety guidelines at all times

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Friendly, warm, and non-judgemental towards all families

• Willing to get stuck in with practical, hands-on tasks

• Reliable — families and the team count on volunteers showing up

• Basic awareness of food hygiene (or willingness to complete a short online course)

• Respectful and kind in all interactions with families and team members

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Any previous experience volunteering at a food bank, community kitchen, or similar setting

• A food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2) — though not required

• Additional languages spoken (Hackney is a wonderfully diverse community!)

• Experience working or volunteering with families or in a community setting

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• The reward of making a direct, immediate difference to families in Hackney every week

• Support to obtain a food hygiene certificate

• A professional reference from our team

• A genuine insight into grassroots community food provision

• A welcoming team and a space where your contribution truly matters

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