Communication volunteer roles

Beacon for Rare Diseases hosts The Resources Hub, a 100% free and accessible e-learning platform created to support the rare disease community, including:

• Patient groups, patients and families
• Researchers and life science professionals
• Rare disease advocates

The Resources Hub brings together over 100 free resources, including written courses, video guides, webinars and recordings from events and conferences. These resources are designed to support people at every stage of their rare disease journey, whether they are just getting started or are part of a well-established organisation.

We are incredibly proud of the breadth and quality of what’s available on the Hub. However, much of our long-standing content is under-promoted, meaning that people don’t always find the right resource at the right time.

“The Resources Hub provides invaluable resources to help patient group leaders navigate challenges such as caring responsibilities, health issues, and employment.”

“It breaks down topics relevant to the rare community in a way that's easy to digest and empowering to take action!”

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About the role

We are looking for a social media volunteer to help us shine a light on the wealth of content already available within the Resources Hub.

In this role, you will:

• Spend time exploring our existing Resources Hub content
• Write 1–3 social media posts per resource, tailored for different platforms
• Help us build a reusable library of social media posts that we can draw on to promote resources when they are most relevant

This role is about helping people discover support that already exists, making it easier for patient groups and advocates to find information that could make a real difference to their work.

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Who this role would suit

This is a specific, project-based placement and would suit someone who already has experience in communications, social media or content creation.

You’ll be someone who:

• Enjoys writing clear, engaging social media copy
• Understands how to adapt messaging across different platforms
• Is comfortable working independently and managing their own time
• Can take guidance on tone and branding and run with it

While we don’t have capacity to provide training, you won’t be left on your own. We will:

• Provide clear direction on priorities and approach
• Share brand guidance and examples
• Review initial work to make sure everything feels aligned
• Have routine check-ins, provide feedback, and an end-of-placement review

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Time commitment and flexibility

​This is a fully remote volunteering role, which we ideally hope can be completed within around three months. We anticipate a minimum commitment of approximately two hours per week, though a shorter, more intensive placement could also be arranged to suit the volunteer. We are open to having more than one volunteer on this project and do not expect a single person to work through the entire Hub.

Please note: we are looking for this placement to begin as soon as possible. 

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Why volunteer with Beacon?

By volunteering with Beacon, you will:

• Help improve access to free, high-quality resources for the rare disease community
• Support patient groups, patients and advocates to build confidence and capacity
• Gain experience working with a well-established national charity
• Take on a clearly defined project with flexible working

Become a Lifeskills Volunteer Guide – Bring Safety to Life!

Are you passionate about making a real difference in young lives?

As a Volunteer Guide at Lifeskills, you’ll take Year 6 primary school children on an unforgettable, hands-on safety adventure! You’ll lead small groups through immersive, life-like safety scenarios—from crossing a road safely to navigating a kitchen, visiting a shop, or exploring a railway line—encouraging children to spot hazards and think about staying safe in everyday life.

With the help of scripts, props, lighting, and sound effects, you’ll bring each scene to life, spark engaging discussions, and guide children as they practise making 999 emergency calls in a safe, supportive environment. Every session you deliver empowers children with the confidence and skills to make safer choices, helping them grow into independent, healthy, and aware young people.

We provide full, personalised training at your own pace, and you’ll always be supported by a friendly, experienced team. Volunteering sessions last 2 hours, and you can choose the times that suit you—Monday to Friday during term time.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact, meet like-minded people, and develop new skills, all while having fun! You’ll take pride in helping children gain life-saving knowledge they’ll carry for years to come.

What you’ll enjoy as a Lifeskills Volunteer Guide:

• Personalised training at your own pace

• Flexible weekday sessions: mornings 9:45am–11:45am, afternoons 12:45pm–2:45pm

• Reimbursement for travel expenses

• A warm, friendly, and supportive team environment

• Invitations to seasonal social events, including our festive Winter Party and fun Summer Party

• Opportunities to build meaningful connections and gain valuable experience

• The chance to make a real, lasting impact on children’s lives

Join us and help make safety exciting, interactive, and unforgettable—while having a fantastic time yourself!

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

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

Out and About Role

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

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

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

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

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

As a Mencap visitor you will:

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

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

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

Can you help us to bring in the funds we need to make the food bank a success? 

We are looking for a volunteer Fundraising Lead to play a significant role in shaping a fundraising strategy, help raise awareness of Bounds Green Food Bank (BGFB) and generate income through events, projects and fundraising activities.

We currently raise money through grants, individual donations and community projects. We would like to broaden our fundraising initiatives and are looking for someone to raise funds, meet fundraising targets, raise our profile with key funding partners, and inspire relevant groups to support us.

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items and helping alleviate household food insecurity. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people and families in crisis situations and needing assistance.

The role: 

• Work with the Board of Trustees to agree a fundraising strategy, including setting annual fundraising targets

• Help to develop a fundraising team

• Identify income-generating opportunities and develop projects

• Build, develop and maintain relationships to secure funding

• Provide guidance to other teams that support fundraising initiatives e.g. the Grants Writing Team, Events Team and the Communication Team

Person specification: 

• Passionate about food insecurity and reducing social isolation

• Experience working in a fundraising role, including grants, trusts and foundations

• Ability and willingness  to work to financial targets 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and attention to detail

• Able to work flexibly and under pressure

• Ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in order to find new ways to raise funds

Benefits:

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, creative workshops and celebration events)

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference 

• Who this opportunity will suit

  Minimum age

  • You must be at least 18 years old to apply

  What skills and experience are needed?

  • • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Currently looking for applicants within the Belfast Area only!

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.

Our new Trustees may come from many walks of life and we do not require prior board-level experience. At this time, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who can help to build the charity’s infrastructure with: finance or accountancy, law, human resources and people management, income generation, commercial fundraising, marketing and communications, as well as those with experience in the education sector or working with young people.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate some of the following qualities:

• Sound judgement and strategic thinking ability balanced by an openness to listening to others and to new ideas
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the organisation
• Understanding or experience of the arts and/or education and a belief in the transformative power of poetry and performance
• An enthusiasm for arts charity work and the confidence and willingness to advocate our mission.
  
  All Trustees will be offered an induction. The role offers the opportunity to learn about governance and what it takes to run an arts organisation and achieve its objectives. Alongside experienced individuals, we also want to recruit a young trustee who would be willing to take up a governance role for the first time, someone who is willing to be mentored, so that we can offer tailored support and training as required.
  
  All Trustees will have the opportunity to attend Young Identity writing workshops, training, and events to experience Young Identity’s unique delivery of poetry and performance.
  
  Our current board is a diverse mix of trustees with backgrounds in: economics, law, psychology, education, counselling, young people’s arts production, community engagement and creative business development. The current board brings a wealth of knowledge, both specialist and general, as well as invaluable perspectives and lived experience ranging from the local, national and international. However, we also need to actively manage changes to the board as the terms of current trustees come to an end. We strive to do this in a systematic and organised way to ensure both continuity, stability as well as the development and progression of Young Identity.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

What skills and experience are needed?

• One reference
• West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, East of England, Greater London
  • You must be at least 18 years old to apply
  • • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

We are seeking someone with understanding or experience of community and grant fundraising to join our board. The role involves leading our fundraising sub committee and providing a sounding board for our fundraising manager to deliver our fundraising strategy. 

What will you be doing?

Specific to the fundraising lead trustee role, your responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the fundraising sub committee.
• Work alongside the board to plan what level of funds must be raised to ensure the effective running of the charity.
• Be a sounding board for, and provide oversight of our fundraising manager.
• Lead on the board’s direct engagement with local fund-raising opportunities.
• Provide feedback to the fundraising manager. 

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate would demonstrate: 

• An understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Glasgow South West Foodbank.
• Understanding of, and passion for, fundraising.
• An ability to use that understanding to lead the fundraising sub committee and engage with the fundraising manager in a supportive and confident manner.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team which provides a vital service in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience for people in financial crisis and facing hunger.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We’re looking for a kind, patient, and confident volunteer to spend time with a lovely gentleman in his early 60s who lives in Crosby. His previous volunteer has recently retired, and he’d really appreciate some friendly company again.

He has profound and multiple learning disabilities, and while he communicates in his own way, he absolutely lights up around people he trusts. He enjoys good food, classic 80s TV shows, and the comfort of familiar faces. Your visit would be a gentle check-in — sharing a cuppa, a chat, and simply being present.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit: • Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing • You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit. • Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

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

As a Mencap visitor you will:

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

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

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

Purpose:
Help drive donations, plan small fundraising events, and promote online giving campaigns to support housing and youth development programs.

Responsibilities:

• Support fundraising events and community drives

• Engage with local businesses for donations or sponsorships

• Promote campaigns on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)

• Assist with donor thank-you messages and data entry

Skills Needed:

• Confident communicator

• Organised, friendly, and proactive

• Passion for helping vulnerable children and families

Hours: 10–15 hours per month

DBS Check: ✅ Yes – Basic DBS required (£12.50)

Policies to follow:

• Safeguarding Policy

• Fundraising Code of Conduct

• Data Protection Policy

Volunteer Benefits:

• Hands-on fundraising experience

• Training in donor relations and community engagement

• Recognition in our volunteer newsletter and social media

• Outstanding volunteers may be invited to join our Fundraising Advisory Board or future Board of Directors

We are seeking individuals who can empower children and young people, to support and share our mission within their current school or youth provision setting (Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Youth Groups).
You will encourage your group to share the mission of Mary's Meals, raise awareness of our work and fundraise.

What support and resources will i receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
• Resources to fulfil your role
• A regular volunteer update e-mail

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.

Deafblind UK members have combined sight and hearing loss and many can feel lonely or socially isolated. We offer a free telephone befriending service where we match volunteers with one of our members to have a weekly 30 minute chat together.

We are looking for confident, empathetic and friendly people who can hold a good conversation. You could be chatting about similar interests or learning about each other’s lives. Whatever the conversation you’ll be having a positive impact.

One 30 minute call seems really simple but having someone to talk to and someone to listen, could really make a difference to our members. It could be that you’re the only person they speak to that day, or even that week.

Our members love to chat with people who have had some life experience and stories to tell. You will need good communication skills and be able to strike up a conversation. You will also need to be reliable, patient with a naturally warm and friendly nature.

We will ensure you are supported throughout your journey with us, offering training and support at all times.