Communications and engagement coordinator volunteer roles

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Independent Visitor Volunteer 

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development. 

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might: 

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development

• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting

• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust

• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community

• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported 

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.  

We are looking for team members who can commit for a minimum of 10 weeks, with adaptable profiles and who have the enthusiasm and energy we need to provide support in various areas across the organisation.

In this generalist role, you will find yourself responsible for a variety of tasks, helping to ensure that both our programme activities and day-to-day operations run smoothly. Second Tree works in a transparent way, in a challenging and changeable situation in the field; therefore, an ability to learn quickly and be open to feedback is vital. 

Your role would include:

The possible tasks included below are not exhaustive or rigidly defined; an exact role profile is dependent on the skill set of individual applicants. An average day might see you talking to students in a camp to tell them about a new class, or supporting the writing of a grant proposal. Tasks could loosely fall within 4 key areas:

Programmes

• Supporting programme coordinators in maintaining the day to day running of their activities with the Youth or Adult Education Programmes

• Supporting our children’s teachers or workshop facilitators in the planning or delivery of classes or excursions outside of camps

• Communicating key messages about our programmes to our students in camps

Admin, Finance & Logistics

• Supporting our management team in liaising with external partners

• Maintaining organisation-wide financial processes

• Coordinating the arrival and housing of incoming team members

Grants & Partnerships

• Supporting in the identification of relevant grants

• Supporting in grant writing activities

 Communications & Fundraising

• Contributing to the written/visual content of Second Tree’s social media output

• Developing social media strategies to expand our reach and impact

• Producing regular reports on performance

• Maintaining our website

• Supporting the planning and implementation of Second Tree’s fundraising initiatives, such as campaigns

• Organising and maintaining regular communications with Second Tree’s donors (newsletters, thank you letters)

You should be able to:

• Be accountable and efficient, making sure that tasks that you take up are completed on the agreed timeframe

• Be honest and transparent, being able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way possible

• Care for people; the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

• Instil the values above in the people that work with you

• Have keen problem-solving abilities, and a good understanding of what questions to ask, and when

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Learn quickly, managing a wide-ranging and intense workload

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow; investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

NOTE: If you require a visa to stay in Greece for the minimum ten-week commitment, please know that as a Greek NGO, we are unable to sponsor your visa.

We are excited to be launching our first-ever volunteer led Armed Forces Community project in the North West and are now recruiting for a bank of volunteers across the region to help us reach veterans who are in need of support to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.

If you are a veteran, or family member with experience of military life and are free to volunteer and give something back in your community, we would love to hear from you. You may have had personal experience of being medically discharged or since leaving the Armed Forces have found it difficult to transition to civvy street and want to help others to have a better experience. You may already have a reasonable understanding of what is available or lacking in your neighbourhood for veterans in your community. Our Volunteer Ambassadors will report into our experienced Volunteer Coordinator and will work remotely in their community, helping veterans by signposting them to organisations and charities that can help improve their circumstances.

Roles are on a voluntary basis and therefore unpaid. A car is essential and any business mileage or meeting costs will be reimbursed. A mobile phone will also be provided with training in Safeguarding and Confidentiality/Data Protection, Professional Boundaries and Lone Working. Applications are initially open to those living in Lancashire and particularly Chorley, Preston or Wigan. However, we also welcome interest further afield from those living in Liverpool/Merseyside or Cumbria.

Job Title: Programme Manager                                                                

Reports To: Programme Director

Location: Hybrid

Employment Type: Full - Time
 

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is an exciting cultural competition and community festival celebrating Brazilian traditions through Capoeira, music, dance, and acrobatics. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, this event offers free taster classes, performances, and a vibrant Brazilian arts & products fair—engaging local communities and encouraging cross-cultural learning.

We are looking for a Programme Manager to oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the event. This hybrid volunteering role requires a commitment of 12 hours per week for 6 months. It is best suited for someone based near Kingston, as travel expenses will be reimbursed. This is a great opportunity to lead a high-profile community initiative that has previously been praised by local councillors, Kingston University, and the Brazilian Consulate in London.

Position Overview:
The Programme Manager oversees the strategic delivery of a multi-project programme focused on enhancing employability and skills development for target populations. This role ensures alignment with organisational and community goals, driving initiatives that reduce skills gaps, improve workforce readiness, and foster partnerships with employers and training providers. Reporting to the Programme Director, the Programme Manager manages a team of project specialists and coordinators, ensuring seamless execution of programme activities and measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Leadership:

   • Lead the end-to-end employability and skills development programme delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

   • Mentor and manage project specialists and coordinators, assigning tasks tied to programme milestones such as training workshops, employer partnerships, and participant assessments.

2. Stakeholder Collaboration:

   • Build and maintain relationships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organisations to align programme outcomes with labour market needs.

   • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring their requirements (e.g., hiring criteria, certification standards) are integrated into programme design.

3. Programme Design & Delivery:

   • Oversee the development of training curricula, mentorship initiatives, and job placement strategies tailored to diverse participant groups (e.g., youth, career changers).

   • Monitor participant progress and employment outcomes, using data to refine programme effectiveness.

4. Risk & Compliance Management:

   • Identify barriers to participant success (e.g., accessibility, resource gaps) and escalate systemic challenges to the Programme Manager with actionable solutions.

1. Reporting & Communication:

   • Track and report on key metrics such as participant engagement, skill acquisition rates, and post-programme employment status.

   • Prepare updates for senior leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate programme impact.

2. Process Improvement:

   • Implement feedback loops with participants and partners to continuously enhance programme quality.

   • Promote best practices in adult education, vocational training, and equity-focused initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 3–5 years managing employability, workforce development, or adult education programmes.

  • Proven experience leading teams and collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of labour market trends and barriers to employment.

  • Ability to design inclusive, participant-centric programmes.

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, CRM systems) and project management software.

  • Exceptional communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.

• Certifications: Certifications in programme management (e.g., PgMP), career coaching, or adult education are advantageous.

We are seeking a compassionate and reliable befriender volunteer to support an individual who is working hard to rebuild his life and reconnect with his community. Your role will involve offering encouragement, structure, and practical support to help him increase confidence, independence, and social engagement.

What you will be doing

• Provide friendly, non-judgmental support and encouragement.
• Help identify local community, cultural, or wellbeing activities.
• Support the individual in researching and attending suitable training, volunteering, or employment opportunities.
• Accompany the individual to local groups or activities where appropriate (e.g., community centres, courses, clubs).
• Assist with setting achievable personal and social goals, and celebrate progress.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising coordinator regarding progress, concerns, or safeguarding issues.

The skills you need

• Empathetic, patient, and non-judgmental approach.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Understanding or willingness to learn about recovery from alcohol use and the challenges of mental health conditions such as anxiety and ADHD.
• Reliable, consistent, and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Comfortable supporting someone who may experience periods of low motivation or confidence.
• Knowledge of local community resources, or willingness to research them.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach women in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

As Social Media & Marketing Manager with The Skateboarding Foundation, your role is to develop and support our digital presence, raise awareness, and engage with our audience across various platforms.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to young people's lives, supporting a small but growing charity.