Communications and volunteering coordinator volunteer roles

VOLUNTEER WITH SUNSHINE

Join Our Volunteering Team

Help Us Build a Joyful, Connected, People‑Powered Volunteer Community

SUNSHINE Charity is a vibrant, 100% volunteer‑powered start-up movement dedicated to bringing SUNSHINE into people’s lives by helping smash loneliness and social isolation. We create welcoming opportunities for people to connect, participate, learn, volunteer, make friends and feel like they belong.

• We’re joyful.
• We’re human.
• We’re community-powered.
• And now, we’re building a passionate, driven, bubbly Volunteering Team to help us create an unforgettable volunteer experience across London.

If you love people, positivity and building community — this is your moment.

Why Join the Volunteering Team?

Volunteers are the heartbeat of SUNSHINE. Your team will help us:

• Recruit amazing volunteers.

• Welcome them warmly.

• Onboard them with care.

• Train them with confidence.

• Support them with kindness.

• Celebrate them with joy.

• Build a volunteer community that feels like family.

This is your chance to help shape a volunteer programme that feels uplifting, inclusive and full of SUNSHINE.

Roles Available

1. Volunteering Lead / Head of Volunteering

Be the architect of our volunteer experience. You’ll design the volunteer journey, build team spirit, support volunteers, and help SUNSHINE become the go‑to place to volunteer in London.

Perfect for someone who loves people, culture, community and leadership.

2. Volunteer Recruiter / Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator

You’re the friendly face who brings new volunteers into the movement. You’ll source, recruit and welcome volunteers who share our positivity, energy and passion for human connection.

If you’re bubbly, warm and love meeting new people — this role shines.

3. Learning & Development Coordinator

Help volunteers grow, thrive and feel confident. You’ll design and deliver training, create learning resources, and support volunteers to feel ready, capable and valued.

Ideal for someone who loves teaching, coaching or developing others.

4. Volunteer Programme Assistant

The organisational superstar. You’ll support admin, coordination, communication and behind‑the‑scenes tasks that keep our volunteer programme running smoothly.

Perfect for someone who loves structure, organisation and helping teams shine.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this team if you are:

• Passionate about people and community.

• Bubbly, warm, positive and full of energy.

• Organised, proactive and supportive.

• Excited to help volunteers feel valued and appreciated.

• Driven to build a joyful, inclusive volunteer community.

• Inspired by SUNSHINE’s mission of positivity, human connection, community and belonging.

Experience is welcome — but heart matters most.

Time Commitment & Availability

These roles are operational volunteer roles, not trustee positions.

We keep things flexible and human.

• A few hours per week, fully flexible.

• Must be available at least 2 evenings per month (for recruitment events, inductions, training sessions and volunteer engagement activities).

• Must be available at least one weekend daytime per quarter (for recruitment events, inductions, training sessions and volunteer engagement activities).

We’ll work around your life, your schedule and your energy — but we do need a reliable, committed team who can show up when it matters.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to shape a volunteer programme from the ground up.

• A joyful, supportive team culture.

• Real impact on people experiencing loneliness.

• New friendships, new skills and new confidence.

• The satisfaction of helping people feel connected and valued.

• The joy of bringing SUNSHINE into people’s lives.

Ready to Help Us Build a Volunteer Family?

If you’re passionate, people-loving and ready to help create a volunteer community full of positivity, human connection, community and belonging — we’d love to hear from you.

Join the SUNSHINE movement.

Help us bring connection, community and belonging to London.

COME SHINE WITH US.

Job description:

"We are looking for 10 volunteers to join our volunteer human resource programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field. While we only have 10 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

About the Volunteer Programme:

The HR Programme Coordinator plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our flagship professional development initiative. This volunteering role is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of the HR programme, ensuring seamless coordination between participants, Heads of Department (HoDs), and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will combine exceptional organizational skills with a passion for fostering professional growth, ensuring participants remain engaged and supported throughout their development journey.

Key Responsibilities of the sucessful volunteer:

Programme Management

• Oversee the effective implementation of the HR programme, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Welcome participants to the programme, providing orientation materials and clarifying expectations.

Participant Support & Progress Tracking

• Conduct initial skills assessments to identify individual development needs.
• Monitor and document participant progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings between participants and their respective Heads of Department (HoDs).

Coordination & Communication

• Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling sessions, sending reminders, and maintaining programme documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, addressing queries and resolving issues promptly.

Engagement & Feedback

• Design and organise feedback sessions to gather insights from participants and HoDs, using data to refine the programme.
• Develop strategies to ensure active engagement (e.g., interactive workshops, milestone celebrations).

Reporting

• Prepare progress reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Required Skills of a successful volunteer:

• Keen Eye for Detail: Ability to manage complex schedules, track progress meticulously, and maintain accurate records.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to liaise effectively with participants, HoDs, and stakeholders.
• Relationship Building & Networking: Proven ability to foster trust and collaboration across departments.
• Organizational Agility: Skilled in multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to addressing challenges and improving programme delivery.

Preferred but not essential:

• Experience in coordinating professional development programmes or similar initiatives.
• Familiarity with data analysis to assess programme effectiveness.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

Work from home

Application question(s):

• Are you sure you can commit to this being a non-paid role?
• Can you commit to 16 weeks?
• Do you have access to personal PC or laptop?

Work Location: Remote

As a Volunteer Donor Relationship Co-ordinator, you will play a crucial role in forming and maintaining relationships with our donors, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated, whilst forming & implementing a strategy to keep them donating. This role would suit someone who is confident, enthusiastic about building strong connections, and passionate about the welfare of refugees & asylum seekers.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and approach local high net worth individuals/businesses to approach for a regular donation
• Develop a donor relationship strategy aimed at maximising engagement and satisfaction.
• Personally reach out to existing donors to thank them for their contributions (& send seasonal cards/other personalised messages to maintain positive relationships).
• Build relationships by engaging with donors via phone calls and emails to understand their motivations for donating and gather feedback used to improve our efforts.
• Encourage previous donors to continue their support.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of all our donor interactions to ensure we have up-to-date information on our supporters.
• Create and distribute surveys to gain insights into our donors’ needs and expectations.
• Further down the line, host webinars or live Q&A sessions to answer donor questions and provide updates on our work.

Requirements:

• Strong communication abilities
• Proficiency with google docs/sheets
• Excellent organisational skills
• A confident individual who is comfortable engaging with a diverse range of people
• Pro-active approach and work with minimum supervision
• Can commit a minimum of 2 hours per week

 Volunteering Opportunity 

Dementia Activity Coordinator

What You’ll Do

Bring joy and stimulation to people living with dementia by planning and running creative, engaging activities at our day care centre, that encourage connection, laughter and participation. You’ll us your skills and imagination to lead sessions centred around an activity area of your choice such as music, movement, theatre, storytelling, arts, cooking or gardening.

You will:

· Plan and deliver fun and inclusive activity sessions for day centre members living with dementia

· Adapt activities to suit individual needs and abilities

· Encourage participation and build confidence among members

· Work alongside staff to ensure sessions run safely and smoothly

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Creativity and the ability to engage people

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Patience, empathy, and understanding of dementia

· Organisation and planning skills

· Confidence leading small group activities

Time Commitment

Flexible- ideally a regular session each week between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm (Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

How will I be ending homelessness?

As a Health & Wellbeing Support Volunteer, you will use your professional skills and experience to support Crisis members in accessing healthcare and overcoming some of the barriers that people experiencing homelessness can face when engaging with health services.  

You will also play a key role in supporting the delivery of health and wellbeing services at Skylight. By helping to organise activities, workshops and health-related events, maintaining accurate records, and building positive relationships with local healthcare providers and partner organisations, you will contribute to improving members' access to healthcare and opportunities that support their overall wellbeing. 

The role is varied and rewarding, combining administration, research, communication and event coordination. You may support the team by contacting healthcare organisations, gathering information about local services, assisting with referrals, helping to organise and facilitate health and wellbeing events, and ensuring staff and members have the information and resources they need to achieve positive outcomes and move towards ending homelessness. 

What will I be doing?

Tasks might include: 

• Assisting with the administration and coordination of health and wellbeing activities and events.  
• Contacting healthcare organisations, community partners and service providers to gather information and support member access to services.  
• Helping to coordinate appointments, workshops, health promotion sessions and wellbeing events.  
• Maintaining accurate records and updating internal databases and spreadsheets.  
• Supporting the promotion of health and wellbeing activities to members.  
• Preparing resources, information packs and promotional materials.  
• Monitoring attendance and gathering feedback from activities and events.  
• Supporting the planning and delivery of Wellbeing days and community events.  
• Researching local healthcare services, wellbeing initiatives and community resources.  
• Providing general administrative support to the Health & Wellbeing Coordinator.  
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with healthcare providers and community organisations.  
• Supporting the Health & Wellbeing Coordinator to identify new health and wellbeing opportunities for members.

Who are we looking for? 

To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who: 

• Has good communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Is confident using email, telephone and Microsoft Office applications and willing to learn Canva. 
• Has good organisational skills and can manage a range of tasks. 
• Is able to build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. 
• Is friendly, approachable and non-judgemental. 
• Is reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a team. 
• Has an interest in health and wellbeing and supporting people experiencing homelessness. 
• Is comfortable speaking with healthcare professionals and community organisations. 
• Pays attention to detail and can maintain accurate records. 
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and data protection. 
• Is passionate about supporting Crisis and our members to end homelessness. 
• We would love it if you had any of the following: 
• Experience working, volunteering or studying in health, social care, community services or a related field. 
• Experience supporting events, projects or administrative tasks. 
• Knowledge of local health and wellbeing services. 

Are you passionate about making a real impact in global healthcare?

The Global Health Reform Initiative Foundation (GHRI) is looking for a Volunteer Partnership Coordinator to help us expand our reach and build meaningful collaborations with hospitals, organizations, and supporters worldwide.

�� About GHRI

GHRI is a global health initiative focused on improving access to healthcare for underserved communities through telemedicine, digital health solutions, and strategic partnerships.

�� Your Role

As a Volunteer Partnership Coordinator, you will:

Reach out to hospitals, NGOs, and healthcare organizations for collaboration

Identify and connect with potential partners and sponsors

Support outreach to investors and donors

Assist in developing partnership proposals and presentations

Help grow GHRI’s global network and visibility

�� Who We’re Looking For

Strong communication and networking skills

Passion for healthcare, humanitarian work, or social impact

Confidence in outreach (email, LinkedIn, messaging)

Self-motivated and proactive mindset

Experience in marketing, sales, or partnerships is a plus (but not required)

�� What You Gain

Hands-on experience in partnership development and global outreach

Opportunity to build a strong professional network

Letter of recommendation and recognition for your contribution

Flexible, remote working environment

Be part of a mission that saves lives and improves access to healthcare

Can you spare 3 hours a week to make a difference to the lives of children? Home-Start Volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to families.

We are looking for compassionate, non-judgemental and caring individuals to join our community of volunteers to share their parenting experiences and knowledge with families. Home-Start is one of the leading family support charities in the UK and Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire work in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford. Our volunteers provide a weekly, one-to-one home-visiting service. We help families from all backgrounds, with at least one child in the household under the age of 5 years, through their most challenging times.

Your role will be to offer support to a family you are matched with and support them in the way that they would like: this may include help with practical tasks such as getting out of the house, attending appointments, an extra pair of hands on a trip to the park or a playgroup, role-modelling how to play with children or helping to get organised. It could also involve empathising and supporting through emotional issues in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. All visits are a maximum of three hours, once per week and all take place Monday to Thursday, between 9am and 4pm (and only when our office is open).

Home Start also deliver targeted groups to support families, a place for families to connect, learn and play together. Volunteers support Home Start staff to deliver groups for families – from helping to set up/clear away, role-modelling playing with the children to parents and offering friendly emotional support to parents.

We will train you to Home Start Warrington and Cheshire standards of excellence. The training is free and is delivered by a combination of online modules and four, weekly, face to face sessions with one of our Family Support Coordinators. 

The course will cover 

The role of a Home-Start volunteer

Values, attitudes and inclusivity

Confidentiality

Listening and communication

Meeting the needs of families and children

Safeguarding

Our next volunteer course of preparation is due to start in September. We offer the course in two locations - Warrington on Tuesday's or Winsford on Thursday's.

Volunteers will receive ongoing support and supervision from our Family Support Coordinators and there are opportunities for further training. Your experience, attributes and competencies will be recognised, and you will have the opportunity to develop them further.

Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire is committed to safer recruitment practise as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults. Any offer of a voluntary role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references and to have completed our preparation course and signed our Code of Conduct and relevant policies and procedures before they will be able to volunteer with a family or at one of our groups or events.

Make a difference for children in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford and enquire today.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find put more details about the role and what we offer to our 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 in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

Are you a massive cat lover? Would you like to make a difference to their lives? Are you a hard worker and team player? Would you like to volunteer for Lincs Ark? If the answer to all these questions is YES then read on.

We are looking for a Rehoming Co-ordinator to work alongside. our rehoming team for Cats. There is back up from the Cat Co-ordinator and from the Deputy when needed.

The volunteer will need to:

• Be available during the day to answer and respond to phone calls.
• Love animals, and have some knowledge of cats.
• Be logical
• Be able to keep calm to be able to deal with multiple priorities
• Computer literate
• Good organisation and communication skills 
• Able to use Facebook
• Be flexible with the volunteering times

Main responsibilities of this post

1. Engage with the public, via phone and teams
2. Prioritise the cats needing to come in and fit to the right foster carer
3. Help with the rehoming process
4. Liaise with the vets when required
5. Provide cover for holidays

Help make the High Wycombe community more inclusive, connected and supportive for disabled children and their families.

Yusra Jinaan Foundation is looking for a passionate and community-minded Volunteer Community Engagement Co-ordinator to strengthen support for disabled children and their families in High Wycombe.

You will act as a friendly point of contact for parent carers, particularly families from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, helping connect them with local support, activities, information and opportunities.

What you’ll be involved in:

• Supporting and engaging with parent carers and local families
• Coordinating community activities, events and engagement opportunities
• Building relationships with schools, faith groups, community organisations and other local partners
• Identifying new partnership opportunities
• Promoting activities and encouraging families to participate
• Gathering feedback from families to help shape future support
• Signposting families to relevant local services and resources
• Helping raise awareness of the experiences and needs of disabled children and their families

We’re looking for someone who:

• Lives in or has strong links to High Wycombe
• Is passionate about supporting disabled children and their families
• Is warm, approachable and able to build trust with people from diverse backgrounds
• Has good communication and interpersonal skills
• Is organised and comfortable helping coordinate activities and relationships
• Can commit approximately 2–4 hours per week

Previous professional experience is not essential. Experience of community engagement, volunteering, family support or partnership working would be helpful, and applications from parent carers are especially welcomed.

What you’ll receive:

• Full induction and relevant training
• Ongoing mentorship and support from Yusra Jinaan Foundation
• Practical experience in community engagement, project coordination and partnership development
• The opportunity to build transferable skills and local connections while making a meaningful difference

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We are actively interviewing and may close the opportunity early if a suitable volunteer is appointed.

Do you love marketing, creativity, and fresh ideas? Would you like to use your skills to support a cause that truly matters?

We’re looking for a Legacy Marketing Volunteer to work alongside our friendly Legacies Team, helping us innovate and energise how we promote this vital source of income.

What you’ll be doing:

• Bringing new ideas to our annual legacy marketing plans
• Researching current marketing trends and sharing insight
• Supporting awareness campaigns that inspire supporters
• Assisting with data and reporting
• Helping to steward pledges and gather meaningful legacy stories
• Working collaboratively to enhance and grow our impact

This role will take place at Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley, fortnightly on a Wednesday morning.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Has marketing experience (professional or voluntary)
• Is creative, curious and full of ideas
• Is computer literate and confident working with data
• Enjoys collaboration and making a difference

Why volunteer with us?

Because legacy giving changes lives, and so can you. Your skills will directly support the future of hospice care while giving you the chance to do meaningful, rewarding work. Interested? We'd love to hear from you.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life. 

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary

The People Operations Coordinator supports the day-to-day administration of the People & Culture function, ensuring smooth onboarding, accurate record-keeping, and a positive volunteer experience. This role plays a key part in maintaining organized people operations while also supporting volunteer engagement and appreciation initiatives.

Key tasks

• Coordinate and schedule onboarding sessions in collaboration with the People Lead
• Maintain accurate records by tracking volunteer training completion and participation
• Upload, organize, and manage personnel documentation within Roots’ Google Drive in accordance with confidentiality and data-handling standards
• Support volunteer engagement by planning and organizing logistics for volunteer appreciation events
• Assist with coordination, communication, and follow-up related to recognition initiatives

What we’re looking for

• Interest or experience in human resources, people operations, administration, or volunteer coordination
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality
• Alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and community-focused approach

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers around the world. 
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator you will: 

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator, you will play a key role in delivering our peer support groups. These groups run all around the county throughout the week. You will work alongside our team of peer support workers and other peer support volunteers.

There is some flexibility with volunteering opportunities ranging from a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly to monthly commitments.

There may also be the opportunity to attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Basic IT knowledge.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• To have empathy and remain non-judgemental.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Experience of leading a group.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Good knowledge of the local area and organisations.
• Experience with supporting someone with mental illness / ill mental health

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing information about the group to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will be:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW's ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have some knowledge of needlework.

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependent on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. 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 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 in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.