Community works volunteer roles

RC Archdiocese of Southwark
Lay Trustee Appointments
Unremunerated

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark covers the geographical area of the whole of London south of the Thames, all of Kent and the eastern parts of Surrey.  With currently 180 parishes, 171 schools and 450 employees it is one of the largest dioceses in the UK.

The Diocese Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is run by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for determining the strategic direction of the Diocese, management of the assets, the smooth running of the day-to-day administration and the legal discharge of its responsibilities.

The role of a Lay Trustee is about helping the Archdiocese achieve its ambitious vision for evangelisation and leading people to Christ, while especially promoting our diverse and vibrant communities. The Archdiocese is seeking to secure a range of skills and expertise in the appointments, which include legal, property or safeguarding. Experience within the education sector may be helpful.

In addition to the general duties and responsibilities outlined by the Charity Commission of England and Wales, Lay and Clerical Trustees collaborate to help shape the strategic vision of the charity and work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and his team focussed on key functions including education, fundraising and property management.

This will mostly be achieved through attendance at the Trustee meetings, which take place at least once a quarter. There is a minimum requirement of three meetings a year, with additional meetings for the first year.

Lay Trustees must be practicing Catholics, but they do not have to be Southwark Archdiocese parishioners.

How to apply

Application is by way of CV initially followed by a Supporting Statement, which should concentrate on motivation, credentials, experience and knowledge and be around 1,000 words max.

Expressions of interest and applications will be reviewed and progressed on a rolling basis.

Candidates taken forward to interview will be required to complete a formal declaration of eligibility to become a Trustee.

Every effort will be made to facilitate an informal visit to the Archdiocese Offices and the opportunity to meet with the Financial Secretary prior to formal interview.

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so any applicants would need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on the Cats Protection website

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Later Life.
Are you ready to guide a dynamic, forward-thinking charity? At Age UK Merton, we believe later life should be lived with dignity, joy, and opportunity. For nearly seventy years, we've been supporting older adults in Merton with advice, practical help, and social connection. Now, as we navigate an ever-changing landscape and deliver on our ambitious strategic plan, we're seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to help us steer the next chapter.

Time Commitment: Approx. 2-3 days per month
Location: Merton (Board meetings and events)
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

About Age UK Merton
We're a 'small but mighty' charity with a big impact. Our mission is simple: to provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton. From befriending and activity programmes to practical home support and accredited advice, we help thousands of people each year to love later life. With an income of £1.2m, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and strong partnerships across health, care, and community sectors, we're proud of our achievements and excited about what is to come.

Why This Role Matters
As Chair, you'll lead a committed Board and work closely with our CEO to ensure Age UK Merton thrives in a challenging environment.
You will:
* Shape strategic direction: Drive delivery of our three-year plan, focusing on outreach, sustainability, and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
* Champion collaboration: Strengthen partnerships across health, care, and voluntary sectors to reduce inequalities and improve lives.
* Ensure strong governance: Uphold charity law and best practice, ensuring financial resilience and effective administration.
* Be a visible leader: Represent Age UK Merton externally, inspire stakeholders, and help diversify income streams for long-term sustainability.

What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring
* Impact and Purpose: Your leadership will directly improve the lives of older adults in Merton.
* Strong Foundations: Accredited for quality advice and befriending services, with a clear strategic plan and committed team.
* Exciting Growth: We're expanding outreach and engagement, co-designing services with clients, and building a sustainable future.
* Collaborative Culture: Trustees and staff share values of quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Ideal Candidate Profile
Essential Skills and Experience
* Previous Board-level experience, ideally as Chair or Trustee.
* Strategic vision, financial acumen, and strong leadership skills.
* Ability to build relationships and represent the organisation publicly.
* Commitment to Age UK Merton's mission and values.

Desirable
* Understanding of adult social care or health sectors.
* Knowledge of Merton and its communities.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold AgeUK Merton's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the outgoing Chair. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 11th February 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 9th March 2026
Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to AgeUK Merton on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance.
For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Enjoy driving? Make a Real Difference as a Volunteer Driver!

Are you someone who loves to drive and enjoys the freedom of the open road? Here’s an opportunity to use your driving skills to help others while making a positive impact in your local community. At Together Trust, we champion the rights, needs, and ambitions of children, young people, and adults with disabilities, autism, and mental health differences – and we need volunteers like you to make a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing:

As a Volunteer Driver, you’ll help transport people to a variety of destinations, including social activities, school, work placements, day trips, and more. Your time and kindness will help enrich lives, giving those we support greater independence and opportunities to thrive. The role is flexible, and you’ll find it just as fulfilling as the people you support.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:

Use Your Driving Skills for Good: If you love driving, this is the perfect way to make the most of that passion. No need to worry about the wear and tear on your own vehicle – we provide the cars, minibuses, and MPVs.

No Cost to You: We cover all the running costs of the vehicle, including fuel, and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses to and from the vehicle collection point. All you need to do is bring your enthusiasm!

Flexibility & Structure: Whether you have a few spare hours each week or you’d like to volunteer more frequently, you can choose the journeys and schedule that suit you. Build your week around your volunteering, it’s that simple!

A Sense of Purpose & Fulfillment: There’s nothing quite like knowing that what you’re doing matters. In this role, you’ll experience the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re making a real difference to someone’s life.

Gain Experience in Social Care: Depending on the services you want to be involved in, you could be helping students from special education, young people from residential homes, or adults with disabilities. It’s a wonderful way to be part of a caring, supportive community.

Meet New People: Volunteering is a great way to connect with others, both the people you’re helping and fellow volunteers. It’s a wonderful way to socialise, and you’ll find that making these connections will uplift your spirits, too.

What You’ll Need:

• A full UK driving licence (held for at least two years) or a D1 entitlement.
• A few hours a week (or more, if you prefer) to give.
• A calm, patient, and friendly attitude.
• Confidence driving larger vehicles (minibuses or MPVs) is ideal.

What You’ll Receive:

• Full training and support to help you feel confident in your role.
• Ongoing guidance from our friendly team.
• All expenses fully reimbursed, including travel and fuel costs.
• Access to our fleet of vehicles – no need for your own car.
• A meal allowance if you volunteer for 4 hours or more during a mealtime.
• References upon request to support your future endeavours.

Are you someone who loves getting creative, catching a show, or simply enjoying a good chat over coffee and cake? Maybe you enjoy painting, crafting, or exploring local galleries, or perhaps you love trying new cafés, going for walks, or just sharing stories and laughs. As a volunteer visitor, you can turn your passions into friendship, spending quality time with someone who’ll appreciate your company, your hobbies, and your enthusiasm.

Watch a video about this volunteer role here

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.

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.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

We are delighted to be partnering with Activate Performing Arts (Activate), a 35-year-old arts charity that brings contemporary performance to communities and landscapes across Dorset, the UK, and Europe. Activate is known for its free-to-access outdoor arts, festivals, and touring work, driven by a belief in creativity as a public good, connecting people, place and artistic expression. Keen to continue its evolution while staying true to Activate’s core values, the organisation stands at a pivotal moment for growth and development.

Activate is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and support the Artistic & Executive Director in guiding the organisation through the next phase of its development. In this role you will play a key role in shaping the upcoming 3–5-year strategy, supporting Activate prepare for its next Arts Council England National Portfolio application. As Chair, you will also act as an ambassador for Activate through opening networks, championing its work, and supporting the organisation to enhance its visibility and impact.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Prior experience as a charity trustee, ideally as Chair, Vice-Chair or committee Chair, with a solid grasp of good governance and Boards.
• Alignment with Activate’s values around free and low-cost access, landscape and nature, equity, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility, with enthusiasm for thoughtful values-led innovation rather than pure commercialisation.
• Fundraising mentality with an understanding of the funding landscape
• A passion and affinity to the arts and culture sector, ideally including performing arts, festivals, arts within landscape or environmental contexts, including nature-based creativity, outdoor arts.
• Confident, inclusive chairing skills, able to bring out quieter voices, hold respectful but robust discussions, and ensure meaningful contribution from all trustees.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law.

Contract & Hours: 3-year term (renewable)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Location: Hybrid, with some travel to Dorset for key meetings and events

Closing date: 25th March 2026

Interviews with Activate: w/c 13th April onwards

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 2nd April prior to shortlist submission on 3rd April.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Pursuing the role

Expected to undergo a DBS check & e-learning modules. To progress to a Youth Leader, a candidate would be expected to undergo Safeguarding Level 2, Fundamentals, Principles and First Aid for Youth Leaders. They may also wish to undergo Day Warrant training, but these aren't a requirement.

Candidates will be interviewed as they apply until the vacancy is filled - so we encourage candidates to submit applications early.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 10/02/2025 - 13/04/2025

Interviews will be conducted as applications are received please. 

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Trustee (Public Affairs)
Help shape the future of UK safety policy

The Hazards Forum is at a pivotal point in its 35-year history. Long respected as a convenor of expert debate on safety and risk, we are now implementing our Strategy to 2030. In addition to hosting discussions, we aim to actively influence national policy and societal outcomes that make people safer.

To deliver this ambition, we are refreshing our Trustee Board and seeking a Public Affairs Trustee to strengthen our political engagement and policy influence.

We operate a “player-coach” model. With no full-time staff, Trustees provide both governance and hands-on leadership, working closely with a small team of contractors and high-calibre volunteers to turn strategy into action.

If you want a governance role with real strategic and societal impact, we would welcome your application.

About The Hazards Forum
Mission: To be the UK’s trusted facilitator of vital conversations on hazard and risk management, driving a safer and more prosperous society.

Strategic Focus (to 2030):

1.Influencing national policy through engagement with MPs and Civil Servants

2.Developing collaborative partnerships with government, industry and academia

3.Improving industry connectivity by breaking down sector silos

Operating Model:
We are a lean, agile, unincorporated charitable association, supported by a Head of Membership & Operations (contractor) and an engaged volunteer community.

The Role: Trustee for Public Affairs

Influencing national policy is a core pillar of our Strategy to 2030. While we have strong technical expertise, we are seeking to strengthen our capability in political engagement to ensure our voice is heard consistently and effectively across Whitehall and Westminster.

You will help guide our public affairs approach, supporting constructive, neutral engagement with policymakers and regulators.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Support high-level engagement with Civil Servants, MPs, and Select Committees
• Advise on translating complex technical issues into clear, persuasive policy briefings
• Act as a guardian of political neutrality and organisational independence

 The Ideal Candidate:

• Professional background in public affairs, government relations, or policy advocacy
• Experience drafting consultation responses and navigating parliamentary processes
• Established contacts within relevant government or regulatory bodies
• Charity sector or trustee experience desirable but not essential

 Practicalities

 Time Commitment:

• 4 Board meetings per year (hybrid, usually London)
• 1 annual in-person strategy day
• Around 1–2 days per month supporting strategic delivery

 Terms:

• Three-year term, renewable once (maximum six years)
• Voluntary, unpaid role

Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to broadening the diversity of our Board and strongly encourage applications from people of different backgrounds, ages, professions, and communities.

Director of Operations & Governance – VOLUNTEER ROLE

Join the MINDSET Tribe

Empower Men. Change Lives. Shape a Brighter Future.

MINDSET is a small but mighty, volunteer‑run, non‑therapeutic men’s mental wellbeing and personal growth charity on a mission to help men across England rebuild confidence, find direction, and create a fresh start. We’re here to make sure men feel heard, supported, and uplifted — one honest conversation at a time.

We believe in the power of warmth, encouragement, connection, and steady presence. Through projects, partnerships, and community support, we help men move forward with confidence, clarity, and hope.

As we move from our start‑up phase into our launch phase, we’re looking for committed, passionate volunteers who want to be part of something vibrant, positive, and genuinely life‑changing. We may be new and small, but our ambition is huge — and our impact will be even bigger.

The Role: Director of Operations & Governance – VOLUNTEER ROLE

This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who believes in structure, integrity, empowerment, and transformation — and wants to help shape a charity from the ground up.

As Director of Operations & Governance, you will be the backbone of MINDSET’s organisational strength. You will build the systems, policies, processes, and governance frameworks that keep the charity safe, credible, compliant, and ready to grow. Your leadership will ensure that everything we do is grounded in quality, transparency, and operational excellence.

This role is perfect for someone who loves order, clarity, and purpose — and wants to help a start‑up charity become strong, sustainable, and impactful.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development of MINDSET’s operational systems, processes, and infrastructure.

• Oversee governance, compliance, risk management, and policy development.

• Ensure safeguarding awareness and best practice across all volunteer activity.

• Support the CEO and leadership team with strategic planning and organisational development.

• Maintain clear documentation, procedures, and quality standards.

• Ensure the charity operates smoothly, safely, and in line with regulatory expectations.

• Build a culture of trust, accountability, clarity, and empowerment.

• Help create a strong foundation for long‑term growth and impact.

What You Bring

• Experience in operations, governance, compliance, project management, or organisational leadership.

• A passion for men’s mental wellbeing, personal growth, and social change.

• Strong organisational skills and a love of structure, systems, and clarity.

• A strategic mindset paired with a hands‑on, start‑up attitude.

• Confidence developing policies, processes, and operational frameworks.

• A belief in the power of uplifting, empowering, and transformative support.

• Commitment to building something new, vibrant, and meaningful.

Why Join MINDSET?

• Be part of a start‑up charity with huge heart, huge ambition, and huge potential.

• Shape the operational and governance foundations that will change men’s lives.

• Join a warm, supportive, purpose‑driven volunteer team.

• Use your skills to build something meaningful from the ground up.

• Help create a positive, vibrant movement for men’s wellbeing across England.

• Leave a legacy of growth, development, empowerment, and transformation.

This is your moment to make a real difference.

If you believe in the power of connection, compassion, and community — and you want to help men rebuild confidence, direction, and hope — then we’d love you to join the MINDSET tribe.

Apply today and help us build a charity that uplifts, empowers, and transforms lives.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 39 charity shops across London. Our Streatham shop is looking for creative and enthusiastic Social Media (Instagram) Volunteer to help us keep our Instagram content fresh, engaging, and up to date.

By volunteering with us, you’ll directly support our mission, help promote reuse through donation and recycling, and contribute to a positive experience for our customers and online community.

The Role:

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Creating Instagram content, including posts and stories
• Capturing photos and videos that highlight our activities, updates, and events
• Showcasing donation appeals in a clear and appealing way
• Helping maintain a consistent and on-brand social media presence
• Monitoring basic engagement (likes, comments, and shares)
• Greeting and assisting customers when required

The Volunteer:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys using Instagram and understands current social media trends
• Is creative, visually focused, and confident taking photos or short videos
• Is friendly, approachable, enthusiastic, and able to communicate our mission online
• Is reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Has experience in social media content creation is a bonus, but not essential

What’s in it for You?

At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming and collaborative teams. You’ll gain hands-on experience in social media content creation while working alongside supportive colleagues. Full training is provided, and we offer a positive, inclusive, and safe volunteering environment.

Your Time:

Our shop operate from 10:00 to 18:00, and we’re looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours a day, either in the Morning or Afternoon at least once a week, by arrangement with the shop manager.

FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

If this sounds like the role for you, please “Apply” for an opportunity to join us.

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.

About Sense:

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As an Ice-Skating Support Volunteer, you’ll be joining our Sense Active team, supporting Sense’s Activity Facilitator, alongside another volunteer, with the delivery of weekly ice-skating sessions for disabled people with complex needs and their carers. With over 25 years’ experience, our facilitators deliver safe, enjoyable and inclusive ice-skating sessions. You’ll play an important part in supporting disabled participants and carers to develop their independence and confidence, socialise with others, and have a thrilling experience!

A DBS check will be needed due to the setting and the likelihood of regular contact with people we support. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through this process.

Key responsibilities:

You’ll spend time supporting a range of activities, including:

· Standing and moving on the ice for extended periods of time (up to 3 hours).

· Supporting participants on the ice (physical and instructional support).

· Helping participants with collection and return of skates.

· Supporting carers to become more confident on the ice.

· Maintaining relationships with attendees and carers by taking the time to socialise and build rapport.

· Supporting the set-up and closing of activities.

· Exposure to cold temperatures and slippery surfaces.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

· A confident ice-skater able to skate at good level.

· Comfortable wearing ice skates and engaging in physical activity.

· Experienced in working with disabled people is desirable but not essential.

· Someone with a positive attitude and will enjoy the opportunity to learn more about working with disabled people.

· Patient, caring, positive and have good interpersonal skills

· Able to work as part of a team and take instruction from others.

· Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people.

· Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

· Full training on communication and engagement with disabled people with complex needs

· Full induction at the Ice Rink by our Sense Activity Facilitator

· Ongoing support and guidance from your team including access to personal development support

· Expenses for parking costs if driving to the venue

· Other reasonable expenses, prior to previous agreement.

· The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs

· A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.

· Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it.

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

· We include

· We collaborate

· We find a way

· We challenge

· We celebrate