Cook volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.
Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.
What you will be doing
- Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
- Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
- Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
- Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
- Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
- Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
- Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
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 - 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.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT MARY’S
At Mary’s Youth Club, we’re not just a youth club – we’re a vibrant, inclusive community where young people aged 10–19 (up to 25 for those with disabilities) come together to share, grow, learn, and enjoy themselves. We believe in creating joyful and enriching experiences that empower every young person who walks through our doors.
Our open access youth club runs exciting and diverse programmes Monday to Friday, including school holidays. Whether it’s the energy of drop-in activities like gaming, sports, and board games, or the focused buzz of creative arts, health and wellbeing sessions, life skills workshops, or youth-led social action – there’s always something happening at Mary’s. Young people help shape our programmes, and we champion their independence, creativity, and voice.
Young people describe us as “like a family” – a safe, friendly, and welcoming space where they can be themselves. Our team is deeply rooted in youth work values: inclusion, equality, justice, reflection, and lifelong learning. Together, we work to support young people to navigate challenges and take steps toward brighter futures.
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Volunteer role title: Volunteer Chef/Cook/Kitchen Staff
Hours: 2-3 hours on a Friday evening, from about 4.30/5pm
Help us to meet our goal of creating healthy meals for young people, by volunteering in our kitchen!
We are looking for volunteers with a passion for cooking, nutrition and healthy eating, to assist in the kitchen independently, as a group, or alongside our youth workers and young people, preparing a warm meal for up to 40 young people.
You are welcome to come along as an assistant volunteering with the rest of the team, but we would also love volunteers who are interested in heathy eating to lead on this initiative, teaching those young people who choose to volunteer in the kitchen, food preparation skills, how to cook nutritious foods, as well as sharing the joy of eating together
This role will include:
- helping to prepare hot food by chopping vegetables, cooking etc
- serving the young people during the Friday evening dinner service.
- helping with cleaning up the dining room and the kitchen
If you are interested in taking a more active role/lead on this project then you would also lead on the menu planning and budgeting
The commitment
- We are looking for people who are able to commit 2-3 hours on a Friday, from 4.30/5pm
- This commitment is during term time (please note that additional volunteering in school holidays is beneficial to Youth Club delivery but not essential)
Experience
You do not need to have experience in catering, or to have volunteered before, as you will be well looked after by the team, but if you are interested in leading on this project then it would be beneficial to be able to demonstrate your knowledge/passion
Training
You will be given a full induction to Marys Youth Club.
This includes access to our training platform. The mandatory training for this role includes:
- Food hygiene and safety
- Safeguarding
- Health and Safety
- Equality and diversity
Essential for This Role
Safer Recruitment Checks:
- DBS is essential for this role (we will provide this)
- Completion of mandatory training modules as outlined above
- Interpersonal skills
- Time Management skills
- Team Work
- Ability to get stuck in
- Commitment to/ interest in, the work that we do
In return
You’ll be sharing your time and skills and gaining accreditations and valuable CV boosting skills
We will also provide, references and/or a volunteer certificate
Reasonable travel expenses can be covered
Note that we do also have other volunteer roles, both in the office and working directly with young people, so if you aren’t able to commit to Friday evenings, or have interests other than cooking/volunteering in the kitchen, then get in touch to discuss
Application Process
All potential volunteers are asked to first attend a volunteer intro call
After this intro call, potential volunteers are invited to come to the youth club to meet the young people and the youth workers, this is a chance to see if volunteering with us is a good fit
If you are invited to progress with your application, you will be asked to complete a DBS, provide us with 2 references, and complete the mandatory training listed above.
PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP, THEREFORE YOU DO NEED TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK
We believe that being better connected improves the prospects of young people, brings greater opportunities and sets up young people for lifelong fulf


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role summary
To participate as a member of the Catering Team involved in the provision of care to the patients, families and staff. Work alongside both the nursing and catering staff ensuring good communication and liaise between these areas. As this role will involve close contact with Hospice patients, an enhanced adult and child DBS check will need to be carried out before a start date can be offered.
Main duties of the role
• Wear appropriate clothing, enclosed shoes, supplied apron and identification badge.
• No jewellery other than a wedding band.
• Collect copy of daily bulletin from Ward Reception.
• Report to the Cook-in-Charge.
• Ensure that Hygiene, Health and Safety, and Fire Regulations are adhered to at all times.
• Be flexible and aware of the needs of the service and assist as appropriate.
• Serve refreshments and meals to patients, visitors and staff.
• Prepare dining room for appropriate meals.
• Be prepared to help in the washing up of cutlery, crockery and kitchen utensils.
• Take the drinks/alcohol trolley round to serve to patients following instruction from clinical staff as to who may be offered drinks.
• Be prepared to collect provisions from local stores if necessary.
• Be willing to assist a patient with food.
• Agree break time with the Duty Cook.
• Ensure area around beds is kept tidy and hazard free by removing crockery food trays as appropriate. (This is particularly important in order to maintain a safe environment and maintaining infection control for patients at all times).
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection at all times.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are a charity helping refugees build confidence, community, and employment skills through cooking. We are looking for a Marketing Lead / Content Manager to shape our communications, grow our audience, and tell the stories of our work across all channels.
Often accompanied by live music, and the opportunity to buy artwork created by refugee artists plateful employs refugees to chef at events in the SE



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
SNAAP are looking for Volunteers for their Youth Group, every other Tuesday 4:30-7:30pm.
You will be supporting 11-24 yr olds, at this session, all the youth have additional needs, but they do not need high level of support, they will have board games, lego, computer games, craft, cooking and lots more, to enjoy, and volunteers are there with the staff team to support where needed.
If anyone is interested in this role or wants to volunteer for any roles within SNAAP please fill in Application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have a passion for cooking or interest in working in a kitchen environment? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our kitchen volunteer position at the hospice.
Good food is central to the care we provide, from catering for specialist dietary needs in the everyday, to special occasions such as our annual memorial event.
The kitchen is situated immediately off the main lounge, the central hub of the Hospice, where families come together to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our talented head chef and his team.
For our children and their families, mealtimes provide comfort, a sense of normality and a chance to socialize. Without the stress of shopping, planning and clearing up - we take the pressure off.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 18+
Time commitment: Thursday, Friday and Sunday
.Location: This role will be based at the Tŷ Hafan Hospice in Sully assisting the kitchen staff. The kitchen is situated immediately off the lounge, the central hub of the Hospice, where families come together to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our talented head chef and the team.
Activities you could be involved in:
• Keeping the dining area neat and tidy by clearing away plates and crockery
• Help with food preparation
• For experienced chefs and bakers, there is an opportunity to get involved in cooking meals and baking goods
• Wash dishes and utensils with kitchen equipment
• Serve tea/coffee and food with a smile
• Chat with staff, families and children and make them feel welcome
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
What skills will you need?
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to follow procedures and health and safety requirements
• Physical strength to lift, carry and stand for long periods of time
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Procedures
• Inclusive and non-judgmental attitude towards families, volunteers, staff and visitors
Here's what you can expect from our training:
• You will receive a comprehensive induction
• You will learn about health and safety in the kitchen
• You will have the opportunity to earn your food hygiene certificate
• You will work with friendly and supportive kitchen staff and volunteers
• Opportunities to complete relevant e-learning
Benefits of becoming a Kitchen Volunteer
• You can make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families by providing them with nutritious and delicious meals
• You can learn new skills and gain valuable experience in food preparation, service and safety
• You can meet new people and join a community of compassionate and dedicated volunteers who share your passion for cooking and helping others
• You can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to a meaningful cause
• You can express your creativity and personality through your cooking and baking
• You will receive feedback and appreciation from hospice staff and guests
We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees and an Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Tŷ Hafan will cover the costs of any background checks and we will contact you with details on completing a DBS, once your application is successful.
We can't wait to welcome you to the team!
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.


Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Confident working with young people between the ages of 16 - 24.
To provide social and practical support to customers. Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness.
Clarion Housing Group operate a number of supported housing schemes, to support people to live independently, by providing residents with the life skills they will need to eventually go on to their own tenancy.
This opportunity is based in Strood, Rochester and Gillingham (Medway).
Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.
Activities:
-Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
-Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.
Practical activities could also include:
-Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
-Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
-Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
-Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking
Support for Volunteers:
- To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
- Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Confident working with young people between the ages of 16 - 24.
To provide social and practical support to customers. Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness.
Clarion Housing Group operate a number of supported housing schemes, to support people to live independently, by providing residents with the life skills they will need to eventually go on to their own tenancy.
This opportunity is based in Strood, Rochester and Gillingham (Medway).
Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.
Activities:
-Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
-Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.
Practical activities could also include:
-Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
-Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
-Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
-Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking
Support for Volunteers:
- To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
- Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Be part of something exciting as Vault opens its doors to young people in Preston. We’re looking for friendly, positive volunteers to help us create a safe, fun and inclusive space where young people can belong, try new things and thrive.
As a Youth Work Volunteer, you’ll:
-
Support youth sessions and activities (sports, arts, music, games, cooking, STEM and more)
-
Help create a welcoming, supportive environment
-
Build positive relationships with young people
-
Encourage participation and confidence
-
Assist with simple setup and tidy-up
-
Uphold safeguarding, equality and inclusion (training provided)
We’ll match your role to your interests and comfort level, and you’ll have fun along the way.
The impact you’ll make:
-
Help young people feel safe, confident and included
-
Reduce isolation and boost wellbeing
-
Support young people to reach their potential
You’ll be great for this role if you have:
-
Good communication and listening skills
-
Empathy, patience and respect for others
-
The ability to engage with young people
-
Reliability and a team mindset
(Experience with young people is helpful but not essential.)
Easy to get to
-
<1 minute walk from Preston Bus Station
-
<15 minutes walk from Preston Train Station
-
Parking available at Preston Bus Station (RingGo)
If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to make a real difference, we’d love you on the team.
Vault Youth Zone exists to provide young people with somewhere safe and inspiring to go in their leisure time.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to spend time with residents in one of our learning disability services.
What will you be doing?
You could get involved in:
· Gardening and enjoying the outdoors
· Cooking or baking together
· Colouring, puzzles, and arts & crafts
· Having a good chat over a cup of tea
· Simple, sociable activities that bring smiles
If you enjoy being creative, spending time outdoors, or just sharing good conversation, this is a fantastic way to make a real difference.
When?
Ideally, we’re looking for someone who can volunteer weekly or fortnightly during the day on weekdays on weekends. We’re happy to discuss what works best for you.
What’s in it for you?
· Make a positive impact in the lives of five amazing people
· Share your skills and hobbies
· Gain experience in a supportive environment
· Travel expenses covered for each volunteering shift
· Activity costs agreed with the service
If you’re kind, patient, and enjoy creative or outdoor activities, we’d love to hear from you!
Interested?
Get in touch today and help us create meaningful moments for our residents.
For all our volunteer roles a DBS check will be carried out and we will request two references. All volunteers will need to complete online volunteer training in preparation for your role. You will be supported by both the volunteer team and a designated member of staff in the service too.
Milestones Trust supports adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to live their best lives.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.
Our Spring Project
9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April, in north London
We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Spring Social Development Project.
Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.
What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.
Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama, and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.
Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting our members to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.
Come along and get involved!
Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more – women too)!!
Requirements
What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.
How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.
What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.
By volunteering on our project, you'll also:
- Use and develop your skills
- Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
- Increase your confidence
- Meet new people and make friends
- Gain experience for (other) work
- Give something back to the community
- Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
- Challenge yourself
What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.
This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.
Topics we cover include:
- Communication
- Autism
- Supporting emotions
- Safeguarding
- Creativity & Participation
- Epilepsy
When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.
We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.
In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.
Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.
Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next
We are following a number of safety measures when meeting service-users & volunteers. Taking temperature checks on arrival, asking a number of Covid-related questions before entry, wearing face masks where necessary, suggesting for volunteers to take a lateral flow test before attending an activity. These measures are regularly reviewed.
- Do sign up on our website and you'll instantly receive an email asking you to verify you really do want us to send you info.
- Please click 'Yes', then you'll receive further info about the activity and how to book an informal online interview.
- Make sure you check your junk mail for our emails, including the verification one!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.
Our Spring Project
9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April, in north London
We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Spring Social Development Project.
Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.
What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.
Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama, and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.
Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting our members to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.
Come along and get involved!
Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more – women too)!!
Requirements
What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.
How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.
What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.
By volunteering on our project, you'll also:
- Use and develop your skills
- Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
- Increase your confidence
- Meet new people and make friends
- Gain experience for (other) work
- Give something back to the community
- Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
- Challenge yourself
What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.
This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.
Topics we cover include:
- Communication
- Autism
- Supporting emotions
- Safeguarding
- Creativity & Participation
- Epilepsy
When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.
We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.
In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.
Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.
Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next.
Just sign up on our website (on our volunteering form) and you'll receive details of what to do next.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who can join our Me Time groups on weekdays for a few hours to support with our activities.
Our Me Time service provides local people with a learning disability the chance to learn through activities - indoor and in the community - have fun, and make new friends during the week.
The role would involve supporting us with our activities during the day. We have lots of different activities, these could include:
- Gardening
- Arts and crafts
- Bowling
- Cooking
- Physical activity
- Technology skills sessions
- Poetry
- And lots more!
You don’t have to have experience in any or all of the sessions we run, just willing to keep an open mind and a friendly attitude.
When do I need to be available? The role is flexible, if you can only give us a few hours a week on certain weekdays we would really appreciate it. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
As a weekly activity support volunteer, you will need to provide us with two references and a DBS. By volunteering with us you will be helping local people with a learning disability have fun, learn new skills through activities, and you will be making a huge difference!
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.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
West London Welcome (WLW) is a community centre and registered charity run for and with refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum, working together with local people to provide a safe, positive experience of community to reduce isolation, build inclusion and confidence, and challenge injustice.
Each week at WLW brings unique joys and challenges. We support hundreds of people from 70 different countries with a range of immigration statuses, providing English classes, advice, casework, hot food, a foodbank, clothing, childcare for those in classes, and social and creative activities. We take a holistic approach to support the needs of our members, from the practical and social to the emotional and playful.
We’re looking for someone with lived experience of seeking refuge or migration to join our Board of Trustees.
—
Our ongoing work with people with lived experience of seeking refuge and migration
At WLW we are striving to ensure our staff, volunteers and Board of Trustees are reflective of the communities we work with.
Our staff team includes five people with lived experience of refuge or migration, all of whom work in a wide variety of ways on a weekly basis with the refugees, migrants and asylum-seeking people who come to our centre. Our Board of Trustees includes one person who we supported through the asylum system, and five of our nine Trustees have lived experience of refuge or migration.
Amongst our 100+ volunteers, many are our beneficiaries whom we also support, who work collaboratively with us to run our centre. A fifth of our volunteers have lived experience of refuge or migration. From cooking and organising our foodbank to running our creative activities and translating for our advice team, this collaborative work ensures our community members have a stake in the way we practically run our organisation day-to-day and have a sense of ownership over the space.
We are now looking to recruit a new Trustee with lived experience of seeking refuge or migration.
The Role
We are looking to recruit a trustee with some or all of the following skills and/or experience:
-
Lived experience of the challenges of seeking refuge or migrating to the UK from another country. We welcome applicants who have either moved to the UK recently, or decades ago.
-
Refugee/migrant sector experience – experience of volunteering or working within the refugee and migrant NGO sector in the UK or another country. This could include either volunteering or working directly for an NGO, or in another related capacity such as with a campaign.
-
Somebody who is passionate about the work of West London Welcome and supporting people in our community.
It is not necessary for applicants to have previous experience of being a Trustee.
Trustee roles are unpaid voluntary positions, but we offer travel and other relevant expenses.
Trustee Duties
The general duties of a trustee are to:
-
Ensure that WLW complies with its governing document (its constitution), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
-
Ensure that WLW pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
-
Ensure WLW applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they appear to be.
-
Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to WLW, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
-
Safeguard the good name and values of WLW.
-
Ensure the financial stability of WLW.
-
Protect and manage the property of WLW and to ensure that proper investment of WLW’s funds.
-
Support WLW’s Directors and monitor their performance.
-
In addition to the above general duties, a trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Minimum Time Commitment
-
The Board generally holds meetings at least four times per year. These normally take place in the early evening and last approximately two hours. There may also be additional occasional trainings.
-
Trustees should also support WLW at informal fundraising and other events as part of their ambassadorial role as well as making make regular visits to the WLW centre.
-
This is a voluntary position, but trustees can claim out of pocket expenses such as those incurred in travelling to meetings.
-
Occasionally quick decisions on urgent matters need to be made. Trustees should be available via WhatsApp as well as at regular board meetings to provide needed input/advice.
Person Specification
Each trustee must have:
-
A commitment to the mission of WLW;
-
A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort;
-
Integrity;
-
Strategic vision;
-
Good, independent judgement;
-
An ability to think creatively;
-
A willingness to speak their mind;
-
An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;
-
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of WLW;
-
A satisfactory DBS disclosure;
-
Satisfactory references.
Interested applicants should review the duties and person specification detailed here, and apply via CharityJob by 11.30pm on Monday 9 February 2026.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Role
Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.
The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.
What will you do as a volunteer?
We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.
We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.
Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:
- Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
- Organise our monthly community meeting
- Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
- Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
- Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
- Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
- Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.
What you get:
Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).
Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.
You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.
We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.




