Direct volunteer roles

The Wren Project is a volunteer-led charity that provides free, remote, one-to-one, ongoing listening support for people in distress and living with autoimmune disease. There are over 120 autoimmune diseases currently diagnosed by the NHS and these include Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's disease- they are all chronic illnesses which can have life altering impacts.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). In appointments, volunteers offer listening support, where Wrens can talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers join a regular fortnightly shift during which they meet with up to 2 Wrens in two 50-minute appointments. 

Volunteers do not need to have qualifications or any knowledge or experience of autoimmune disease. We are looking for warm, empathetic, caring and resilient individuals who want to help others and have the time to offer ongoing, non-judgemental, listening support. 

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Our service would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend a group information and discovery conversation where you will learn more about the Wren Project and the listening role 

• Applicants will be invited to participate in a remote, 5-week training programme focusing on listening skills, courageous inquiry, turning towards difficulty and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

• Please note, we access an applicant’s suitability for the role throughout the process.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude.

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to those in distress and to reflect upon the experience.

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments.

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection.

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability.

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening.

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress.

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development.

• An insight into life with chronic illness and mental health.

Event: 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon

Location: London

Time commitment: 11th October - Half a day 

What we're looking for

We need enthusiastic and outgoing volunteers who can cheer as loudly as possible for our runners as they go past our cheer points. Every year thousands of people join Team NSPCC to take on a challenge and raise money to help protect children and prevent abuse. Together with other cheerers, you'll make a huge difference to how our runners feel – helping them to complete a challenge they've spent months preparing for.

What you'll do

You'll be joining other lively and enthusiastic cheerers at  our NSPCC cheer point along the route – be ready for cheering, clapping, whooping or even singing. It's a team effort, so you would also help with setting up the cheer point, giving out t-shirts and cheering materials, making sure the area is kept tidy and helping with packing down.

We have one cheer point along the course, with staggered start times. We'll be in touch to arrange with you what time to arrive, where to meet and what to expect. You don't have to be an official cheerer to come along and support team NSPCC. So if you can't make the full-time or to one of our cheer points, we'd still love to see there, just look up the event time and come along.

What you'll get

Volunteering at our events is a great way to experience the fantastic atmosphere of event days, without the training! The atmosphere at our cheer point is amazing, and we'll provide you with cheering materials and an NSPCC t-shirt so all you have to bring is your enthusiasm.

You'll be accompanied by NSPCC staff to support you and answer any questions you may have. Refreshments will be provided at the cheer points, and travel expenses will be covered up to the value of £5.

Who's right for the role?

You don't need any prior experience, just a sense of fun, team spirit and enthusiasm. It's important that you're able to spend a few hours outside, spending lots of this time cheering and clapping. You'll also need to stand for a few hours so, if you think this would be difficult, we'd advise bringing along a travel chair. If you are a wheelchair user, please let us know and we can help to identify a suitably accessible cheering point for you.

You'll need to feel comfortable if members of the public ask you about your volunteering role and will simply need to direct them to a member of staff if they have any questions about the NSPCC. We need volunteers with a warm and friendly manner, as the NSPCC is 90 per cent funded by public donations so the impression people have of us is incredibly important.

Please be aware that you'll need to make your own way to your cheer point (we will give you directions).

We can discuss which cheering post would be most convenient for you.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

Created and facilitated by Crisis Skylight Brent, Voices for Homeless is a peer-led group based on the simple truth: people with lived experience know what needs to change. Their insight, resilience and creativity are essential to creating solutions that actually work. The group ranges from the actively homeless, people who have been homed and people with past and present alcohol and drug dependency.

We are seeking an Activities Assistant Volunteer to support with the running of the group. The successful candidate will be passionate about co-production, be dynamic in their work and be able to think creatively and innovatively about solutions to ending homelessness. You will be working alongside the Co-production and Partnerships Co-ordinator who will offer direct support and supervision. Due to the specific nature of the role, we particularly encourage people with lived experience of homelessness to apply, however the role is open to all.

What will I be doing?

Tasks you may support with include: 

Planning 

• Sharing any thoughts and ideas you have as part of the planning for a session 
• Support with preparing resources for the session/setting up/tidying up any equipment and materials

 Delivery 

• Creating a safe, welcome and non-judgemental space 
• With direction from the tutor/Activities Lead, supporting members within the group to increase both their knowledge and confidence  
• Supporting tutors and leads with group dynamics, and feeding back any concerns you have

 You will work closely with the tutor/ leads who will have an understanding of the needs and learning outcomes required for the session. 

What do I gain?

There is no feeling like knowing you have played a part in helping someone to end their homelessness and in this role you will be helping individuals to improve their wellbeing so they are able to achieve this. You will be part of a team committed to ending homelessness and ensuring that not only do our members end their homelessness, but they have the skills to sustain that and their wellbeing. You will also have the satisfaction of putting your skills and experience to use in an impactful way as well as opportunities to challenge and develop yourself.  You will have opportunities to undergo appropriate learning as well as to connect with other volunteers and colleagues.

There has never been a better time to consider volunteering as we prepare to open our new charity shop in Arundel.

We are seeking volunteers who are friendly, reliable, fun, vibrant and willing to work hard to make our shop a success!

What will you be doing

· Welcome customers and processing sales

· Accept, sort and label donations

· Display items for sale

· Help create eye-catching window displays

· Promote Gift Aid

· Keep the shop clean and tidy

What’s in it for you

· Make new friends

· Give back to your local community by raising vital funds for YOUR local hospice charity

· Gain confidence and customer service skills

· Be part of the award-winning St Wilfrid’s Volunteer team

· Enhance your CV and get valuable work experience

Skills you need

· An interest in retail and customer service

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Willingness to learn and develop

What else you need to know

· Duties – we have a range of flexible and regular duties available – a rota will be implemented

· No experience is required – we are happy to provide all training

· The shop has steps that lead down to our sorting area and facilities

Admin Volunteer

Hours: 2-5 hours per week, flexible

We are looking for a friendly, organised, and dependable volunteer to support our services in Basingstoke with administration activities for 2-3 hours a week, based in our Abingdon office. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys administration, working with data, and supporting charities.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK.

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

 What will I be helping with?

• General office administration and administrative support
• Supporting the wider team with ad hoc administrative tasks such as shredding, scanning and archiving documents
• Maintaining database records in line with data protection requirements
• Collecting & inputting data 
• Answering the phone and taking phone messages

Skills needed

· Friendly, professional & adaptable to take on all admin tasks

• To be comfortable using Microsoft Office software
• Comfortable working with databases and willing to learn new systems
• Great organisational skills and an eye for detail
• Reliable, trustworthy, and able to maintain confidentiality in line with data protection
•  

Benefits to the volunteer

· Being part of a friendly supportive and welcoming team

· Comprehensive training & ongoing support for volunteers

· This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. 

• The chance to develop new skills, build on your CV & gain confidence in a friendly work environment

· Volunteers can claim travel expenses

Job Title: Operations Assistant (Volunteer Role)

Location: London - Hybrid / Remote]
Contract Type: Volunteer (with potential to become a paid salaried role)
Hours: Flexible / Approx. 20 hours per week

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Operations Assistant to support the CEO and Operations Manager in ensuring the smooth running of daily operations. This role will involve working at the heart of the organisation, contributing to both strategic projects and routine administrative tasks.

Initially offered as a voluntary position, this opportunity has the potential to evolve into a salaried role as the organisation continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational and administrative support to the CEO and Operations Manager.

• Assist with coordinating projects, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables achieved.

• Maintain accurate records, systems, and documentation to support efficient workflows.

• Help track budgets, invoices, and expenses in coordination with the Operations Manager.

• Support meeting preparation, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.

• Coordinate logistics for internal and external meetings, events, and travel.

• Liaise with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners in a professional and timely manner.

• Contribute ideas to improve processes and enhance organisational efficiency.

• Provide general administrative support as required across the organisation.

Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• A proactive, can-do attitude with the confidence to work alongside senior leadership.

• Competence with Microsoft Office Suite and/or collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, project management platforms).

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to take on varied responsibilities.

• Previous experience in operations, administration, or project coordination is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

• Direct experience working with a CEO and Operations Manager.

• A unique insight into both the strategic and operational running of an organisation.

• Opportunities to develop skills in project coordination, administration, and process improvement.

• Flexibility to fit the role around other commitments.

• Clear potential for the role to develop into a permanent, paid position.

Additional Information

This is a volunteer role at the outset. We are committed to supporting your professional development, offering mentorship and opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience. As the organisation grows, there is strong potential for this position to transition into a paid salaried role.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Ready to step up? This is for people who want more responsibility at the Community Food Hub.

As a Food Co-op Lead Volunteer, you'll be a go-to person on the floor — helping coordinate sessions, supporting other volunteers, and keeping the co-op running smoothly and with pride.

You'll work closely with the Food Hub Manager (Petagaye) and Thomas (Head of Food & Partnerships) — taking ownership of your sessions and helping to build a strong, reliable volunteer team around you.

This role is a real stepping stone — building the skills and track record that open doors to more senior roles in community food work, charity operations, or beyond.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Take the lead during sessions — directing volunteers, managing the floor, keeping things moving

• Support the Food Hub Manager in coordinating session activity and volunteer tasks

• Help with stock management — tracking what is available, what is needed, and communicating this clearly

• Keep simple session records — numbers served, feedback, any issues to flag

• Be the first point of contact for volunteers during sessions

• Ensure all food hygiene, safeguarding, and health and safety standards are maintained

• Support the induction and settling-in of newer volunteers

• Communicate updates and any concerns clearly to the Food Hub Manager after each session

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Some experience of volunteering or working in a team setting

• A natural ability to take initiative and keep things organised

• Confident communicator — able to give clear, calm direction to others

• Reliable, consistent, and able to commit to regular sessions

• Understanding of safeguarding and food hygiene principles

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Previous experience at a food bank, food co-op, or community kitchen

• A food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2)

• Experience coordinating or supervising a small team of volunteers

• Knowledge of the Hackney community or similar urban settings

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• Hands-on leadership and team coordination experience

• A strong reference from our Food Hub Manager and Head of Food & Partnerships

• A clear pathway towards more senior roles within Children With Voices

• Stock management, session coordination, and operational skills

• The genuine satisfaction of leading a team that feeds and supports Hackney families

The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support at our supported living service by spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include chatting over a cup of tea, reading books, playing board games, etc.

Skills Required

· To be kind, empathetic and friendly

· To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

· To be punctual and reliable

· To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

· Safeguarding

· H&S

· Manual Handling

· How to be Eye Care Aware

· Fire Safety

· Infection Control

· Data Security and Confidentiality

· First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

· This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

· Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people.

· SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

· Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time. SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire, Portsmouth, East Sussex and Worcestershire. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become Trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of, or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
• For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.

Please note that for legal and safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check and a registered Director Verification Digital ID Code.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Application and further details will be sent to candidates. 

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

The Community Food Hub at Children With Voices runs because of people like you.

This is our entry-level food co-op role — no experience needed, no qualifications required, just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and be part of something that genuinely feeds and supports Hackney families.

You'll be working alongside a warm, welcoming team in our co-op space, helping to make sure that every family who comes through our doors leaves with what they need and feels respected and valued.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Sort and organise food donations as they come in

• Pack food parcels for families with care and accuracy

• Help set up and pack down the co-op space before and after sessions

• Welcome community members as they arrive and make them feel at home

• Assist with basic stock checks and flagging when items are running low

• Keep the co-op floor clean, tidy, and well-organised throughout the session

• Follow all food hygiene and health and safety guidelines at all times

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Friendly, warm, and non-judgemental towards all families

• Willing to get stuck in with practical, hands-on tasks

• Reliable — families and the team count on volunteers showing up

• Basic awareness of food hygiene (or willingness to complete a short online course)

• Respectful and kind in all interactions with families and team members

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Any previous experience volunteering at a food bank, community kitchen, or similar setting

• A food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2) — though not required

• Additional languages spoken (Hackney is a wonderfully diverse community!)

• Experience working or volunteering with families or in a community setting

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• The reward of making a direct, immediate difference to families in Hackney every week

• Support to obtain a food hygiene certificate

• A professional reference from our team

• A genuine insight into grassroots community food provision

• A welcoming team and a space where your contribution truly matters

The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support at our supported living service by spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include chatting over a cup of tea, reading books, playing board games, etc.

Skills Required

· To be kind, empathetic and friendly

· To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

· To be punctual and reliable

· To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

· Safeguarding

· H&S

· Manual Handling

· How to be Eye Care Aware

· Fire Safety

· Infection Control

· Data Security and Confidentiality

· First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

· This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

· Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people.

· SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

· Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time. SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Our Gardener Volunteers support our homes by helping to maintain their outdoor spaces through weeding, pruning and planting, so that the people we support can enjoy spending time in a beautiful environment. 

We are currently looking for volunteer gardeners for one of our services, who can support with the following tasks:

• Create planters

• Provide general maintenance of our gardens

• Watering, planting, weeding and pruning

• Maintaining flower beds

• Creating/improving/maintaining our sensory garden spaces

Skills required 

In order to become one of our gardener volunteers you will be:

• Knowledgeable about plants

• Confident using gardening equipment

• Punctual and reliable

• Friendly and approachable.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Gardening is a great way to get out and about, stay fit and meet new people.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support at our supported living service by spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include chatting over a cup of tea, reading books, playing board games, etc.

Skills Required

· To be kind, empathetic and friendly

· To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

· To be punctual and reliable

· To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

· Safeguarding

· H&S

· Manual Handling

· How to be Eye Care Aware

· Fire Safety

· Infection Control

· Data Security and Confidentiality

· First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

· This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

· Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people.

· SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

· Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time. SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support at our supported living service by spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include chatting over a cup of tea, reading books, playing board games, etc.

Skills Required

· To be kind, empathetic and friendly

· To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

· To be punctual and reliable

· To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

· Safeguarding

· H&S

· Manual Handling

· How to be Eye Care Aware

· Fire Safety

· Infection Control

· Data Security and Confidentiality

· First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

· This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

· Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people.

· SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

· Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time. SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.