Disability volunteer roles

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Good organisational skills • Trustworthy, enthusiastic and self-motivated • Willing to travel in and around your local area • Comfortable working independently • Able to send and receive emails

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll provide much-needed help looking after fundraising relationships, and with fundraising activities and events. You’ll help us look after the supporters who are fundraising for us — to make sure they’re happy and feel part of what we do. You’ll also support us with planning and running events, including preparation and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

In this role you’ll develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

This role is available in areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. Join your local fundraising group as a volunteer.

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity where you can meet new people and raise funds that will change lives?  Join a Guide Dogs group near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.

Did you know it costs £102,000 to raise, train, and support a guide dog from birth to retirement.

We have a range of roles from being a group member, to taking on a lead role such as Group Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Treasurer, Merchandise Coordinator or Collection Box Coordinator.

Why become a fundraising volunteer:

As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, volunteering with your local Guide Dogs fundraising group is a great way to spend some of your free time and give back.

• Inspire people to support Guide Dogs and make a difference to someone with sight loss.
• Have fun finding new events and places to volunteer at.
• You’ll meet lots of special dogs – from young puppies in training to incredible guide dogs in partnership.
• You’ll empower others to get involved with Guide Dogs.
• You’ll learn new skills and we’ll provide all the training you need for your role.
• You can take on as much or as little as you want, and you can fit the role around your other commitments.

Who you are:

We appreciate our volunteers’ passion and energy, but we also value your unique skills, perspectives and personalities.

• Inspire others: Do you have lots of ideas that could motivate others? We need more inspirational volunteer leaders and fundraisers who can bring their energy and unique perspective to our local fundraising groups.

• Bring your skills: Could you help organise a calendar of events, take care of ordering merchandise, or count the funds raised by your local team? We need more volunteer treasurers, secretaries, and merchandise coordinators to support our fundraising groups.

• Help take Guide Dogs into your community: Are you well connected or do you love going to new places and meeting new people? We need more volunteer fundraisers to help at our events and spread the word about our work.

Training and pre-agreed expenses available.

Visit our webiste to see what roles are available where you live. 

About Talkthru

Talkthru is a specialist counselling charity based in Huddersfield, offering free, confidential support to individuals and families affected by pregnancy loss, baby loss and other birth-related trauma. As we continue to grow, we are looking to raise awareness and reach more families who need us—this is where you come in.

The Role

We are looking for a creative, sensitive, and driven Content Creator to help increase our charity's visibility, tell impactful stories, and reach communities who need support. This is an opportunity to make a real difference by using your storytelling and digital skills to foster connection, healing and support for bereaved families.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging and sensitive content for our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Develop posts that align with our tone: warm, empathetic, and respectful
• Help promote key campaigns, events, and awareness initiatives
• Support the creation of blogs, short videos, or graphics (Canva or similar)
• Creating or refreshing website content, ensuring it aligns with our tone and mission
• Collaborate with our team to share real stories, testimonials, and resources (with consent)
• Monitor engagement and adapt content to help reach wider audiences

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has experience or strong interest in content creation
• Understands how to handle sensitive topics (e.g., trauma, grief) with care
• Is a thoughtful communicator and a strong storyteller (written and/or visual)
• Is comfortable working independently and meeting deadlines
• Has experience with Canva, social media scheduling tools, or basic video editing (a bonus, not essential)
• Has a heart for our mission and a commitment to supporting grieving families

Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based)
Type: Freelance / Contract – Flexible hours
Revenue Share: 70% to Solicitor / 30% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

At Guardian Light Enterprises LTD, we are more than a social enterprise — we are a beacon of hope for children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and hardship.

Our mission is to empower and protect the most vulnerable, giving them the tools, legal support, and guidance they need to build brighter futures. Every session you deliver as a solicitor doesn’t just provide legal advice — it gives someone dignity, hope, and a chance to reclaim their life.

Role Purpose

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated freelance solicitors to provide expert legal guidance to our beneficiaries. This role is flexible, allowing you to use your legal expertise to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families who urgently need your support.

You will:

• Offer legal advice on family law, employment rights, housing, or other related areas

• Guide clients through complex legal processes with clarity and empathy

• Provide practical, actionable advice that empowers clients to take control of their lives

• Collaborate with GLF staff and volunteers to ensure clients are supported holistically

Hours & Commitment

• Recommended: 6–12 hours per month at the early stage

• Sessions can be scheduled flexibly to suit your availability and client needs

• Each session revenue split: 70% to you, 30% reinvested into GLF programs

Compensation & Payment

• Paid per session based on agreed client engagement

• Revenue sharing model ensures fair and transparent payment

• Payment schedule: monthly for simplicity, with detailed statements provided

• Additional incentives: high-performing solicitors may be offered Board Member or Advisory Board roles

Skills & Experience

• Qualified solicitor in the UK, practising in relevant areas (family law, housing, employment, or youth-focused law)

• Strong empathy, patience, and communication skills

• Comfortable working remotely and in collaboration with a mission-driven team

• Passion for social justice, children’s rights, and supporting vulnerable communities

Policies & Safeguarding

• DBS check required (Enhanced, £12.50 volunteer rate)

• Commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

• Adherence to GLF Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Equality policies

Benefits

• Directly impact the lives of vulnerable children, teens, and families

• Flexible working hours to suit your schedule

• Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and community recognition

• Invitation to join our Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the enterprise scales

• Being part of a mission that transforms lives — where every hour you give makes a tangible difference

• Public recognition on GLF communications, website, and reports

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are someone who:

• Believes that legal guidance is a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn

• Feels fulfilled by using your expertise to create social impact

• Is proactive, compassionate, and able to work independently

• Wants to be part of a groundbreaking social enterprise at the startup stage

• Values ethical work, transparency, and accountability

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Good organisational skills • Trustworthy, enthusiastic and self-motivated • Willing to travel in and around your local area • Comfortable working independently • Able to send and receive emails

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Description

Would you like to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people by supporting the RNIB Enterprises Team in a varied business sales admin role? Do you live in or close to Peterborough?

We're looking for a volunteer to help us with:
• Compiling contacts list of potential new business customers.
• Reaching out to new potential business customers.
• Calling/setting up meetings/calls with sales managers.
• Emailing outreach information/updates.
• Supporting with the administration of competition updates, and customer satisfaction surveys to better understand our customer base.

We're looking for volunteers who are available sometime during weekdays, ideally on a Thursday but this is flexible and a different day may be possible, for either a full day or a couple of half days a week.

This role is based within RNIB’s Peterborough office but there is also the option to volunteer remotely from home.

This is a busy role and would suit someone will excellent admin and customer care skills who has a methodical and organised approach and is able to pay attention to detail.

How you will be supported in your role:
Full training on the role will be provided. You will also receive support from your volunteer manager which will include regular updates and catchups.

What you will gain from this role:
This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to develop or refresh their admin skills in a volunteer role with the UK's leading sight loss charity and you will gain experience in dealing with business customers, supporting sales and order teams and a better understanding of MS Office.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Days per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Additional location information

• This role is based within RNIB’s Peterborough office but there is also the option to volunteer remotely from home.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Some experience of with MS office, Word, Excel and Outlook. This is a busy role and would suit someone will excellent admin and customer care skills who has a methodical and organised approach and is able to pay attention to detail.

Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!

As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.

What you’ll be doing:

In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:

• Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home. 
• Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
• Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
• Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.

Can I foster a dog?

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:

• Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training. 
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.

However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.

Minimum age for volunteer is 18.

We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.

Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.

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

About the role

Location: Bristol

Hours: 2 hours per week

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator, you will play an important role in supporting group sessions and workshops. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable environment where everyone feels valued and able to participate.

Your responsibilities may include engaging with group members through conversation, welcoming participants as they arrive, and supporting the smooth running of sessions by helping with set-up and clear-up tasks. You may also assist with taking attendance at the start of each session.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

This role requires a Basic DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator you will

• Welcome participants and help create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment
• Support the development of a safe space where individuals feel comfortable sharing as much or as little as they wish
• Assist with setting up before sessions (e.g. arranging chairs, preparing materials, and taking attendance)
• Help tidy and reset the space after sessions
• Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to support the smooth delivery of group activities

About the service

The Bristol Community Support Services team is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support. The service focuses on helping individuals achieve their goals, improve their wellbeing, and maintain independence while living with mental illness.

The team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator, all working together to provide a supportive and effective service.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Having an interest in mental health and supporting people living with mental illness
• Able to demonstrate strong active listening skills and the ability to build rapport
• Able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and remains non-judgemental
• Understand the importance of confidentiality
• Reliable and punctual

It's not essential, but you may also bring

• Lived experience of mental health challenges
• Experience of working in group settings

How to apply

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

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

Who are we?

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

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

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

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

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

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