Environment volunteer roles

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Location

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.
Capped reimbursement of expenses is awarded for lunches and travel, where applicable.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

We are looking for volunteers to cover our quiet reception on Bermondsey Street, SE1 once a week from September onwards.  Our office is just a 10-minute walk from London Bridge, staff are friendly and welcoming, and volunteers tend to stay with us for long periods.

Available shifts are on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 am to 12:30 pm or 12:30 - 4:00pm. Ideally, you will be free to commit to one weekly shift for at least six months,longer if possible. 

In this role, you will:

• use Outlook to check staff availability and whereabouts 
• screen and transfer phone calls to staff or take message to pass on by email 
• give ocasional visitors a warm welcome and ensure they sign in and out 
• respond to requests to send information out, mainly application packs and letters
• assist with outgoing mail, franking and posting 
• help with occasional admin tasks as they arise 

You will need to  be a fluent English speaker to manage the calls,a good listener and confident answering the phone. Reliability, commitment and good time keeping are key and the role requires basic knowledge of Outlook and Excel, although training will be given. 

In return for your help, we can offer you: 

• Travel expenses (with proof of purchase), and access to free tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits 
• Training, induction and support to help you feel confident in your role
• Regular newsletters and annual volunteer social events
• An opportunity to work within a small friendly team (25 staff working from home, office and in the community) 
• Opportunities to help in other areas of our work if you are interested in doing more
• References, following the minimum commitment required and an opportunity to build on your CV
• A very warm welcome.

Although our office can be quiet at times, your support will be vital to the smooth running of our services, particular when staff are in meetings or on calls.

If you are not sure if this is the best role for you, we can offer a 4 week trial period, and you are welcome to drop by for a coffee and a chat if you want to know more befor you apply.  Please contact us to arrange this. 

You must be 18 or over and live in the London area. Our office has no step free access. 

We will not be able to respond to applications between 14th to end of August. 

Help turn great items into great sales

Bring products to life through the lens!

As an Online Shop Photography Volunteer, you'll volunteer onsite creating clear, attractive images that help customers feel confident buying online. Your photos play a key role in turning donated items into sales, helping raise funds for Oxfam's life-saving work - whether that's responding to emergencies, supporting livelihoods, or campaigning for a fairer world.

If you enjoy photography, styling, or have a great eye for detail, this is a creative way to use your skills for a powerful cause.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you

Be a Second-hand Superhero

Bring donated items to life through great photography that helps them sell.

Increase Your Skills

Develop photography, styling and digital skills that you can add to your CV.

Find Your Community

Volunteer alongside a passionate team making a real difference.

Flexibility

Volunteer around your schedule - every hour helps.

A Role That Works for You

This role may suit someone who enjoys creative, focused tasks and has an eye for detail. It offers the opportunity to volunteer independently while following clear processes, helping to create consistent, high-quality images that showcase donated items at their best.

Someone who enjoys photography, styling, composition, or takes pride in presenting things well could really thrive in this role.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we'd love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat.

This is not an interview - just a chance to learn more about the role and discuss what you'd like to do.

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/09/2026
• Interviews will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Volunteer Cook

 About the Role

We are looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Cooks to support people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss by helping to prepare and cook nutritious, enjoyable meals. This rewarding role provides an opportunity to share your passion for food, encourage independence, and help create positive social experiences through cooking and shared mealtimes.

 The Difference You Will Make

As a Volunteer Cook, you will help people develop practical cooking skills, build confidence, and enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals. Your support can promote independence, social inclusion, and wellbeing while creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, and enjoy new experiences.

 What You Will Do

• Support people to prepare and cook simple meals and snacks.
• Encourage participation in food preparation and kitchen activities.
• Promote safe food handling and good kitchen hygiene practices.
• Assist with meal planning and shopping lists where appropriate.
• Help create a welcoming and enjoyable cooking environment.
• Support individuals to develop confidence and independence in the kitchen.
• Work alongside staff to ensure activities are safe, enjoyable, and inclusive.
• Assist with clearing up and maintaining a clean kitchen area after sessions.

 What We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. You do not need to be a professional chef—just someone who enjoys cooking and supporting others.

We are looking for people who are:

• Friendly, patient, and reliable.
• Passionate about cooking and healthy eating.
• Good communicators and supportive team players.
• Respectful of diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiastic about helping people learn new skills.
• Able to encourage and motivate others in a positive way.

 Requirements

Successful volunteers will be required to:

• Complete an enhanced DBS check.
• Provide two satisfactory references.
• Complete some online training
• Follow SeeAbility's policies and procedures, including safeguarding, food hygiene, and health and safety requirements.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a specialist charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious lives. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals, develop independence, and be part of their community.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us provide meaningful opportunities, develop life skills, and support the people we work with to achieve their aspirations.

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

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY COACH

Time: Evenings, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (weekly)

Location, Oasis House, Northampton

** Must have experience supporting vulnerable adults **

Connection Support provides a range of services supporting people who may be at risk of homelessness or who require social care. We work with people who may have experienced challenges such as debt, family circumstances, mental health difficulties, substance misuse, being a care leaver, learning disabilities, age-related needs, or physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in helping us provide meaningful activities that improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness.

Could you help prevent loneliness and isolation in your community by running a weekly activity night?

· Do you have 1–2 hours a week in the evening (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) to support residents by running fun and engaging activities?

· Can we rely on you to commit to a period of up to 12 weeks?

· Can you build positive, professional, and trusting relationships with residents in a friendly and non-judgemental way?

If you can answer “yes”, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

· Planning and hosting a weekly activity evening for residents between 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

· Running activities such as general knowledge quizzes, music rounds, bingo games, picture rounds, and other fun group activities

· Encouraging residents to participate, socialise, and work together

· Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment

· Acting as a positive and supportive role model

Skills Required

· Good communication and people skills

· Ability to engage and encourage people from a range of backgrounds

· Creativity in planning fun activities and games

· Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

· Good organisation and time-keeping

· Experience to enhance your CV and future career opportunities

· Ongoing support and guidance from the team

· Opportunity to request a reference after your volunteering period

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/08/2026
• Interviews will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Join AkiOke and gain hands-on experience in community engagement while helping young adults with learning difficulties access inclusive music sessions.

AkiOke is a welcoming music club for young adults (18–30) with learning difficulties. Our sessions help build confidence, friendships and wellbeing through singing and music in a supportive environment.

 What you’ll be doing

This role is about helping AkiOke grow by reaching the right people:

• Research local SEND groups, organisations and attend events
• Help us connect with services such as Mencap, day centres and supported living providers
• Share information about AkiOke with local networks
• Support simple outreach activities (emails, messages, introductions)
• Identify opportunities to promote the club in the community

What’s in it for you

 Real experience in community outreach and engagement
 Insight into the SEND and charity sector
 Strong experience for CVs (especially social care, community work, psychology, or charity roles)
 Opportunity to build communication and networking skills
 Flexible, manageable commitment
A chance to make a genuine impact on people’s lives

 Location & time

• Based in Bromley (Remote & local engagement)
• Flexible hours (2 hours per week)

• Who does this role suit?
• Students or anyone interested in community work, social care or the charity sector
• Friendly, proactive and organised individuals
• Someone confident in researching and reaching out to people
• No formal experience needed — just enthusiasm and reliability

 Why it matters

Your role will help more young adults find a safe, supportive space where they can build confidence, make friends and enjoy music.

Oxfam Till Volunteers Barnard Castle Shop, 1 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8LY

Do you enjoy meeting people and chatting?

Then this volunteer opportunity would suit you.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide

full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

When:

· Monday to Saturday and Sundays – Am/Pm – 4 hours or just even 2 hours we are very flexible.

What you will be doing:

· Chatting to Customers - giving great customer service on the till.

· Operating the Till

· Keeping the shop floor clean and tidy

· Accepting donations from members of the public

· Assisting with stocking the shop floor

· Full Training and support are given for this role – no prior experience necessary.

What's in it for you:

· Lunch expenses paid for 5 hours or more volunteered in one shift up to £7.00

· Travel expenses are paid when travelling by bus, parking expenses are paid if driving and petrol expenses are paid at the discretion of the Shop Manager.

· Learn new skills, gain experience, build confidence, and meet new people and make new friends.

Disclaimer: Additional Information

· We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

· We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.

· We do ask for one professional reference, however if this is not possible, we have a Reference Risk Assessment process form you can complete with the Shop Manager instead.

· Oxfam covers expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy, including local, reasonable travel expenses and lunch (for volunteering 5 hours +).’

·  We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.

· Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

We're setting up a new telephone group which will offer blind and partially sighted people living with DREC the opportunity to socialise with one another each week and we're looking for someone to facilitate the group. The right person will have have personal or professional experience of DREC, will be a good listener who is able to manage group conversations and will have the skills to enable people to feel comfortable in a social group environment.

This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone. We ask you to commit to 1-2 hours per week to facilitate one group session, which will take place at the same day and time each week.

You will be the link between the group participants and the RNIB Talk and Support team and will:

• Listen to the group conversation and ensure it flows and that all conversations are appropriate;
• Make appropriate contributions as and when required to stimulate conversation;
• Create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere thus encouraging all participants to feel comfortable taking part;
• Report any Safeguarding concerns or data breaches to the Talk & Support staff team.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 2 references

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, East of England, West Midlands, North East, North West, Northern Ireland, East Midlands, South West, South East, Greater London, Scotland

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Personal experience of living with, or a professional background in Diabetes Related Eye Conditions (DREC)
• • Good listening and verbal communication skills
• • Ability to use the telephone confidently for an hour long call
• • Ability to work with a wide range of people from across the UK
• • Demonstrate empathy and understanding of the issues faced by visually impaired people
• • Ability to follow internal policy and procedures
• • Willingness to undertake and remain compliant with mandatory safeguarding training and attend other training and development opportunities when required.

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 15/08/2026
• Interviews will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below: