369 Family support volunteer roles

As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Full training and expenses covered.

Swimming sessions are available to families on weekly or fortnightly evenings, weekends or weekdays at Chestnut Tree House. The swimming sessions allow families to enjoy life and make memories together in a safe and specially adapted environment.

You will be supporting staff and families, helping to set up the equipment needed and making everyone feel at home. You will be trained to spot if there are problems and act accordingly alongside qualified staff.

Please note a car is required to access Chestnut Tree House due to it's location.

Please note this role is to start in September when additional training will be required.

Bespoke training is provided by the hospice so we ask for volunteers who would be willing to give a longer term (1 year +) commitment to the role.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Help shape the future of one of Gloucestershire’s leading charities supporting older people.

Lilian Faithfull Care is seeking four new Trustees to bring insight, challenge and strategic leadership to a values-led charity with people at its heart.

For more than 80 years, Lilian Faithfull Care has helped older people live well, with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging. Today, we support residents and day guests across our care homes, day services and specialist dementia services, supported by a dedicated team of colleagues and volunteers.

We are looking for four new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the charity through the next stage of its development. This is an opportunity to contribute to strategic decisions, support and challenge the Executive Team, strengthen governance and help ensure the charity remains sustainable, responsive and focused on the people we support.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in areas such as HR, digital transformation, marketing, fundraising, commercial leadership, charity governance, adult social care, legal matters or board-level strategy. Previous Trustee experience is welcome but not essential; what matters most is sound judgement, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to improving later-life care.

Trustees usually give around 18 days per year, including Board meetings, committee work, strategy sessions, preparation and occasional visits to our services. Some activity can take place remotely, but Trustees should be able to attend meetings in Gloucestershire when required.

This is a rewarding opportunity to influence the future of care for older people, join a collaborative and values-driven Board, and make a lasting contribution to a charity that puts people before profit.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner

· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities

· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children

· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement

· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Enjoy working with children and families.

· Interest in child development

· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.

· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.

· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Volunteers Wanted! Help Bring Our Rewilded Nature Trail to Life

The Sherriff Centre is looking for enthusiastic, community-minded volunteers to help care for and bring our new Rewilded Nature Trail to life in West Hampstead.

You could help with guided nature tours, gardening and seasonal maintenance, looking after our wildlife habitats, or simply helping keep the trail welcoming and accessible.

No experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved! You’ll learn about biodiversity and sustainability, meet new people, gain practical experience and make a visible difference to your local community.

We welcome people who can volunteer regularly or occasionally, including weekdays, weekends and school holidays. Full training and support will be provided.

Interested? Send us your CV and a little about yourself and we'll send you an application form.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support Public Health Nursing teams by helping parents use baby weighing equipment in a welcoming and safe environment.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome parents, carers, and babies to the self-weigh session in a friendly and approachable way.

· Explain how to use the weighing equipment safely and accurately (training provided).

· Support parents to record their baby’s weight on growth charts or apps as appropriate.

· Ensure the weighing area is safe, clean, and ready for families to use.

· Provide reassurance and encouragement to parents and carers.

· Signpost any questions or concerns about a baby’s health or development to a Family Centre staff member

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, patient, and approachable.

· Good communication and listening skills.

· Confident in supporting parents to use simple equipment (training given).

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

· Respectful and non-judgemental towards all families.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

For more than a century, the RAF Benevolent Fund has stood beside the RAF Family;
through war and peace, hardship and change. From the first day in uniform to the final
years of life, we have been a constant source of emotional, practical and financial support.
Today, our work reaches serving personnel, veterans, families and the bereaved in more
than 30 countries.
As the demands on the RAF Family grow in complexity and urgency, so too must the resilience
of the charity that serves them. Our ability to provide life-changing support, whether keeping a
family in their home, helping veterans navigate injury or isolation, or walking beside the
bereaved, relies on strong, stable and sustainable income streams. Therefore, we are seeking a
Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to help shape and strengthen our long-term
financial future. The successful candidate will join our diverse and highly skilled Board and
Fundraising, Communications and Engagement Committee to:
• play a key strategic role in supporting our fundraising vision and strategy
• provide strategic input into fundraising plans and campaigns
• support and advise on income generation, donor engagement and partnerships
The full role description can be found on our website here. The role is voluntary, however
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are paid. We will provide the successful candidate with a
bespoke induction programme and relevant training / development.
Interested?
We would love to hear from you if you have the experience and passion we are seeking.
Please send an up-to-date CV and covering email / letter outlining your background, skills,
experience and interest in the role. Email address and contact details can be found on our website. If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal
discussion prior to applying, please contact Lisa (information on website).
We welcome applications from anyone who has the experience we are seeking, irrespective of
background, community, industry or protected characteristics. If you require any reasonable
adjustments as part of your application process, please let us know. You must be eligible to be
a charity trustee under UK law to be considered for this role. We operate safer selection
practices; this will involve the successful candidate being required to have a Disclosure and
Barring Service check.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and this position will remain open until we
have found our ideal candidate. No agencies please.

The Beacon Project is a community-focused programme providing confidential advice, connection, and learning opportunities for residents in the World’s End area. Through weekly coffee mornings, group sessions, and a befriending service that matches individuals with friendly Connectors for regular meet-ups, Beacon helps reduce isolation and build meaningful local relationships. We also offer free, practical support on issues such as benefits and housing, helping people understand their options and access the advice they need. The programme is delivered as a partnership between Family Friends and Nucleus Legal Advice Centre.

About the Role 

As our Community Engagement and Support Volunteer, you will be the first friendly face people meet. This role is perfect for someone approachable, confident, community-minded, and who enjoys connecting with others. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive environment where residents feel comfortable accessing support and getting involved in community activities. 

What You Will Be Doing

As a volunteer, you will welcome residents and help them feel comfortable accessing the project and its services. You will spend time speaking with local people to raise awareness of the Beacon Project, encourage participation, and build positive relationships within the community. The role will involve supporting community events, coffee mornings, and other outreach activities. Using active listening skills, you'll build trust with residents, take the time to understand their needs, and help connect them with the right support where appropriate. Volunteers will also be encouraged to share their ideas and creativity, helping us develop new ways to engage residents and make the project as welcoming and accessible as possible. You will assist with promoting the service through community events, coffee mornings, leaflets, and our social media channels. 

What you will gain from the project 

We are a dynamic and innovative project, passionate about providing wraparound support to the residents of World's End. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting people in your local community and helping them access the advice, connections, and opportunities they need. You'll be part of a friendly and diverse team of staff and volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to be part of a project that values the ideas and contributions of our volunteers. We value the skills and experiences that volunteers bring, and you'll be encouraged to share your insights into how we can develop the project. This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience, build confidence, develop new skills in community engagement and communication, and be part of a project that is making a difference locally. 

This experience will enhance your CV and support future career development in law, community work, advice services, or other people-focused roles. 

What we are looking for 

You will bring a friendly and approachable manner and the ability to figure out how best to support people. That means helping clients to become independent. Some interactions may involve people with complex needs or stress, so patience and empathy are two of the most important qualities that we are looking for. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to advocate for and promote the project to the local community. We are looking for someone who can be a community ambassador for our project and a friendly face for residents. 

Our volunteers support residents from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. While most residents speak English, many community members speak other languages, including Arabic, Spanish and French. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, and additional language skills are an advantage, but are not essential. 

Expenses

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. Reasonable travel and food expenses will be reimbursed. Further information on claiming expenses will be provided during the interview stage.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Beacon Project is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during volunteering to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

We believe that a diverse team helps us better serve the residents of World's End Estate and strengthens our work within the community.

Refugee Support Volunteer

Location: Folkestone, Kent (Wednesdays 12:00pm to 4:00pm) or Dartford, Kent (Fridays 10:00am to 1:00pm)
Time commitment: One half-day per week

Preferred commitment: We welcome applications from anyone able to volunteer regularly. While there is no minimum commitment, volunteers who stay for six months or longer often have the greatest impact and consistency for the refugees we support and allows volunteers to gain the most from their experience.

Expenses: Travel and lunch expenses reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

Help Refugees Build Confidence and Independence

Do you want to make a meaningful difference in your local community?

The Refugee Council is looking for compassionate and enthusiastic volunteers to support refugees who have recently been resettled in Kent. This is a rewarding opportunity to help people rebuild their lives, develop confidence and become more independent as they settle into their new communities.

You do not need previous experience of working with refugees. We are looking for people who are patient, supportive, reliable and committed to helping others thrive. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

About the Role

As a Refugee Support Volunteer, you will work alongside our Kent Resettlement Team, helping refugees gain the confidence and skills needed to access services independently and participate fully in community life.

You may support people to:

• Learn how to use digital services and online accounts
• Access NHS, Universal Credit and immigration-related online systems
• Build confidence using email, websites and mobile apps
• Understand appointment booking systems and telephone services
• Discover local activities, services and community groups
• Develop social connections and reduce isolation
• Build confidence communicating directly with services and organisations

This is a person-centred role focused on encouraging independence through coaching and guided support rather than doing things for people.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences.

Someone who has:

• An Interest in refugee issues and social justice
• Good communication and listening skills
• Basic digital confidence
• Reliability and professionalism
• Respect for people from diverse backgrounds
• A willingness to learn and work as part of a team

You may be:

• Already involved in your local community and wanting to make a difference
• A student looking to gain experience in the charity sector
• Someone considering a career in social work, education, housing, health or community development
• Retired and looking to use your skills to support others in your local community

A second language is welcome but not essential.

What You'll Gain

Volunteering with the Refugee Council offers the chance to:

• Gain practical experience supporting refugees within a professional resettlement service
• Develop coaching, communication and interpersonal skills
• Learn about refugee experiences and the UK resettlement programme
• Build experience within the voluntary and community sector
• Receive comprehensive induction and role-specific training
• Access training and development opportunities
• Work alongside experienced refugee support professionals
• Strengthen skills relevant to careers across the charity, public and community sectors

About Refugee Council

The Refugee Council is one of the UK's leading organisations supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We work to help people rebuild their lives safely, integrate into local communities and achieve independence.

Our values are: Inclusive • Collaborative • Courageous • Respectful

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Help refugees rebuild their lives in Kent. Volunteer with the Refugee Council today.

Lead Volunteer Role Description

• To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office. 

• Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.

• To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.

• Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.

• To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.

• To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.

• To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format.  If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.

• To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.

• To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.

• Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off.  Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.

• To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.

• To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.

• To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.

• To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.

• To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
• To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.

• Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.

• Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.

Support groups are essential for parents and families seeking support. They provide an opportunity for families to meet others who are also living with a family member who has autism, they provide a safe environment for people with autism and their families to attend and meet and they offer an opportunity for families and individuals to share their own experience and listen to others.

What you will be doing

• Ensuring members are informed when there are support groups meetings coming up (via official branch NAS e-mail, social media or text, for example).
• Advertising the support group (posters, leaflets, etc.)
• Attending the weekly support group sessions.
• Sharing information (full training will be given).
• Signposting to other support, professionals, organisations etc.
• Welcoming new members.
• Liaising with other volunteers to ensure there is a volunteer present for the duration of the meeting.
• Accompanying group members in local outings.

Would you like to make a lasting difference in the lives of children affected by domestic abuse? Volunteer for an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.

Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Volunteer – English and Polish Translator

Hours: Flexible, weekdays

Location: Reading and/or Oxford offices, with some remote activities available

Volunteer role: Unpaid

About the role:

Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. We are looking for a volunteer with fluent English and Polish language skills to support our children and families through written and verbal translation.

If you would like to use your language skills to make a positive difference to children and families, we’d love to hear from you.

Please visit our website and apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.

For an informal discussion about the volunteer role please visit our website where you will find contact details for contact Luke Pepperell, BB4K Manager.

For more information about our BB4K service please visit our website.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Check at Enhanced Barred Child level.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Ref: V272 | Support Group Volunteer | Bangor, Northern Ireland

We’re looking for 3 Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at 30 Breezemount Grove, Conling, Bangor, BT23 7TX.

You’ll be volunteering every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.