First job volunteer roles

We are looking for the 'practical hands' to help our families reclaim their childhood. Bring books to life with sound, texture and imagination! You’ll help little ones explore stories through sensory play and support mums building confidence with reading. Perfect for lovers of books, creativity and gentle family connection. This role will take place on Mondays and Thursdays.

We are seeking a diverse, proactive team of volunteers to support a 6-week summer programme (July 20 – Aug 28) across three refuge houses. Our mission is to rebuild parent-child bonds and bring joy back into childhood for families recovering from domestic abuse. You will volunteering alongside the Children Family workers throughout the summer, and will be invited to join an end of summer party.

We are actively seeking volunteers who speak Farsi, Bengali, Punjabi, Bangladeshi, or Turkish, Nepalese to help us connect with all our families.

What you will be doing

• Bring children’s books to life using props, sounds, textures and sensory storytelling.
• Support mums to build confidence reading aloud with their children.
• Offer gentle 1:1 support with literacy, phonics and early reading skills.
• Create warm, joyful reading spaces where families can bond.

The skills you need

• You love storytelling, books, and imaginative play.
• You’re patient and supportive with adults and children.
• You’re comfortable with early literacy and phonics.
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills
• Experience in childcare desired
• Ability to speak either Farsi, Bengali, Punjabi, Bangladeshi, or Turkish, Nepalese is desired

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

The Role - Volunteer Operations Coordinator

Job Purpose:

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our work depends on clarity, coordination and consistency. Operations are not just processes; they are the structure that enables people, programmes and purpose to function effectively. 

The Operations Coordinator ensures that organisational activity is aligned, visible and executed efficiently in line with the organisation’s mission, safeguarding responsibilities and growth.

You will play a key role in connecting teams, workflows and systems ensuring that day-to-day operations are coordinated, accountable and sustainable as the C.I.C grow.

This is not a purely administrative role. It is coordination-driven, systems-focused and central to how the organisation delivers impact behind the scenes.

This role exists to:

• Support the coordination and execution of day-to-day organisational activities 
• Translate organisational priorities into structured, actionable workflows 
• Maintain and improve systems that support operational efficiency and team alignment 
• Monitor progress, identify gaps and ensure timely follow-through across functions 
• Support compliance with safeguarding and organisational policies 
• Ensure consistency, documentation and scalability across operational processes 

You are the link between teams, systems, execution and organisational visibility.

About the role:

To provide operational coordination, execution support and oversight of day-to-day organisational activities ensuring that work is effectively implemented, tracked and aligned with the C.I.C’s mission and safeguarding values.

The Operations Coordinator ensures that work happens effectively, while the Operations Analyst ensures that work happens efficiently. Both roles are complementary: one drives execution, the other drives improvement.

Why This Role Matters

Strong operational coordination:

• Ensures that tasks, projects and priorities are clearly organised and executed effectively 
• Maintains safeguarding, compliance and ethical standards across all activities 
• Creates visibility of who is doing what across the organisation 
• Builds structured workflows that reduce confusion and duplication 
• Strengthens the organisation’s ability to deliver consistently and grow sustainably 

Without this role, organisational activity can become fragmented, unclear and difficult to manage. With it, the organisation operates with clarity, structure and confidence—ensuring that work is delivered effectively and aligned with its purpose.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Technical & Operational Skills

Strong proficiency in:

• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets) / Microsoft Office (especially Excel) 
• Project, task and workflow management tools 
• Operational and coordination systems (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce or similar platforms) 
• Ability to organise, track and maintain accurate operational data 

Coordination & Execution Skills

• Strong coordination and organisational ability across multiple activities 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and ensure timely delivery 
• High attention to detail with consistent follow-through 
• Ability to translate plans into clear, actionable steps 

Problem-Solving & Judgment

• Strong practical problem-solving skills 
• Ability to identify issues, gaps and inefficiencies in workflows 
• Sound judgment in escalation and decision-making 
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-moving operational environment 

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly across teams and functions 
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-team collaboration 
• Ability to provide clear updates on progress, tasks and outcomes 

Organisational Awareness

• Strong understanding of how teams, workflows and priorities interact 
• Ability to think in terms of systems, coordination and execution 
• Awareness of operational dependencies and team alignment 

Professional Attributes

• Professionalism, discretion and reliability 
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership 
• Ability to maintain structure, consistency and confidentiality 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) 
• Experience in operations, administration, coordination or similar roles (preferred) 
• Experience working within structured teams or multi-functional environments 

Preferred Background

• Operations 
• Business Administration 
• Project Coordination or related fields 

Preferred Experience

• Operations coordination or administrative support roles 
• Project or task tracking 
• Workflow or process coordination 
• Experience working in remote or volunteer-based organisations (advantageous)

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

Core Objectives:

• Ensure effective coordination and execution of day-to-day organisational activities 
• Maintain clear visibility of tasks, responsibilities and progress across all teams 
• Support timely delivery of projects, priorities and organisational goals 
• Strengthen accountability, communication and operational consistency 
• Enable smooth workflow execution across functions

1. Operational Coordination & Execution

• Coordinate and oversee daily operational activities across teams 
• Ensure tasks, projects and priorities are clearly assigned and executed on time 
• Translate organisational plans into structured, actionable workflows 
• Maintain momentum and continuity across ongoing activities 

2. Task Tracking & Progress Monitoring

• Track deliverables and monitor progress across teams and functions 
• Maintain centralised trackers (e.g., Google Sheets, project tools) 
• Follow up on action points to ensure completion and accountability 
• Ensure all task updates are accurate, visible and up to date 

3. Communication & Alignment

• Facilitate clear, consistent communication across departments 
• Act as a central coordination point between teams and leadership 
• Ensure alignment between priorities, timelines and deliverables 
• Provide structured updates on progress, risks and outcomes 

4. Meetings & Coordination Support

• Organise and support operational meetings across teams 
• Prepare agendas, capture notes and track action points 
• Ensure follow-through on decisions and assigned responsibilities 
• Maintain clear documentation of discussions and outcomes 

5. Systems & Workflow Management

• Maintain operational systems (emails, shared documents, trackers, workflows) 
• Ensure systems are organised, accessible and consistently used 
• Support on boarding, access and integration of team members into systems 
• Promote standardised processes and documentation practices 

6. Risk Identification & Escalation

• Identify operational inefficiencies, delays and bottlenecks 
• Proactively flag risks such as missed deadlines or lack of progress 
• Escalate complex, sensitive or high-risk issues to leadership 
• Support resolution by ensuring visibility and follow-through 

7. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Team Leads, HR and Operations functions 
• Ensure coordination between teams to avoid duplication or misalignment 
• Support organisational cohesion through structured collaboration 
• Align execution with organisational priorities and capacity 

Scope and Boundaries for the Role

To ensure clarity and efficiency:

The Operations Coordinator WILL:

• Coordinate and track day-to-day operational activities 
• Ensure visibility, follow-through and alignment across teams 
• Support communication, structure and execution of workflows 

The Operations Coordinator WILL NOT:

• Make unilateral strategic or policy decisions 
• Replace Team Leads or assume ownership of departmental outputs 
• Independently enforce performance or manage staff 
• Take on purely analytical or reporting-focused responsibilities 

Working Relationship

The Operations Coordinator will:

• Report to the Director of Central Operations & Executive Coordination 
• Work closely with the Operations Analyst, Team Leads and support functions 
• Enable execution while supporting leadership direction 
• Act as a central coordination link across all teams 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Timeliness and consistency of task and project execution 
• Visibility and accuracy of operational tracking systems 
• Effectiveness of communication and coordination across teams 
• Reduction in delays, bottlenecks and missed deadlines 
• Improved alignment and workflow efficiency across the organisation 

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Within the first 60–90 days, the Operations Coordinator should:

• Establish clear and functional task tracking and coordination systems 
• Ensure consistent follow-up and completion of key organisational activities 
• Improve visibility of responsibilities and progress across teams 
• Strengthen communication and alignment between functions 
• Support smoother, more efficient day-to-day operations 

Safeguarding, Quality & Delivery Risks

Safeguarding Risks

• Reduced oversight of shared systems and processes 
• Increased risk of misuse or mismanagement of sensitive information 
• Gaps in accountability and compliance monitoring 

Quality Risks

• Inconsistent standards and outputs across teams 
• Increased likelihood of errors due to lack of coordination 
• Reduced quality assurance and follow-through 

Delivery Risks

• Delays in project execution and missed timelines 
• Bottlenecks due to poor coordination 
• Reduced ability to meet organisational goals effectively

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Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to support the women and children in our domestic abuse refuges to have some fun over the summer holidays by facilitating weekly cooking and baking sessions!

Across the UK, almost one million children are affected by domestic abuse every year. At Hestia, we know how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and free to simply enjoy being children again. That’s why, every summer, our refuges create spaces filled with warmth, play, and joy – and we’re looking for wonderful volunteers to help us make that happen!

Each year during the school summer holidays, we run a six‑week Summer Play Scheme, offering fun activities and special outings for mothers and their children living in our refuges.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Summer Play Scheme gives families a chance to reconnect, laugh, and build happy memories together during what can be an incredibly difficult time.

If you’re passionate about supporting women and children who have fled domestic abuse – and you love getting creative, playful, and involved – we’d love to hear from you! Our volunteers work alongside our Children and Family Workers to bring daily activities and outings to life, helping to make this summer feel brighter, safer, and full of joy for the families we support.

What you will be doing

• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.
• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• To gather ideas and suggestions from service users to plan sessions
• Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week.
• Encourage the women and children to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks.
• Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Across the UK, almost one million children are affected by domestic abuse every year. At Hestia, we know how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and free to simply enjoy being children again. That’s why, every summer, our refuges create spaces filled with warmth, play, and joy – and we’re looking for wonderful volunteers to help us make that happen!

Each year during the school summer holidays, we run a six‑week Summer Play Scheme, offering fun activities and special outings for mothers and their children living in our refuges.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Summer Play Scheme gives families a chance to reconnect, laugh, and build happy memories together during what can be an incredibly difficult time.

If you’re passionate about supporting women and children who have fled domestic abuse – and you love getting creative, playful, and involved – we’d love to hear from you! Our volunteers work alongside our Children and Family Workers to bring daily activities and outings to life, helping to make this summer feel brighter, safer, and full of joy for the families we support.

What you will be doing

• To help with the day to day running of the Children & Family Service throughout the summer holidays
• To assist organising and facilitating activities and outings with the Children and Family Worker
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages
• To create timetables, posters, maps and instructions for residents
• To offer general admin help: typing, taking meeting minutes, filing and scanning documents
• To develop positive relationships with the children and women
• Support with administrative tasks including attendance and feedback
• To gather ideas, suggestions from families, plan, collaborate and create a timetable of activitiess and sessions. To involve women and children in the planning and designing of the timetable
• To support in providing or purchasing resources for activities

The skills you need

• Experience working with children/childcare/play-work experience - gained formally or informally
• Willingness to learn about domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music group in our domestic abuse refuges over the summer holidays! You will be supporting our women and children to get involved and have some fun!

Across the UK, almost one million children are affected by domestic abuse every year. At Hestia, we know how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and free to simply enjoy being children again. That’s why, every summer, our refuges create spaces filled with warmth, play, and joy – and we’re looking for wonderful volunteers to help us make that happen!

Each year during the school summer holidays, we run a six‑week Summer Play Scheme, offering fun activities and special outings for mothers and their children living in our refuges.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Summer Play Scheme gives families a chance to reconnect, laugh, and build happy memories together during what can be an incredibly difficult time.

If you’re passionate about supporting women and children who have fled domestic abuse – and you love getting creative, playful, and involved – we’d love to hear from you! Our volunteers work alongside our Children and Family Workers to bring daily activities and outings to life, helping to make this summer feel brighter, safer, and full of joy for the families we support.

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• Facilitate a weekly singing and music group
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun