Graduate programme volunteer roles

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us expand our reach and impact. This role will focus on supporting partnerships with organisations, developing corporate relationships, and helping us explore new opportunities for fundraising and collaboration.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Is enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion.
• Enjoys development and may have experience in business development.
• Has experience working with corporate sponsors (helpful, but not essential).
• Is passionate about fundraising or has relevant experience.
• Is a strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.).
• Thinks creatively and is willing to bring fresh ideas to the team.
• Can work remotely.

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our training programme at a convenient time.
• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.
• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).
• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.
• Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.
• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community.
• Develop skills in business development, fundraising, and partnership building.
• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.
• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.
• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

Sea Cadets Leith, based in Prince of Wales Docks, is currently looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our committee team. Whether you chair the committee, run our social media, or help us fundraise on an ad-hoc basis, you’ll be supporting young people to access opportunities to create life-long memories and friendships.

At Leith we aim to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. We offer a range of different activities from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating - to rock climbing, camping, and music - plus, so much more!

Leith is a long-established Sea Cadet Unit that has provided life-changing opportunities for many young people. We currently have 24 cadets who come from all over the area. Our cadets come from all walks of life, with some experiencing adverse childhood events, and limited access to social youth groups. Without support from volunteers like you, our charity cannot provide the adventure, community, and opportunities that young people experience through the Sea Cadets.

The primary purpose of the CFAV is to assist in the development of young people as
Individuals and active citizens by providing safe and rewarding training, direction and guidance.
The secondary purposes of a CFAV are:
- Maintain the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) values
- Assist the Unit Training Officer (UTO) to plan a varied training programme.
- Safely and securely maintain the unit’s resources and equipment.

We will support you to understand your role, how to do it and the difference you make to the SCC
- Understand the skills and experience you have, as well as your aspirations for volunteering
- Provide you with an induction, ongoing support and training to undertake your volunteer role
- Provide regular updates about any developments in the charity that are relevant to you
- Value your contributions and providing you with potential opportunities to progress

Ready to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in your community? 

Searching for an impactful volunteering opportunity that works around your schedule? 

Looking to meet like-minded people and work together to support a worthwhile cause? 

At ReachOut we’re offering all that and more through our exciting opportunity to volunteer as a mentor in a local school! 

How it works? 

• Give just two hours of your week to support young people aged 9-14 to build key socio-emotional skills and grow in confidence. 

• Choose a 12-week project at one of our partner schools in your area that fits your schedule. 

• Work with like-minded volunteers with support from ReachOut staff as you get stuck into collective mentoring activities and engaging group games. 

• From creative, to active, to thought-provoking activities on our curriculum, there are so many opportunities to watch your mentees build team-working, problem solving and emotion management skills thanks to your support. 

• If you love it like we think you will, choose to volunteer on as many short programmes as you want! Gain recognition for your hours and through our Mentor of the Term Awards! 

Is this the right opportunity for me? 

• Feel a part of something bigger as you support young people who are constrained by circumstances. 

• Develop your own soft skills that employers look for, including initiative, teamwork, communication and leadership skills. 

• Feel supported by inclusive training ahead of starting and weekly support from your Youth Development Lead on your project, giving you everything you need to excel as a mentor, even if it’s your first time! 

• Don’t be out of pocket! - Simply claim your travel expenses back up to £4/day. We also cover the cost of your enhanced DBS check which is organised for you as part of your onboarding process.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.