3 Growth and communities coordinator volunteer roles in Leeds, West Yorkshire

Opportunities across Hertfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire and Solihull

Make a real difference to the life of a child or young person

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is a leading children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering children, young people and care leavers.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Independent Visitor and Side by Side services, helping children and young people build confidence, reduce isolation and achieve positive outcomes.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience and becoming part of a supportive volunteer community.

Which volunteering opportunity is right for you?

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Children and young people in care deserve the opportunity to build trusted, positive relationships with adults who can offer consistency, encouragement and support.

As an Independent Visitor, you'll spend quality one-to-one time with a child or young person, taking part in activities, sharing experiences and building a meaningful friendship.

Young Person Quote:

"It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do."

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of two years.

Side by Side Volunteer

Many care leavers face adulthood without the support network that many young people rely on. Leaving care can be an exciting but challenging time, with some young people experiencing loneliness, isolation and uncertainty about the future.

As a Side by Side Volunteer, you will provide practical and emotional support to a care leaver, helping them build confidence, develop independence and navigate life's challenges.

Whether it's helping them access services, supporting them in achieving their goals, or simply being someone they can trust and talk to, your support can make a lasting difference.

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of 12 months.

What you'll do

Depending on the role, you could:

• Build a trusted, positive relationship with a child, young person or care leaver.
• Meet regularly for activities, outings and conversations.
• Offer emotional support and encouragement.
• Support young people to build confidence and independence.
• Help young people access opportunities, services and support.
• Promote their rights, wellbeing and aspirations.
• Maintain brief records of meetings and activities. You don't need specific qualifications or previous experience.

We're looking for people who are:

• Good communicators.
• Compassionate, reliable and non-judgemental.
• Committed to supporting children and young people.
• Able to respect and value individual wishes and feelings.
• Comfortable completing basic online records and reports.
• Willing to participate in training and ongoing support.

What you'll receive

• Full training and ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator.
• Regular supervision and volunteer support meetings.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and activity expenses.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the life of a vulnerable child or young person.

Requirements

• Based in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• References and Digital Risk Assessment.
• Completion of relevant training.
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports.

Applicants for Side by Side must be aged 25+.

Volunteer Quote

"Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation. Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals."

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help ensure that children, young people and care leavers have someone by their side when they need it most.

Location: London – Remote
Contract Type: Volunteer, with potential to develop into a paid role
Hours: Flexible / Approx. 16–20 hours per week
Organisation: The Abundant Woman CIC

About The Abundant Woman

The Abundant Woman is a women-focused community organisation creating spaces, programmes and experiences that support women in navigating their lives with greater awareness, confidence and support.

Our work spans women’s wellbeing, health education, community building, events, workshops and partnerships. As the organisation continues to grow, we are strengthening our operational infrastructure to ensure our programmes, people and projects are effectively coordinated and delivered.

About the Role

We are looking for an organised, proactive and solutions-focused Operations Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day operational coordination of The Abundant Woman.

Working closely with the Founder & CEO, you will help turn organisational priorities into action, ensuring projects move forward, responsibilities are clear, deadlines are followed and the wider team has the structure and support needed to deliver effectively.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is comfortable taking initiative, coordinating people and projects, improving systems and bringing structure to a growing organisation.

While initially offered on a voluntary basis, there is potential for the position to develop into a paid role as the organisation grows and secures additional funding.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Organisational Coordination

• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operational activities of the organisation.

• Work closely with the Founder & CEO to translate priorities and ideas into clear actions and deliverables.

• Maintain oversight of organisational tasks, deadlines and operational priorities.

• Ensure agreed actions are followed through and proactively identify areas requiring attention.

• Develop and maintain effective operational systems, processes and documentation.

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve organisational efficiency.

Project & Programme Coordination

• Coordinate operational delivery across projects, programmes, events and organisational initiatives.

• Maintain project plans, timelines, trackers and action logs.

• Monitor progress against agreed milestones and follow up with team members where required.

• Identify potential delays, risks or operational challenges and escalate these appropriately.

• Support the planning and delivery of events, workshops and community initiatives.

• Coordinate logistics, resources and operational requirements for activities.

Team Coordination

• Act as a central operational point of contact for team members and volunteers.

• Help ensure responsibilities, deadlines and expectations are clearly communicated.

• Coordinate across different functions including projects, partnerships, marketing, HR and administration.

• Support effective onboarding and integration of new volunteers and team members.

• Help create a positive, organised and accountable working environment.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across the team.

Administration & Governance

• Maintain accurate organisational records, documents and internal systems.

• Coordinate meetings, including agendas, action points and follow-ups.

• Support the maintenance of policies, procedures and operational documentation.

• Assist with governance, compliance and reporting requirements where appropriate.

• Ensure confidential and sensitive information is handled appropriately.

Partnerships & External Coordination

• Liaise professionally with external partners, venues, suppliers and stakeholders.

• Support the operational delivery of partnerships and collaborative projects.

• Ensure external commitments and agreed actions are appropriately tracked and followed through.

Skills & Experience

We are particularly interested in someone who has:

• Previous experience in operations, project management, programme coordination, administration or a similar role.

• Strong organisational and project coordination skills.

• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to work.

• The ability to identify problems and propose practical solutions.

• Experience coordinating people, projects or volunteers.

• Confidence using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and digital collaboration/project management tools.

• The ability to work effectively within a growing organisation where priorities may evolve.

Experience within a CIC, charity, nonprofit, community organisation, women’s organisation or start-up environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

Who This Role Would Suit

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys creating structure, keeping projects moving and making sure that things actually get done.

You may be an experienced Operations Coordinator or Project Coordinator looking to step into management, an Operations Manager wanting to contribute your skills to a purpose-led organisation, or someone looking to build further experience within the nonprofit and community sector.

You should be comfortable working with autonomy rather than waiting to be given instructions for every task.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to take meaningful ownership within a growing women-focused organisation.

• Direct experience working alongside the Founder & CEO.

• Exposure to organisational strategy, programme delivery, partnerships, events and community initiatives.

• The opportunity to shape and improve operational systems as the organisation develops.

• Experience coordinating a multidisciplinary team of staff and volunteers.

• Flexible working arrangements around other commitments.

• Professional development, mentorship and opportunities to expand your leadership experience.

• Potential progression into a paid position as funding and organisational capacity grow.

Additional Information

This position is initially offered on a voluntary basis and requires approximately 16–20 hours per week, with flexibility around how those hours are structured.

We are looking for someone who can make a meaningful and consistent commitment to the organisation and who is excited about contributing to its next stage of growth.

As The Abundant Woman expands its programmes, partnerships and funding, our intention is to continue developing our operational team and create paid opportunities where organisational resources allow.