Homelessness volunteer roles

Location: Birmingham | Commitment: 3-8 hours per week (working week) | Work style: Hybrid

Since 2024, we’ve been honoured to support over 800 individuals on their journey toward a better future. Looking ahead, our 2026 strategic vision is bold. We want to be recognised as a collaborative support service that truly transforms lives. To help make that happen, we’re looking for a passionate team of fundraisers to work alongside one another, supporting the Creative Director, each contributing in different ways to support the organisation’s sustainability and impact.

The Internal Community Fundraiser supports internal and community-based fundraising activities, organising and coordinating opportunities at local events such as school fetes, markets, fairs, and larger public events. Through these local events you will cultivate relationships with individuals, groups, schools, and businesses to drive income and raise awareness.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys planning events, organising, and bringing people together, and wants to help grow our income in a practical, hands-on way.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help identify and organise community fundraising opportunities, including events, challenges, and campaigns

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, schools, faith groups and community organisations to encourage financial and in-kind support.

• Support planning and logistics for attending events (stall set-up, materials, rota support)

• Liaise internally to ensure events are well-prepared and staffed

• Help coordinate fundraising resources

• Support with new ideas for local fundraising opportunities

What difference will you make:

• An opportunity to make a real impact on a grassroots organisation.

• Your support will help raise vital funds within the local community, increasing visibility and enabling us to continue outreach and support for people experiencing homelessness.

• Ultimately your input will help turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in fundraising, or community engagement.

• Experience planning events or organising community-based campaigns.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively while balancing the voluntary role with other commitments.

• Understanding of homelessness-related issues, or a genuine interest in learning about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the community.

Help4Homeless is seeking experienced professionals to join our Management Committee (also known as Trustee) and provide strategic governance for our youth-led charity. Committee members guide our direction, ensure proper governance, and help us make informed decisions that maximise our impact.

This is genuinely low commitment. No operational responsibilities, no fundraising targets, no hands-on delivery — just strategic governance and decision-making. One hour a month, and we mean it.

Key responsibilities

• Participate in monthly governance meetings (online or in person)
• Contribute to strategic decision-making and policy development
• Provide expert guidance in your area of professional expertise
• Ensure compliance with charity governance requirements

What we're looking for

• Professionals with business, legal, or financial experience
• People who care about homelessness and want to make a difference
• Good judgement and common sense
• Charity board experience and local Peterborough connections are a bonus

Time commitment

One monthly meeting (1 hour) plus around 10 minutes of reading beforehand. Optionally, join our annual strategy day (2 hours, free lunch included). No hidden obligations.

Why join us

• Apply your professional expertise to meaningful social impact
• Gain valuable charity governance and board experience
• Help shape the strategy and direction of a growing charity
• Collaborate with other dedicated local professionals

Location: Birmingham | Commitment: 3-8 hours per week (working week) | Work style: Hybrid

Since 2024, we’ve been honoured to support over 800 individuals on their journey toward a better future. Looking ahead, our 2026 strategic vision is bold. We want to be recognised as a collaborative support service that truly transforms lives. To help make that happen, we’re looking for a passionate team of fundraisers to work alongside one another, supporting the Creative Director, each contributing in different ways to support the organisation’s sustainability and impact.

The Corporate Fundraiser focuses on securing B2B income. You will work directly with businesses and corporate partners, supporting them to organise fundraising activities within their organisation. This includes events such as coffee mornings, sponsored walks or runs, dress-down days, and team fundraising challenges.

This role suits someone who is confident in communicating with organisations and enjoys building professional relationships for social good.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support corporate partners to plan and deliver fundraising activities

• Act as a friendly point of contact for businesses fundraising on our behalf

• Help share fundraising ideas and guidance with corporate teams

• Maintain positive relationships with existing and new corporate supporters

• Work alongside the wider team to align corporate fundraising with our values and goals

What difference will you make:

• An opportunity to make a real impact on a grassroots organisation.

• You’ll help unlock larger-scale donations and long-term partnerships that strengthen our sustainability and expand our ability to support people across Birmingham.

• Ultimately your input will help turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in corporate fundraising

• Experience planning events or organising community-based campaigns.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively while balancing the voluntary role with other commitments.

• Understanding of homelessness-related issues, or a genuine interest in learning about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the community.

The Choir with No Name runs choirs and builds joyful singing communities with people impacted by homelessness and marginalisation across the UK. Our vision is simple but powerful: that everyone going through tough times can find a place to sing their hearts out, among friends. We are now looking for passionate and skilled people to join our board of trustees and help us deliver on that vision.

As a trustee, you will be joining a committed and experienced board at an exciting moment in our charity's development. We are currently developing a new three-year strategy with ambitions to grow our reach, open new choirs, and deepen our impact with the people we serve. Our board is supported by four sub-committees - Finance and Fundraising, Artistic Direction, Business Development, and People - and we are looking for trustees who can contribute meaningfully to one or more of these areas.

We would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in areas where we are looking to strengthen the board, including communications, PR, choral singing and music and health. We are also keen to build a board that reflects the communities we serve, and we actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of homelessness or marginalisation, and from those who are currently underrepresented in the charity sector.

Trusteeship with the Choir with No Name is a voluntary role, but it is far from a passive one. We are an organisation full of warmth, creativity and ambition, and we want trustees who will bring their skills and experience to bear while sharing our deep commitment to using the power of singing to change lives. If you believe - as we do - that singing together can transform people's wellbeing and open up new possibilities, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date 20th May 2026.

Welcome and Reception Support Volunteer

Bilingual / Multilingual

As a Welcome and Reception support volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Manchester Hub team, supporting the hub to deliver vital frontline services. You'll be the first point of contact for clients and visitors, assisting the administration team with reception duties, and supporting the operation of the Shelter office in their day-to-day business 

You’ll act as the first point of contact for our clients, help to understand their needs and help them access necessary support through the duty or appointment services. Being a positive presence in hubs to ensure visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the individuals we support. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support with form filling and providing a friendly, listening ear. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Manchester Hub, Unit 3, Great North Tower, 5 Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE 

Supervised by: Office Administrator

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Welcome and Reception Support Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s housing advisors as they provide advice, support and guidance to the people visiting the Manchester Hub. 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Cover reception and greeting people who come to the office. 

• Communicating with clients via phone and email to share updates on their case and to gather information. 

• Assisting clients with form filling, paperwork and applications around housing and benefits. 

• Supporting clients with digital skills, for example navigating online systems and forms. 

• Signposting clients to relevant services and providing useful information. 

• General administrative tasks (e.g. minute-taking, photocopying, scanning, and filing). 

Skills and experience required 

• Fluent in English and one of the following languages: Urdu, Arabic, Tigrinya, Kurdish Sorani 

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to understand the needs of our clients 

• Interest in social welfare law, e.g. housing; welfare benefits; debt; community care 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value and communicate effectively with others

• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel and PDF documents to a good standard 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, confidentiality & data protection 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role.  

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role.

Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Please note, upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and undergo a basic DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS VOLUNTEER 

Will you use your time and practical skills to help raise funds for the fight against unfit housing and homelessness? 

Will you become part of our Sunderland Warehouse team and make a meaningful difference? 

Whether you’re sorting stock, preparing items for distribution, helping keep the warehouse organised and safe or supporting with online sales, you will play a vital role in supporting our work. You'll be joining a friendly team in a practical, hands-on role where you can share your skills to enable our Shelter shops across the country 

We rely on people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. If that sounds like you, we’d love you to join the team. 

Location: Shelter Warehouse, 244-246 High Street West, Sunderland

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Volunteers can support for a few hours a day, or a few days a week. 

Availability: Our warehouse is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm 

If you can give even a few hours during any of these times, we’d really love to hear from you. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Shop volunteering helps fight the housing emergency by raising vital funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support for people who are experiencing bad housing and homelessness, as well as powering us to campaign for change.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not volunteered or worked in a warehouse before. What’s most important is that you are a team player, willing to learn and want to make a difference in tackling the housing emergency while gaining warehouse or logistic experience. 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

• If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us or speak to someone at the shop.

• We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

End of document

 
Big Issue Oxford is looking for a community‑minded volunteer to support our vendors and help deliver a new weekly community information sheet in Summertown. We’re looking for someone friendly, organised and comfortable using digital tools (email, apps, social media).

Ideally 1–2 days a week.

Expenses covered.

A rewarding way to strengthen community connections and support local people. 

About the Role 

We are seeking a locally‑based volunteer who is passionate about community connection, social inclusion and supporting Big Issue vendors to thrive. This role combines hands‑on support in our Oxford office with community engagement work in Summertown through our new partnership with Neya to build better connections between people living and work in the local area. 

The volunteer will support the distribution of the weekly "Local Issue” to help curate local content, and work alongside vendors distributing it at their pitch. They will also play an active part in office operations, supporting vendors, the sales desk, and our outreach activities. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who knows and loves their local area, enjoys meeting people, and wants to help strengthen community connections. 

"Hosting breaks down barriers and helps you realise how similar everyone is."  

Do you have a spare room in your home?

We are looking for people with a spare room who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand to a refugee or person seeking asylum as they plan their next steps in the UK. Hosting is only ever temporary and you decide how long you are willing to host for; it can vary from a few nights to several months and anything in between. 

Who can be a host?

Anyone with a spare room, or even a sofa bed, that is well connected and has good public transport systems can apply to host. This enables guests to travel to college, school, support groups or jobs, and retain their independence.

All hosts will need to complete an application form, provide two references and have a home visit. 

Support available

We carefully assess each guest and host, match according to preferences, advise on hosting arrangements and preparations, and provide ongoing support to hosts throughout the placement. We stay in contact with you when you have a guest staying with you, and someone from the team is available seven days a week if you have any questions or problems.

We will discuss with you any preferences, such as if you would prefer not to host someone who has not been vaccinated against covid, or who smokes. This will be recorded on your profile on our database so that our whole Placement Team can access this and match you with a guest who fits your circumstances.

All guests, hosts and households are different. Some hosts share meals and do activities with guests; others just give guests a key, show them round and get on with their busy lives. Our team are available to support you through every stage of the process.

Why is hosting needed?

Refugees and people seeking asylum are fleeing war or persecution in their own countries. But many who come to the UK in search of safety find themselves facing homelessness and destitution. They may be without statutory support for long periods, or need some additional help to build new lives.

Hosting is such a practical way to support refugees and it sends a powerful message of welcome, that the UK is in fact kind and compassionate to those who are trying to rebuild their lives here.

Don't have a spare room?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who does. Consider speaking to them about hosting.

"There are so few times you can do something practical to help. Hosting refugees felt like a practical thing to do."

Refugees at Home is the UK’s largest independent hosting charity, connecting those with a spare room in their home to refugees and people seeking asylum in need of somewhere to stay. Our vision is for every refugee and every person seeking asylum to have a safe place to stay. 

Many of our guests come to us on the verge of homelessness – some have already spent time sleeping on the streets. Since starting in 2016, we have supported over 7,500 guests into hosting, but the need is not going away.

We are looking to grow our Board of Trustees to help to increase our reach, enhance our profile, spread our message and continue to develop sustainably.

We are seeking Trustees who will bring creative vision champion the role art plays in public cohesion and transforming people’s lives.We would like to recruit up to three new Trustees during 2026, ideally with experience of Finance, Fundraising or Artistic Programming.Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS) is known and respected for its values-led approach and passion for social change, and all Trustees are expected to share that commitment.  

Help4Homeless is a youth-led charity in Peterborough delivering £10 wellbeing packs to people sleeping rough in our city. As our Community Outreach Volunteer, you'll be the eyes and ears of Help4Homeless - heading out into Peterborough to locate rough sleepers, build trusted relationships with them, and report back so we can get packs to the right people at the right time.

No experience needed. Just compassion, reliability, and a genuine desire to help the people in our community who need it most.

What you'll do

• Patrol areas of Peterborough to locate rough sleepers
• Build trusted relationships with people experiencing homelessness
• Report locations and needs to coordinate pack deliveries
• Provide information about available local support services

Requirements

• Age 16 or older
• Must live or work locally in Peterborough
• Willing to undergo background checks

What we're looking for

• Compassion and empathy for people in difficult circumstances
• Good communication skills - comfortable talking to strangers
• Reliable, trustworthy, and able to work independently

Time commitment

Flexible scheduling based on your availability. Most volunteers contribute 2–4 hours per week, but we can work around your schedule. Evening and weekend opportunities are available.

At Help4Homeless, our mission is simple: make sure no one in Peterborough sleeps rough without knowing someone cares.

We're a youth-led community group founded by a 17-year-old who saw a man sleeping under a bridge and decided to act. We create £10 wellbeing packs — socks, snacks, hygiene essentials, warmth — and hand them directly to people sleeping rough in Peterborough. We've already helped 6 people at our very first event, and we're just getting started.

Do you want to help tell that story?

As our Photography/Videography Volunteer, you'll capture the moments that move people to donate, share, and care. Your content will power our social media, support our fundraising campaigns, and show the real human impact of homelessness in Peterborough.

What you'll be working on:

• Attending pack distributions and community events when you're available
• Capturing photos and short video clips on the day
• Passing edited content to our social media team

This role is for you if…

• You have a passion for storytelling through images or video
• You care about homelessness and want your skills to make a difference
• You're based in or near Peterborough

No professional equipment needed — a good smartphone camera is absolutely fine. Fully flexible around your schedule, no minimum commitment.

We are now seeking a Secretary to the Board to help ensure our governance remains strong, organised and effective.Help strengthen the governance of a Sheffield charity that has supported people who are homeless, rootless or vulnerable every Christmas since 1989.

For five days over the festive period, HARC provides a warm, safe day shelter offering hot meals, warm clothing, wellbeing support and companionship. Our work is powered by volunteers and guided by a committed Board of Trustees.

The Secretary plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the charity. You’ll help keep our governance processes organised, compliant, and aligned with best practice. 

We’re keen to welcome people who can bring energy, fresh perspectives and a real sense of commitment to our small but dedicated board. You don’t need prior governance or compliance experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training to help you feel confident in the role.

Join us as a Trustee / Director and make a difference!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become a Trustee / Director and be a driving force for change!

Who we are: A purpose-driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young, homeless people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration, and transparency to create lasting change.

Our organisation comprises a registered Charity and Community Interest Company, each with its own Board. The Charity provides supported accommodation, advice, support & guidance to vulnerable, homeless young people. The Community Interest Company provides 24 / 7 concierge services to CAYSH young people & externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals to join our board of Trustees / Directors.

What we're looking for: Passionate individuals from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of expertise to contribute to our board. We are particularly looking for people with skills and experience in:

· Enterprise – running and growing a small business

· Fundraising

· Cyber security.

As a Trustee / Director, you will play a pivotal role in guiding our organisation towards success and helping us develop our business growth strategy. We are particularly seeking a trustee with safeguarding experiences.

Why you should join us as a trustee / director: Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference in the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Contribute to strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.

Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential as well as commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.

Time commitment: Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.

To support the decision making at CAYSH, you will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.

How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and become a Trustee with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you!

Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.

Help4Homeless is a youth-led charity based in Peterborough, tackling homelessness through community action, advocacy, and outreach. We're looking for a creative and passionate Social Media & Content Volunteer to help us grow our online presence and tell our story to the world.

This is a fully remote, flexible role - perfect for someone who lives and breathes social media and wants to use those skills for something that genuinely matters.

What you'll be doing:

• Creating and scheduling engaging content across our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok etc.)
• Helping develop a consistent brand voice and visual identity online
• Suggesting and implementing ideas to grow our following and engagement
• Keeping our audience updated on news, events, and impact stories
• Collaborating with our team via WhatsApp and email - all remote and relaxed

What we're looking for:

• Someone with a genuine passion for social media and content creation
• Good eye for design (Canva experience is a bonus)
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Care about homelessness and want to make a difference
• Any experience in charity, marketing or communications is a plus but not essential

Why volunteer with us?

• Fully flexible - work when it suits you
• Real responsibility and creative freedom from day one
• Build your portfolio with meaningful, visible work
• Be part of a passionate, youth-led team making real impact in Peterborough and beyond