Housing and homelessness volunteer roles

Social Support Volunteer (Mentor)

This role offers one-to-one support to people experiencing issues with housing, healthcare, benefits, and employment. You will support individuals, helping them to access accommodation, secure financial support, improve their health and wellbeing, and develop employability skills.

What will you be doing?

You will support individuals to navigate complex systems such as housing, benefits and healthcare, offering practical help with forms and appointments in a respectful and confidential way. Work closely with partners including SIFA Fireside, Room Match, Tabor House and Street Link, and support people with CVs, job applications and work experience. You will also be involved in community engagement, raising awareness of homelessness and maintaining accurate, confidential records.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills who communicates respectfully and has a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable people. You’ll be organised and able to manage time, records and appointments effectively, while working well as part of a team to provide joined-up support. Patience, emotional intelligence and a solutions-focused mindset are essential. Knowledge of benefits, housing or local support systems is beneficial but not essential.

What difference will you make?

Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.

Role: Trustee 
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary:  Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline:  17th May 2026
Interviews:  In person in London SE20

ABOUT US

Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships

Our Ethos

BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:

• focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
• be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
• treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.  Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.

OUR SERVICES

BCWA provide a wide range of services including:

Refuge

We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.

Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.

BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.

Advice & Support

BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.

We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.

Our other services include:

Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse

NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.

Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture. 

Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice. 

BECOMING A TRUSTEE

What is a Trustee?

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

Why become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.

Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.

Why join our board?

BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.

Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.

BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.

The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.

In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.

A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.

What skills are we looking for?

We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance.  We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:

· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background

· Provision of mental health services

· AI expertise

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Trustee duties

• To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
• To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
• To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
• To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
• To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.

In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What impact will you have?

You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.

We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
• Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.

Further Information

We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.

New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.

As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007. 

Outreach Worker

Through your outreach, you’ll provide advice, advocacy and direct frontline support to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship. You will connect them with survival essentials, safe accommodation and guide them toward vital services that improve wellbeing and independence.

What will you be doing?

You’ll carry out outreach across the community, building trust with people experiencing homelessness or crisis. The role includes distributing essential items, offering advice and signposting around housing, benefits, healthcare and employment, and supporting access to education and training. You’ll also assist with project coordination, fundraising activities and help promote our work and values through social media and community engagement.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people who are comfortable working hands-on in the community and are enthusiastic about supporting vulnerable individuals. You’ll be a good listener and communicator, able to build positive relationships and offer guidance with empathy and respect. A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused mindset is important. Experience in outreach or working with vulnerable groups is not essential; the right attitude and caring nature matter the most.

What difference will you make?

Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.

As an ESOL volunteer, you will support members who access our English lessons to develop their English language skills. You will support the Tutor to assist members throughout the lessons, helping with conversations, reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will actively encourage participation and support the Tutor in promoting involvement throughout the lesson. Learning English is crucial for helping individuals access the services and support they need, and to build essential skills required for life and work in a new country.

Our Learning and Skills offer focuses on 5 key areas that we believe will help members to leave homelessness for good. These are English, finance, digital inclusion, employment and enterprise and business. As a Learning and Skills Assistant, you will be supporting our tutors/Lead Workers and Learning and Skills Mentors to deliver a package of learning to meet outcomes identified by Lead Workers in members progression plans.

Join Street Paws as a Trustee — Shape the Future of a Charity Making Real Change

Street Paws is the charity standing up for people and pets facing homelessness, we believe in a future where homelessness never separates people and their pets, because for them a pet is a lifeline not a luxury.

Street Paws stands up for people facing homelessness because, for them a pet is a lifeline, not a luxury. We challenge the misconception that having a pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home. That is why, in partnership with Local Authorities, hostels and support services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training and advocacy – breaking down the barriers and opening doors to make pet friendly support the norm, not the exception.

We are looking for new trustees with legal, cyber security or lobbying/ campaigning expertise to join our board and play a pivotal role in protecting and strengthening the charity as we grow. By joining our Board, you will have the chance to:

Lead Strategy at a High Level

Your decisions directly shape the direction, resilience, and long‑term impact of Street Paws. You’ll help guide a charity that supports some of the most vulnerable animals and owners across the UK.

Make a Big Difference with a Small Time Commitment

We know your time is valuable. That’s why the role is designed to be flexible and manageable:

· A few hours a month, on your schedule

· Just one board meeting per quarter (around 2 hours)

· Remote participation options available

This is a meaningful way to contribute your professional expertise without taking on a heavy workload.

Build Your Board-Level Experience

Whether you’re looking to take your first step into governance or broaden your leadership portfolio, this role offers:

· Real strategic influence

· Exposure to charity governance

· A chance to work alongside passionate, skilled trustees

You’ll be part of a committed team driving forward a mission that genuinely changes lives.

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 and skilled Partnership Manager who can lead the way in building and nurturing strong, impactful relationships with organisations across the homelessness support sector and beyond.

The right person will be central to creating joined-up, holistic partnerships with charities, local authorities, healthcare providers, housing agencies, and community groups who share our commitment to helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives. This role is about making the most of our combined resources, improving how we work together, and ultimately creating better outcomes for those we serve. 

If this sounds like you, someone driven to make a real difference and build meaningful connections, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain effective partnerships with key organisations such as DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), Feedo Needo, St Basils, SIFA Fireside, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Birmingham City Council, local housing providers, community groups, healthcare services, and faith-based organisations.

• Develop relationships with hotels, B&Bs, and temporary accommodation providers to help bridge the gap in emergency housing provision during weekends, evenings, and bank holidays, when many statutory and support services are unavailable.

• Secure in-kind donations by working with local businesses, retailers, and community partners in collaboration with our Fundraising Officer to obtain essential supplies (e.g. hygiene products, clothing, food), as well as gifts and prizes for raffles, events, and seasonal campaigns (such as Christmas gift drives or care packages).

• Act as the lead representative for Diver’s Community CIC in all partnership-related engagements

• Facilitate multi-agency collaboration and strong referral pathways between organisations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Identify and pursue new partnership and funding opportunities

• Embedding partnership work into the heart of our outreach, support, and service delivery.

• Promote a person-centred, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach in all partnership

• Raise the profile of Diver’s Community CIC by cultivating a strong local presence and actively promoting our mission and impact.

What difference will you make:

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

• You will play a vital role in helping Diver’s Community CIC grow sustainably and extend its impact across Birmingham

• Help unlock opportunities that directly support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

• Strengthen collaboration, improve access to services, and create pathways that make it easier for individuals to move towards stability

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

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience working in partnership or collaborative settings.

• Knowledge or connections with local organisations, businesses, and housing providers in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

• Experience with community fundraising, in-kind donations, or corporate social responsibility initiatives.

• A strong desire to raise awareness of homelessness issues and promote the mission of Diver’s Community CIC in the local area.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of partners including local authorities, charities, businesses, and community groups.

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

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

We are currently looking for Welcome and Reception Volunteers to join our supportive team in Brent. Shifts are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays (10am - 4pm) with a minimum commitment of one day a week. Same time each week for a minimum of six months. 

Shortlisting will take place W/C 30th March and interviews will take place Tuesday 14th April. 

How will I be ending homelessness?

As a Welcome and Reception Volunteer you will be the first point of contact for many people who need to access our services. This contact may set the tone for our relationship with that individual and whether they choose to get the help we can offer, so the warm, non-judgemental, and informative welcome you create could set them on the journey to ending their homelessness.

What will I be doing?

Tasks you will support the team with include:

• Welcome
  • Welcoming visitors to the Skylight and ensuring they sign in and out
  • Signposting to reception and information areas
  • Directing members to activities within the Skylight and encouraging engagement
  • Chat to members while they are waiting and offer and provide refreshments
  • Ensuring information stands are well stocked and up to date
  • Supporting with filling in of basic forms
  • Carrying out building tours where required and/or showing members to their classes/appointments
• Reception
  • Responding to and making telephone calls
  • Checking members in and out on our MAPS (members records) database
  • Notifying Lead Workers that members have arrived for their appointments
  • Supporting with any front of house administration tasks including supporting Engagement and Assessment Officers with tasks such as sending out travel passes and conducting research when required

Who are we looking for?

 To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

• Is an excellent communicator, confident in building relationships and creating welcoming, compassionate environments, and able to recognise conflict and remain calm in challenging situations. 
• You should be confident interacting with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with English as a second language
• Has a good level of English 
• Is non-judgemental, patient, and reliable
• Has good IT and telephone skills with the ability to use internet, email, excel and databases
• Has good organisational skills
• Understands the importance of keeping an individual’s personal information secure and private and working within the boundaries of the role to keep everyone safe 
• Is passionate about standing with Crisis and our members to end homelessness

What do I need to do this role?

As part of your recruitment, you will need to provide details for one referee, and we will complete a basic disclosure check. Your referee will need to be a professional or academic reference (this could include a reference from a volunteer role).

We are currently looking for Welcome and Reception Volunteers to join our supportive team in Crisis Skylight London. Shifts are available on Mondays 9.30 - 1pm and Mondays 1 - 4.30pm. Same time each week for a minimum of six months. More shifts may become available. 

Shortlisting will take place w/c 16th March and in-person interviews will be on Tuesday 24th March 2026.

How will I be ending homelessness?

As a Welcome and Reception Volunteer you will be the first point of contact for many people who need to access our services. This contact may set the tone for our relationship with that individual and whether they choose to get the help we can offer, so the warm, non-judgemental, and informative welcome you create could set them on the journey to ending their homelessness.

What will I be doing?

Tasks you will support the team with include:

• Welcome
  • Welcoming visitors to the Skylight and ensuring they sign in and out
  • Signposting to reception and information areas
  • Directing members to activities within the Skylight and encouraging engagement
  • Chat to members while they are waiting and offer and provide refreshments
  • Ensuring information stands are well stocked and up to date
  • Supporting with filling in of basic forms
  • Carrying out building tours where required and/or showing members to their classes/appointments
• Reception
  • Responding to and making telephone calls
  • Checking members in and out on our MAPS (members records) database
  • Notifying Lead Workers that members have arrived for their appointments
  • Supporting with any front of house administration tasks including supporting Engagement and Assessment Officers with tasks such as sending out travel passes and conducting research when required

Who are we looking for?

 To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

• Is an excellent communicator, confident in building relationships and creating welcoming, compassionate environments, and able to recognise conflict and remain calm in challenging situations. 
• You should be confident interacting with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with English as a second language
• Has a good level of English 
• Is non-judgemental, patient, and reliable
• Has good IT and telephone skills with the ability to use internet, email, excel and databases
• Has good organisational skills
• Understands the importance of keeping an individual’s personal information secure and private and working within the boundaries of the role to keep everyone safe 
• Is passionate about standing with Crisis and our members to end homelessness

What do I need to do this role?

As part of your recruitment, you will need to provide details for one referee, and we will complete a basic disclosure check. Your referee will need to be a professional or academic reference (this could include a reference from a volunteer role).

Role

Help clients understand and act on problems with debt, benefits, housing, or employment.

Support clients with forms, budgeting, and calls to service providers

Research solutions for clients’ problems and explain options clearly.

Our volunteer advisers talk to clients over the phone, face to face and

online to explore what issues they’ve come for help with and find

information about possible options. Advisers then help clients to

understand the information, and support them to take action.

You’ll also record case details on our computer system and spot common issues. The role offers full training and the chance to develop useful skills while making a difference in your community.

Commitment: 8 hours/week (flexible)

What you gain: Communication skills, hands-on experience and full training and support provided.

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Join Richmond Foundation as a Trustee and help shape a fairer, healthier future for our community.

Richmond Foundation is a long-established local charity with a proud history of supporting residents through grant-making, property management, and community initiatives. We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and contribute to our vision: Everyone in Richmond has opportunities to build healthy and fulfilling lives.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, agility, and ambition.

Our goal is to recruit people from a wide range of backgrounds, with different expertise, experience and knowledge. We want to make our committees more diverse and representative of the groups and people we support. You can read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our website.

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to support applicants at any stage. We will provide a buddy system for new trustees.

We are looking to recruit trustees who have experience and knowledge in one of the following areas:

• Charity Finance and Investment
• Our Grant Priorities
• Residential Property

We are also interested in expertise in:

• Safeguarding
• Social Housing
• Grantmaking (particularly within larger foundations)
• Managing grants from a range of funders
• Data and evidence
• Evaluation and impact reporting
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Communications and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Human Resources (HR)

As a Trustee, you will:

• Uphold Richmond Foundation’s vision, mission, objectives, and values.
• Provide strategic oversight and governance for the charity.
• Act in the charity’s best interests and manage resources responsibly.
• Attend at least four Board meetings per year (3 hours each) and join at least one committee (further 4 meetings per year 90 mins to 2 hours each).
• Prepare for meetings by reading all relevant documentation and reviewing minutes.
• Attend relevant training and at least one event hosted by a grant-funded organisation annually.
• Serve a four-year term, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two-year term.
• Champion high standards of conduct, including respect, inclusivity, accountability, honesty, and confidentiality.
• Declare and manage any conflicts of interest.
• Act in accordance with our Trustee Code of Conduct
• Support safeguarding and ensure the charity is accountable and compliant with its governing documents.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not be disqualified under the Charities Act (including being disqualified as a company director, having unspent convictions for offences involving dishonesty or deception, being an undischarged bankrupt, having been removed as a trustee by the Charity Commission or a court, or being on the sex offenders’ register).
• Be willing to sign a declaration of eligibility upon appointment and annually thereafter.

How to Apply

If you are interested in making a difference in Richmond and can contribute your time and expertise to help us deliver our charitable objectives, we would love to hear from you.

Full details, person specification and requirements, and application instructions are available in the Trustee Recruitment pack.

The application deadline is 10:00am on Monday 13 April 2026

Richmond Foundation are hosting a Webinar and Q+A for interested applicants on 18 March 2026. This will be an opportunity to learn more from our CEO, Chair and Trustees and ask questions. Details can be found on our website.

Interviews: Scheduled in May/June 2026

Term Commences: September 2026

An invitation to join us at Young Devon as our next…

Trustee (Job Ref 25-85)

Are you passionate about supporting young people in Devon?

Young Devon is here to change the odds in favour of the thousands of young people who ask for help each year with their homelessness, mental health and education.  We believe developing good quality relationships can be transformational in young people’s lives.

We are seeking committed and passionate people to support the leadership of a complex organisation.  An understanding of governance in a Charity or non-executive setting isn’t essential but will help.

You will be able to demonstrate good judgement combined with excellent strategic and communication skills.  As a creative thinker and being able to recognise a range of perspectives you will be able to support fellow Trustees to ensure the Charity is well governed and focused on meeting the needs of young people.

You can download the Candidate Information Pack from our website.

This is a voluntary position but one which we hope will be very rewarding.  We aim to appoint to an initial 3-year term with the possibility to extend to a second thereafter.  Reasonable and proper expenses will be reimbursed.  An enhanced DBS check is required for this position.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Tuesday 31st March 2026

Young Devon is a youth work charity (1057949) passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and embracing diversity. We are committed to Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable groups and all applicants who will or could have unsupervised access to these groups will complete the required checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service

As part of the Government led Gommunities 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 focussed 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 famiklies 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

As a First Response Volunteer, you will help find those rough sleeping quicker, and enable Outreach workers to spend more time supporting those found to move away from the streets and get connected to other local services. First Responders play a crucial role to ensure people sleeping rough receive vital support. This is not a client-facing role and therefore is well suited to somebody looking for their first role in the homelessness sector. However, we do also offer development opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge about rough sleeping for those interested.

On shift, you and a partner volunteer will be given a list of people who have been seen sleeping rough. Your role is to identify those who are sleeping rough, and pass information about referrals to the Outreach team to follow up on – they will help the person find accommodation and link them into non-accommodation-based support for example around physical or mental health. 

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Community Fundraising team at our Slough Tesco Bucket Collection event, to help us raise money for our Fight for Home!

At least 382,000 people are homeless in England today. We provide vital services to those at risk, with our emergency helpline, housing rights campaigns, legal and emotional support.

Your role as volunteer:

· The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for our Fight for Home by holding collection buckets at Slough Tesco.

· You’ll be supported by one of our Community and Events Assistants or Lead Volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations.

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

What you get…

· Meet amazing volunteers and people within your community.

· Help raise vital funds towards our Fight for Home.

· Develop fundraising and communication skills.

· Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.

· A certificate of appreciation for your help.

· Lots of fun!