81 Housing and homelessness volunteer roles

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. 

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Bournemouth – Tuesdays and Saturdays 6am-9am (1 shift per month).
• Reading-Mondays and Fridays, 6am-8:30am (1 shift per month).
• Oxford- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6am-10am (1 shift per month)

We are looking for a friendly, reliable and organised Administration & Reception Support Volunteer to support our team at our High Wycombe hostel.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people and would like to gain experience in administration, reception, customer service or the charity/housing sector.

You’ll help with the day-to-day running of reception, providing a warm and welcoming first point of contact for residents, visitors and professionals, while helping the staff team with general administrative tasks.

As a volunteer, you may support with:

• Welcoming and meeting residents, visitors and professionals attending the hostel
• Answering incoming telephone calls and directing enquiries to the appropriate member of staff
• Taking messages and passing on information accurately
• Receiving and logging packages and deliveries 
• Supporting with general reception duties
• Helping to keep reception and administrative areas organised
• Supporting staff with basic administrative tasks
• Inputting or recording information on internal systems, where authorised by IT and once all relevant training and permissions have been completed
• Helping to maintain accurate records
• Signposting residents and visitors to the appropriate member of the team
• Supporting with other appropriate administrative tasks identified by the Hostel Manager
• Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

• Friendly, approachable and welcoming
• Reliable and organised
• Comfortable speaking to people over the phone and face-to-face
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally
• Confident using basic IT systems
• Respectful and non-judgemental
• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Willing to follow ONE YMCA policies, procedures and safeguarding guidance
• Previous administration or reception experience would be useful.

Training / Support

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
• Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness, Manual Handling and GDPR where appropriate.
• To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager 
• Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference 

Additional Information 

• You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
• You will need to provide details of two references

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing Group providing supported living accommodation for young women in recovery and receiving support with drug and alcohol issues.

A confident and experienced hypnotherapist, with appropriate qualifications and interest in working with clients affected by addiction. The successful applicant will be someone who can provide supportive and calming sessions tailored to the individual needs of the client to promote their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Activities

• 1:1 or group Hypnotherapy sessions for residents
• Provide a safe, relaxing, therapeutic environment for the activity to take place.
• Suitable candidates must hold a professional qualification
• Volunteers may be asked to have professional liability insurance

Support

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training.
• Volunteers have a named supervisor providing day-to-day support and encouragement.

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on your availability and the needs of service users.  It might be every week or fortnight, 3 to 4 hours, ideally for a minimum of 3 months.

We are seeking two enthusiastic and committed individuals to serve on our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious organisation working at the intersection of law, campaigning and social justice. As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of PILC, ensuring that we remain true to our purpose while continuing to deliver meaningful impact for the communities we serve.

We are committed to developing and maintaining a Board that is as inclusive as possible and representative of the communities we work alongside. Therefore, having lived experience in an area of our work would be advantageous. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, recognising that a diverse Board strengthens discussion, improves decision-making and helps us better fulfil our mission.

We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who have legal expertise (ideally in the non-profit sector), or expertise in Human Resources or Finance.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, you will oversee the strategic direction, governance and financial sustainability of the organisation. You will help ensure that PILC has a clear strategy, that its resources are used effectively, and that its activities remain aligned with its charitable objectives and values. You will also provide constructive support and challenge to the Senior Management Team, helping the organisation to develop, grow and achieve its mission.

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the charity. This means that decisions are made collectively by the Board and trustees share responsibility for those decisions, always acting in the best interests of PILC.

Please note that this is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment for this role is approximately 8-10 days per annum. The Board meets online on the 3rd Monday of every other month from 6-8pm and trustees are required to attend with their cameras on. All Board papers are circulated usually 2 weeks ahead of the meeting. All applicants must be based in the U.K. 

Duties
As a Trustee, you will be expected to:
• Attend bi-monthly Board meetings (held remotely), having read the papers in advance and being prepared to contribute constructively to discussion and decision-making.
• Attend the annual Board away day and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Support, promote and provide advice on PILC’s charitable purpose, vision, values and strategic objectives.
• Approve operational strategies, policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee PILC’s financial sustainability by reviewing and approving budgets, PILC’s financial statements and monitoring and evaluating financial performance.
• Ensure that the charity is well governed, effectively managed and compliant with its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Support the effective management of risk and ensure that appropriate systems of internal control are in place.
• Provide appropriate support, constructive challenge and accountability to the Director in the exercise of their delegated authority.
• Keep informed about developments affecting PILC, the non-profit legal sector and the wider operating environment.
• Contribute to the regular review and continuous improvement of the Board's effectiveness and governance arrangements.
• Exercise independent judgement, act with reasonable care and skill, and always act in good faith in the best interests of PILC’s, managing any actual or potential conflicts of interest appropriately.
• Act as an ambassador for PILC, promoting its work and using your skills, knowledge, experience and networks to support the organisation where appropriate.

Oasis House is a supported accommodation service in Northampton, supporting clients to develop confidence, independence and practical life skills.

The Grow, Cook & Eat project gives clients the opportunity to grow their own fruit and vegetables, learn how to cook healthy meals and enjoy the food they have grown.

Volunteers will play a key role in supporting clients who choose to commit to the project. Full training will be provided.

Could you help our clients grow, cook and eat their way to greater independence?

· Do you have an interest in gardening, growing food, or cooking

· Can you encourage a client to learn new practical skills and build confidence?

· Would you enjoy teaching someone how to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs?

· Can you help clients turn what they grow into simple, healthy and affordable meals?

· Would you like to help create positive social activities and stronger community connections at Oasis House?

If you can answer 'yes' to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

About the Grow, Cook & Eat Project

Grow, Cook & Eat is a community-focused initiative designed to build practical skills, improve food choices, promote wellbeing and strengthen social connections.

At Oasis House, the project will be delivered in a practical and supportive way. Clients who want to commit to the programme will be encouraged to take part in growing, cooking and eating activities, with volunteers providing guidance and encouragement

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

· Teach clients how to plant seeds and seedlings and care for fruit, vegetables and herbs.

· Help clients understand simple, seasonal and low-cost ways of growing food.

· Encourage clients to take responsibility for watering, maintaining and looking after their growing areas.

· Support clients to recognise when produce is ready to harvest and show them how to harvest it safely.

· Help clients use produce they have grown as part of cooking activities.

· Help clients explore affordable meals, meal planning and ways to reduce food waste.

· Encourage clients to cook for themselves rather than doing tasks for them, promoting independence wherever possible.

· Create a friendly and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable learning and trying new things.

· Follow Oasis House policies, safeguarding procedures, health and safety guidance and professional boundaries.

What difference will you make?

By supporting this project, you can help clients develop practical life skills that can be used both inside and outside Oasis House.

· Build practical skills in growing and cooking healthy food.

· Improve confidence and independence.

· Encourage healthier food choices.

· Develop budgeting and meal-planning skills.

· Promote wellbeing through purposeful activities.

· Reduce loneliness and isolation through shared activities.

· Strengthen social connections and a sense of community.

· Give clients a sense of achievement from growing, cooking and eating food they have produced.

The approach

The volunteer's role is to teach, encourage and support. The aim is not for volunteers to do everything for clients, but to help clients learn how to do things for themselves.

All volunteers will receive full training prior to teaching client.

About Lights Up

Lights Up was established shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic to support theatre and creative activity. The timing was challenging: theatres subsequently remained closed for a prolonged period and the environment in which the charity had been established changed considerably.

The existing trustees now believe that Lights Up's charitable structure and fundraising capability could be put to wider social use. In particular, we are exploring an evolution of the charity that would enable it to provide umbrella funding and support for organisations and initiatives tackling homelessness.

No change of objects has yet been made. As part of this process, and following discussions with the Charity Commission, we are recruiting a new Board of Trustees before the proposed changes are considered and progressed.

The opportunity

We are looking for new trustees to help oversee the next stage of Lights Up's development.

One of the founding trustees will remain with the charity in an operational role as Executive Founder, reporting to and accountable to the Board. The other founding trustee will retire from the Board.

The new trustees will therefore have a genuine governance role: overseeing the charity's strategy, finances, regulatory compliance and future direction, including consideration and implementation of any approved changes to its charitable objects.

If the proposed new model proceeds, the charity does not intend to make decisions about the distribution of homelessness funding based solely on its own expertise. Funding allocations will be informed by advice from an appropriate independent third-party expert with relevant sector knowledge.

Who are we looking for?

We would particularly welcome applications from people interested in becoming a trustee for the first time. Previous charity or trustee experience is not required.

We are looking for people with sound judgement, integrity and an interest in using their skills to support effective charitable governance.

Experience in finance, law, governance, grant-making, fundraising, homelessness, social impact or the voluntary sector would be useful, but is not essential.

We are also seeking a Chair of Trustees, for whom previous governance or relevant board-level experience is expected.

Commitment

The roles are voluntary and primarily governance-focused. We anticipate approximately four Board meetings each year, predominantly held remotely, together with occasional additional input when required.

Why join now?

This is an opportunity to join a small charity at an exciting point in its development.

Rather than recruiting trustees to oversee an established model, we are inviting new Board members to help scrutinise, shape and govern the charity's proposed next chapter.

We want to be transparent about where Lights Up has come from, why change is being considered, and the responsibility the new Board will have in determining how that change is taken forward.

How to apply

Please send us a short expression of interest outlining your background, what you could bring to the Board and why the role interests you.

Please indicate if you would also like to be considered for the role of Chair of Trustees.

Events Volunteer - Lancashire (various)

Do you want to raise some money for Shelter, while having fun along the way?

Information about the role

This role involves supporting at a range of events to help raise money and awareness to tackle the housing emergency. It’s a really flexible opportunity. Once you’re signed up, we’ll let you know about upcoming events and tasks, and you can decide which you’d like to do. 

Location: Lancashire (various)

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Ideally, you’d help out at least 4-5 times per year, but this is flexible. 

Availability: This is a varied opportunity with events taking place at different times and on different days throughout the year, including evenings and weekends. You can choose the events that best suit your availability. 

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. 

Main activities may include:

This is a flexible and diverse role. Here are some of the activities you might get involved in:

• Represent us at a range of events including, community fairs, gigs, Pride marches, sporting events and street stalls.

• Support some of our fundraising activity such as holding collection cans in public spaces or bag packing in supermarkets.

• Help us grow our movement for change by supporting petitions and raising awareness of our calls to action through social media.

• Other one-off tasks such as web-based research.

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it. 

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 

The most important thing for this role is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home!

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

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

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

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

Join us for a wonderful evening of light music at Ralli Hall in Hove, where the Brighton & Hove Concert Orchestra will perform a programme of winter favourites with their 50-piece orchestra. 

Availability: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM, 14th November 2026 
Location: Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove

The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets in public spaces. 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. 

You’ll be supporting our bucket collection by helping us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations. You will:

• Support and coordinate the volunteer team on the day at events.

• Deposit cash into Shelter bank account at the end of the event or pass over to Shelter staff member

To enable you to take part in this opportunity we will: 

• Provide you with relevant policies, induction, training and information

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

Skills and Experiences Required 

• Leadership skills and ability to support others in a group

• Passionate about joining the fight for home 

• Feel comfortable handling cash and taking responsibility for depositing into bank

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

• Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change! 

• Meet other volunteers locally 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

As a great communicator with ‘green fingers’ you will create a calm, nurturing environment in which to support the residents to gain gardening skills and to explore the possibility of growing their own food. 

Activities

Inspire the residents to take an interest in the outdoor space at Amy’s Place and involve them in the development of a regular gardening and/or food growing club.

Help residents to develop their gardening skills and knowledge specific to growing food, through group workshops and individually tailored support, guidance and encouragement.

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. It might be every week or fortnight ideally for a minimum of 3 months.

Requirements 

This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons

As part of the Government led Communities 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 focused 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 families 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

Full training and expenses covered.

Hope and Vision Communities is a small charity providing supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.  We have a Christian ethos, where everyone can be loved and accepted with a sense of belonging, with the hope and opportunity of a new life.  We are growing to expand who we can help to other geographical areas. 

We are seeking a volunteer to help our team with reconciling day to day accounts and bookkeeping, as well as some controlling and administration tasks depending on availability. Our ideal candidate would also be able to compute our annual accounts ready for review by an independent examiner.

In return we will give you support to succeed, a great group of people to work with and the chance to make a real difference to the people we support.

We’re looking for enthusiastic hair, beauty and barbering students who would like to use their skills to support residents living in our homeless accommodation

This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, build confidence and develop your skills, while making a positive difference to people who may not otherwise have access to these types of services.

You could provide simple hair, barbering or beauty treatments in a safe and welcoming environment, helping residents to feel good about themselves and supporting their wellbeing.

Depending on your skills and training, this could include:

• Haircuts, trims and basic styling
• Barbering services
• Basic beauty treatments
• Nails and simple manicures
• Skincare and wellbeing treatments
• Helping residents prepare for interviews, appointments or other important occasions
• Creating a relaxed, friendly and positive experience for residents

• Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

We're looking for people who are:

• Studying hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy or a related course
• Keen to gain practical experience
• Friendly, approachable and non-judgemental
• Comfortable working with people from a range of backgrounds
• Professional and respectful
• Reliable and committed to creating a positive experience for residents

Training / Support

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
• Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness and Manual Handling where appropriate.
• To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager 
• Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference 

Additional Information 

• Additional risk assessments and DBS checks may be required 

Orchards is looking for a reliable and organised admin volunteer to support our vision to see more women free from sexual exploitation. This role offers hands-on experience in the VAWG sector and the chance to contribute to the running of supported accommodation services.

Testimonial from our previous Admin Intern:

“I have learned a great deal about the VAWG sector and how Orchards support the women, I have learned how to use Expense plus and In-Form and how the charity operates from an administration perspective. I have received a lot of support from the team, and the Head of Operations in particular. I really enjoy our weekly meetings and have found them very beneficial. Orchards have an amazing culture. They are incredibly kind and considerate and the whole team is so supportive of one another which is so lovely.”

Connection Support provides support to vulnerable adults, including people experiencing homelessness, mental health difficulties and substance misuse. Volunteers play a key role in helping us provide and improve our services.

We are looking for an Administrative Volunteer to join our office at Challenge House in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, for a few hours each week.

The main purpose of this role is to make telephone calls to our service users to ask about their experience of our service, what is working well and what we could improve. The feedback will help Connection Support understand the experiences of the people we support and identify opportunities to improve the way our services are delivered.

Could you help us listen to the people we support and improve our services?

· Are you confident and comfortable speaking to people on the telephone?

· Can you listen carefully and ask questions in a friendly, respectful and non-judgemental way?

· Would you like to help vulnerable clients have their voices heard?

· Can you record information accurately and confidentially?

· Are you organised and able to work independently while following clear guidance?

· Would you enjoy helping Connection Support understand what we are doing well and where we can improve?

· Can you remain calm and professional if a service user is upset or has a concern?

If you can answer 'yes' to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

About the Role

The Administrative & Service User Feedback Volunteer will make agreed telephone calls to current or former service users, using a simple set of questions. The calls will provide an opportunity for service users to share their views about the support they have received and make suggestions for improvement.

The role is not about assessing a client's mental health, providing counselling or resolving complaints. Volunteers will listen, record feedback accurately and pass any concerns to the appropriate member of the Connection Support team.

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

· Attend the Connection Support office at Challenge House, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, for 1-2 hours per week

· Make telephone calls to service users using contact information and calling guidance provided by Connection Support.

· Ask approximately 5–10 short questions about the service user's experience of Connection Support.

· Give service users an opportunity to provide additional comments or suggestions if they wish.

· Listen carefully and respectfully without judging, interrupting or making assumptions.

· Record responses accurately and clearly using the agreed recording system or feedback form.

· Maintain confidentiality and protect service user information at all times.

· Recognise when a conversation needs to be referred to a member of staff, rather than attempting to deal with the matter yourself.

· Report complaints, safeguarding concerns, distress or other issues promptly to the designated Connection Support staff member.

· Keep accurate records of calls made, including where a service user could not be contacted, in line with guidance.

Full training will be provided

You do not need previous experience of working in an office, telephone interviewing or support services. Full training and guidance will be provided before you begin making calls.

What we expect from our volunteers

· Treat every service user with dignity, respect and kindness.

· Listen without judgement and allow people to express their views.

· Keep all service user information confidential.

· Do not attempt to investigate or resolve complaints independently.

· Report concerns promptly to the appropriate member of staff.

· Follow all safeguarding, data protection and office procedures.

· Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Our aim is to make sure the people we support have an opportunity to tell us what they think. Every call provides valuable information that can help Connection Support recognise what is working well and identify where we can do better.