Learning volunteer roles

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

We are looking to recruit a Youth Programme Coordinator, for a minimum commitment of 6 months, to manage our Youth Programme. The Youth Programme works with young refugees and asylum seekers in the Epirus region of Northern Greece, providing them with a sense of community and experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise receive!

In this role,  you would be coordinating the daily planning and delivery of activities for young refugees in the sites in which we're operating in the Epirus region of Northern Greece.

The programme usually consists of English classes, thematic and social and emotional learning workshops and excursions. The programme engages children between the ages of 8 and 16.

For this role, you would initially work as a Youth Programme team member so that you could develop an understanding of the programme, the people involved, and the organisation as a whole.

Your role would include:

• Coordinating, delegating, and managing a team of 2-5 team members in the daily operations of the Youth Programme

• Directly supervising and supporting team members, providing feedback to ensure the quality of the programme remains high

• Delivering effective inductions to transfer key skills/knowledge to team members

• Developing the current programme in coordination with the Education Manager and Youth Programme team members

• Assessing the impact and effectiveness of the programme in line with its objectives

• Planning and delivering effective and dynamic educational and outdoor activities, within a theme-based curriculum

• Training new team members in appropriate behavioural management techniques

• Capturing data and compiling evaluation reports on the programme

You should be able to:

• Prioritise and delegate tasks effectively

• Manage a wide range of tasks and intense workload effectively and efficiently 

• Manage individuals effectively to create a positive team environment in which shared problem solving is encouraged

• Oversee the delivery of programme activities and the completion of vital administrative and logistical tasks

• Be honest and transparent; be able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Learn quickly, managing a wide-ranging and intense workload

• Understand what is required to work and effectively communicate in complex and volatile contexts

• Care for people: the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working with children specifically in the refugee context

• Experience in leadership roles and have knowledge in how to effectively manage a team

• Knowledge of pedagogical tools and programmes suitable to children in the refugee context 

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow; investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

We are looking for new volunteers from all over London and the South East to be Speak out. Stay Safe Volunteers. You would visit primary schools local to you to help us protect a generation of children from abuse and neglect.

We are currently not recruiting for the following areas: 

London: Barnet, Ealing, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Hillingdon, and Newham

Surrey 

Berkshire: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead, and Wokingham 

Bromley

Hampshire County Council, Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Test Valley, Winchester, Fareham  

Eastleigh, Gosport, New Forest, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Havant, West Sussex and East Sussex, Brighton/Hove

In 2022 the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe volunteers returned to primary schools. As a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer, you will visit primary schools to deliver Speak out. Stay safe. workshops that teach children about the different types of abuse and how they can speak out and stay safe. Our Speak out. Stay safe. workshops are age-appropriate and memorable and need an energetic and enthusiastic person to deliver them. You'll work alongside other Speak out. Stay safe. volunteers to make sure at the end of each session the children feel empowered and know who they can speak out to if they are worried.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer and want to find out more about the role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

If you have any questions or experience any issues, please contact the Volunteer Recruitment Team.

For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16. 

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

We are Tŷ Hafan.

We provide comfort, care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their loved ones.

Too many families in Wales are struggling through the fear, exhaustion and uncertainty that comes with caring for a child whose life will be short.

At the moment we only have enough money and resources to support 10% of the families who need us.

Through volunteering, you can help us to reach every family who needs us.

As a Till & Customer Service Volunteer at our Whitchurch shop, you will assist our shop managers by serving and greeting customers and keeping the shop organised.

Our Whitchurch shop is located in a lovely village setting, with many local and returning customers. Whitchurch village is a charity shop hotspot, meaning there is lots of competition.

The staff and volunteers ensure the stock is merchandised beautifully and priced competitively to keep the customer coming back.

The team have hosted many a film crew including for 'Hayley goes...' who visited the shop to understand how shopping at charity shops is environmentally responsible.

The shop is open 9am-5:15pm Monday-Saturday and we appreciate any time you can spare.

Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 16+

Location: 50a Merthyr Road, Whitchurch

Commitment: Ideally, we would be looking for your support for at least 2 hours a week.

As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities, depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these include:

•Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;

•Delivering excellent customer service to ensure a pleasant shopping experience;

•Handling cash transactions and operating the till with accuracy;

• Encouraging customers to sign up for Gift Aid, which increases the value of their donations;

• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;

• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community.

 At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We ask that all colleagues and volunteers of Tŷ Hafan behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Here's what you can expect from our training:

•Learn about our Big Ambition, our vision and values and how to talk about them;

• A comprehensive training and induction tailored to volunteering in our shops;

• Learn how to assist customers and answer queries;

• Learn how charity shops operate and gain valuable retail knowledge.

The benefits of becoming a Till & Customer Service Volunteer:

• Gain valuable work experience in a retail environment;

• Develop your customer service, teamwork and organisational skills;

• Support a good cause and help your local community;

• Meet new people and make new friends;

• Most importantly - have fun, enjoy yourself and feel good about helping others! 

We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.

Under 18's are not permitted to provide referees.

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers.

What we're looking for: A friendly face to welcome visitors and animals to our rescue centre in Whitminster, answering their questions, and directing them to the appropriate member of staff. You will also help make sure the Teckels shop is well stocked, clean and tidy, and looks its best.

This role is ideal for someone with excellent customer service and communication skills, able to deal with a wide range of people visiting in person or over the phone. An eye for detail is helpful for processing admin and making bookings.

Our rescue centre can get very busy, so it is important you are comfortable working in a fast paced environment and have the ability to multi task. You may be the first person someone meets at Teckels, so you will need to be polite, helpful, understanding and discreet, able to handle sensitive situations.

When you can help: We are looking for Welcome Volunteers on a Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, and all day Saturday

What we can offer you:

• An induction, ongoing support, and training
• An opportunity to meet new people
• Gain experience, learn new skills, and make a difference
• A reference for studying or employment
• The chance to meet lots of cat and dogs
• A dedicated volunteer coordinator for check ins and support

The difference you will make to cats and people

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our collection box fundraising volunteers help our volunteer groups raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• overseeing the collection and delivery of collection boxes in different locations
• recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• researching local areas for collection box ‘hot spots’
• sharing fundraising ideas with other volunteers and putting these into practice 
• sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our collection box fundraising volunteers usually spend 1 to 2 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

As a Meet and Greet Volunteer, you'll help create a warm, welcoming environment for people using our services. Offer a friendly chat, a listening ear, and support to help people feel valued, connected, and less alone. If you're empathetic and approachable, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

Greeting visitors, providing a safe and friendly environment, and “checking in and chatting” with service users.

Offering beverages to our visitors while maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and service areas.

Provide emotional support, active listening, and mental health assistance to individuals in distress.

Ensure the environment is safe, maintain accurate records and adhere to safeguarding, food hygiene and GDPR

The skills you need

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, a non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to listen.

Able to create a welcoming and inclusive setting that encourages involvement and openness.

Approachable, respectful, and supportive with the ability to remain calm in interactions while demonstrating an empathetic and person-centred approach.

What's in it for you

Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications

Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!

Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

About Volunteering at Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

About the ELP team

Our team at Sense College Rothwell consists of 9 Support Workers and 3 Activity Coordinators who support our individuals on our Everyday Living Program to experience a whole range of activities both in the college and out in the community. Our activities in the centre include cookery, art and craft sessions, sound baths, sensory stories, music sessions, gardening and all sorts of different activities that we tailor to match the sensory abilities of our individuals.

Key duties

· Supporting staff and individuals during activities – although you will not be working in personal care, assisting individuals with eating and drinking, and you won’t be doing any manual handling.

· Helping to keep the working environment clean and tidy.

· To help set up and clean up after activities when required.

Skills & qualities

· A helpful and friendly nature

· To be able to work on your own initiative sometimes.

· Honesty and openness

· To be able to keep calm in difficult situations.

· To be able to maintain a level of professional discretion.

What Sense offers

· A full induction with ongoing support and guidance from the Sense volunteering team.

· The chance to be involved in a wide range of exciting activities and events.

· The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense and the people we support.

· Your travel expenses to and from your sessions will be covered by Sense, and you will have a budget for activities each week (agreed in advance).

· A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request).

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

OOEF runs free music sessions for children aged 7–11 at two primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway. The sessions are so valued by the schools that children are released from maths lessons to attend. We need volunteers to sit alongside children as they practise — listening, encouraging, celebrating their progress. No musical experience needed. If you love music and care about young people, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As a Practice Buddy you sit alongside small groups of children as they work through their instruments — listening, encouraging and celebrating their progress. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times; no one ever works alone with children. Training and mentoring are built in from day one.

What you'll bring

• A warm, patient approach with primary-school-age children

• Reliability — children build trust with familiar faces, and a volunteer who keeps coming back has a disproportionate impact

• Comfort working as part of a team in a school environment

• A love of music — you don't need to play a note

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — a typical session is around 1.5–2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon (more days planned). Some come via company or organisation rotas (like Camella estate agents and Bathavon Rotary Club), others as University of Bath students fitting volunteering around their studies. One-off or ad hoc sessions are also very welcome. We will work around whatever suits you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children grow in confidence and ability in real time — often children who struggle in conventional classroom settings

• A supportive, welcoming team with training and mentoring provided

• The knowledge that this is genuinely high-impact work — these children's lives are being changed

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

We are looking for  Indoor Fosterers

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for! 

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for! 

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.