Learning disability volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a patient and chatty volunteer who can communicate with a clear and loud voice, to visit a lovely gentleman in his 70s in Woolwich. His love for music is something he would love to share with a visitor, enjoying the 50s, 60s and 70s through sound.
This gentleman is blind and communicates differently depending on the day. His engagement may fluctuate between quietly appreciating your company and loving a long chat. Your visit would be a gentle check-in — sharing a cuppa, a chat, and simply being present.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit:
• Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing
• You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit.
• Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteers needed for the friendliest club in London!
Can you spare two hours a week to work with some of the friendliest, welcoming people
you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers organise fun, engaging
activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience
is needed; you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun!
Our club is split into two age groups: 14-25 years and 25 years +. You have a chance to make a real
difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in
confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and
train you, and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!
The Squad Club is an impactful hyper-local charity supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities through our weekly social club.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an opportunity for a female befriender to visit a lovely, chatty lady in New Barnet. She’s a lover of all things crafty, including making jewellery and painting, but her absolute favourite are jigsaw puzzles. She would love a visitor to do these things with her, as well as going for walks to the local coffee shop for a slice of cake or spending some time in the garden on a sunny day.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Learning and curriculum designers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are looking for volunteers to develop learning content and resources, such as lesson plans and educational materials, to support our environmental learning goals. This role will focus on creating school-friendly resources for our website and collaborating with educators to enhance our offerings.
The role would include:
- Developing online learning resources for our website (on-going project)
- Designing or tailoring existing lesson plans and activities for schools
- Supporting the creation of ELWP’s Under 18s volunteering policy
- Supporting outreach efforts to promote ELWP’s existing learning programmes
Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:
- Waltham Forest College
- Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
- Buxton School, Leytonstone
- Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
- Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
- UCL
- Royal College of Art
- University of Westminster
- Project Zero
- Voyage Youth
- Loyola University Chicago
- Vanderbilt University Nashville
We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.
The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.
Ideal candidates have experience in curriculum design, teaching, or educational resource development. Creativity, strong writing skills, and an understanding of outdoor or environmental education will be valuable. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.
Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park.
You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Open Country is a Charity that helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. We are always looking for volunteers to support our conservation and gardening groups, walking group and our weekend outings.
- Conservation group meet on a Tuesday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities who carry out practical conservation tasks each week at various locations. We work with organisations like Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Tasks can include meadow creation, tree planting, pond maintenance and invasive species removal to name but a few.
- Walking group meet on a Thursday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities or sensory impairments. We walk between 5-7miles each week at different locations around Yorkshire and normally finish the walk with a pub or cafe stop.
- Gardening and arts group meet on a Friday, and is made up of adults with learning disabilities, where we learn about gardening and various natural craft like willow weaving. We also regulary work with organisations like the National Trust and the National Coal Mining Museum.
We also run weekend outings for people with all kinds of disabilities providing experiences and a chance to socialise and explore new places. Our activities range from a gentle amble round a country house and gardens, wildlife watching at a nature reserve to axe throwing and abseiling.
As a volunteer you would be helping our members stick together as a group, or carry out the conservation tasks, making sure they are happy and safe.
No experience is required, just a willingness to get stuck in! We will provide all relevant training for the role.
We meet at Thornes Park Nursery, Wakefield at 10am and head out in our accessible minibus to site.
Open Country exists to help people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for patient, supportive people who’d like to spend a few hours each week helping others to learn and develop new skills.
As a Learning Support Volunteer, you’ll be part of a welcoming team that helps adults and young people take part in our learning, employability and personal development sessions. You’ll provide encouragement, guidance and reassurance to help participants build confidence and progress at their own pace.
This is a flexible, hands-on role for anyone who enjoys supporting others and wants to make a difference in their community.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting learning and skills sessions led by tutors or facilitators
- Assisting individuals or small groups with practical tasks and exercises
- Encouraging participation and helping build confidence during activities
- Helping prepare materials, resources and session spaces
- Providing friendly reassurance and guidance to learners throughout sessions
- Assisting with feedback collection, attendance and evaluation records
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
- Good communication and listening skills
- Patience, empathy and a supportive approach
- Confidence working with people from different backgrounds
- Teamwork and reliability
- Organised and attentive to detail
- Willingness to follow guidance and safeguarding procedures
What You’ll Gain
- Experience supporting learning and employability programmes
- Opportunities to develop communication, facilitation and teamwork skills
- The satisfaction of helping others grow in confidence and independence
- A chance to meet new people and contribute to positive community impact
About Us
We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.
Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.
Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.
A catalyst for overcoming poverty at its root by empowering marginalised people and developing sustainable communities.



Could you help shape the future of an established, values-led charity? We are recruiting for a Chair of Trustees (to replace our current Chair who is nearing end of term) and an additional trustee to support and strengthen the Board.
As we look to the next phase of our development, we are recruiting for two voluntary roles:
Chair of Trustees
An experienced leader to:
- Lead our Board and ensure strong governance
- Provide oversight, challenge and support to our CEO
- Help shape and steward our long-term strategy
- Act as an ambassador for FarmAbility and our mission
Time commitment: approx. 3–4 days per month
Trustee
Strategic, values-driven individual to:
- Contribute to strategy and oversight
- Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and well governed
- Bring skills, insight and constructive challenge to Board discussions
- Take a lead oversight role in an agreed area (with support)
Time commitment: approx. 2 days per month
We would prefer someone with previous trustee experience, but direct experience of learning disabilities or autism is not essential. What matters most is strategic thinking, good judgement, ability to facilitate and take reasoned decisions and a genuine commitment to inclusion, dignity and opportunity.
Both roles are unpaid, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
If you’re interested—or know someone who might be—please get in touch or share this post within your network.
We believe in a society where everybody with a learning disability has a meaningful occupation, and where their contribution is recognised and valued.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Wheels for All aims to promote inclusive cycling through a range of successful community engagement programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis. Our Volunteers bring our cycling programmes to life, they make sure everyone feels included, they inspire others, they increase confidence, they maintain bikes and make sure that cycling is accessible to everyone.
From meeting/greeting participants, leading elements of the activity, providing encouragement, helping to move equipment to/from storage, and assisting to check working order of cycles, your support will make a huge difference to our participants and carers who attend our inclusive cycling sessions. Training is provided to all volunteers, with other opportunities to attend and participate in external training where relevant.
As a valued Wheels for All volunteer you will:
- Make a difference to the lives of disabled people
- Meet new people
- Make new friends and join social activities
- Connect with your community through supporting a local project
- Develop your skills at our sessions and relevant training courses
- Reap mental health and wellbeing benefits of helping others
- Build experience for references
- Receive a lot of appreciation from our participants and carers!
- Be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy
- Receive Wheels for All branded uniform
- Access the volunteer Wheels for All training
- Enjoy the amazing Charities culture
What are we looking for?
- Approachable and friendly nature
- Great interpersonal and communication skills
- Empathy and understanding of how people can react differently to certain situations or triggers
- Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement
- Adaptable and flexible to changing circumstances
- Effective as part of a team
- Positive attitude
- Honesty and integrity
- Excellent organisational skills and initiative
- Some cycling experience (although not essential)
Volunteers aged 18 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all volunteers must be happy to undertake a DBS check and collect references.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Monitoring, evaluation and learning coordinators wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are looking for a volunteer to track the impact of our educational initiatives, gather data, and support continuous improvement in our learning programs. This role ensures that our learning activities are effective and contribute meaningfully to ELWP’s overarching goals.
This role would include:
- Developing measures of success of existing environmental education initiatives
- Collecting and analyzing feedback from programme participants
- Recommending improvements based on data insights
Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:
- Waltham Forest College
- Henry Maynard Primary School, Walthamstow
- Buxton School, Leytonstone
- Kingsmead Primary School, Hackney
- Daubeney Primary School, Hackney
- UCL
- Royal College of Art
- University of Westminster
- Project Zero
- Voyage Youth
- Loyola University Chicago
- Vanderbilt University Nashville
The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.
We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.
Individuals with experience in research, programme evaluation, data analysis, or education assessment are encouraged to apply. Attention to detail and an interest in measuring impact will be key strengths in this role. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.
Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park. Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park.
You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By volunteering in this role, you will help shape the future of East London Waterworks Park as a community-led environmental learning space. This will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you!
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.
Our Spring Project
9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April, in north London
We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Spring Social Development Project.
Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.
What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.
Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama, and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.
Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting our members to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.
Come along and get involved!
Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more – women too)!!
Requirements
What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.
How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.
What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.
By volunteering on our project, you'll also:
- Use and develop your skills
- Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
- Increase your confidence
- Meet new people and make friends
- Gain experience for (other) work
- Give something back to the community
- Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
- Challenge yourself
What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.
This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.
Topics we cover include:
- Communication
- Autism
- Supporting emotions
- Safeguarding
- Creativity & Participation
- Epilepsy
When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.
We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.
In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.
Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.
Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next.
Just sign up on our website (on our volunteering form) and you'll receive details of what to do next.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A person we support in one of our supported living services in Hanham is looking for a volunteer to join her for fun and sociable activities.
Can you help?
Activities could include crafting, baking, pottery, having a cuppa at a café, attending beauty appointments and going to the cinema. The individual is very independent and would love to meet someone with similar interests to help them access the community.
Ideally this would be a fortnightly volunteer role either on a weekday or the weekend during the day.
Travel expenses are covered for each volunteering shift and activity expenses will be discussed with the individual and the service.
For all our volunteer roles a DBS check will be carried out and we will request two references. All volunteers will need to complete online volunteer training in preparation for your role. You will be supported by both the volunteer team and a designated member of staff in the service too.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents, and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.
Our Employability Project
10am to 3pm, Monday and/or Friday during term-time
Our Employment & Life Skills Project (ELSP) helps adults with learning disabilities or autism to access further education, work experience and visits to mainstream community opportunities.
What you’ll do
You’ll act as a mentor to the members of the group. You’ll be helping the group(s) develop a range of life skills, things that many of us take for granted. These include Maths and English skills, independent living, the use of public transport, social skills and even the sourcing of employment.
For the people in these groups, these things can be very difficult to develop and achieve without regular support. Through regular support and meetings, members and volunteers develop greater trust, skills, and confidence together.
Come along and get involved!
Requirements
What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 20.
How much time?
The project runs from 10am to 3pm, Mondays and/or Fridays during term-time.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come every week for at least a term as you'll build a close relationship with the members you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.
What we can offer you
ELSP represents a fantastic opportunity for you to share your knowledge and experience built up through a lifetime to a group that is continuing to develop and achieve their targets.
We’ll reimburse your travel expenses and will provide excellent training and lots of helpful support.
By volunteering on our project you'll also:
- Use and develop your skills: time-management, working within a team, problem-solving and adaptability.
- Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
- Increase your confidence.
- Meet like-minded people and make friends.
- Gain experience for (other) work
- Give something back to the community.
- Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
- Challenge yourself.
What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.
This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.
Topics we cover include:
- Autism
- Safeguarding
- Creativity & Participation
- Negotiation & Boundaries
When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a DBS check before taking part.
We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.
In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.
Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.
Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a brilliant time to join Caxton Youth as we embark on our strategy refresh, seeking to enhance our voice and impact by building partnerships, expanding our presence in the Westminster community and growing our quality youth services. Help us steer the charity during this crucial time as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Who we are
Established in 1948, Caxton Youth is the only specialist youth club in the City of Westminster dedicated to learning-disabled and autistic young people aged 11–25. We provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community where young people can build friendships, explore new interests, and develop the skills needed to lead independent, happy, and healthy lives.
We aim to break down disabling barriers in society by offering youth-led services shaped by the aspirations of our members. Our approach is person-centred, providing a mix of 1:1 support and inclusive group activities to help each individual reach their own goals.
Our core delivery centres on weekly youth club sessions held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at our Westminster base. These sessions offer a vibrant mix of sports, cooking, arts and crafts and music, providing a safe space for young people to socialise and explore new interests. To ensure these opportunities are accessible to all, we provide dedicated community transport via a wheelchair-accessible minibus for our activities.
Beyond the club, we run dedicated programmes designed to foster independence and emotional well-being. These range from mastering essential life skills, such as preparing hot drinks and navigating public transport independently, to improving mental health by building self-esteem and social connections through initiatives like our “Mates Dates” outings. For our older members aged 16–25, we offer targeted employment support, including CV writing, interview preparation and assistance in securing volunteering or training opportunities.
Our impact extends into the school holidays with a comprehensive provision of day trips and overnight residentials at outdoor activity centres, allowing members to experience nature and adventure in an accessible environment. These services not only empower the young people but also provide vital respite and a local support network for parents and guardians, knowing their children are in a safe and supportive environment.
Through the power of youth work, we co-create safe, inclusive spaces where learning disabled and autistic young people can take part in accessible activities driven by their needs, wants and interests.
About the role
We seek to appoint a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership and strong governance, ensuring Caxton Youth Organisation delivers its mission and uses its resources effectively.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Chair will guide the board in setting direction, maintaining financial sustainability, managing risk and ensuring robust systems, policies and procedures are in place. A clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to youth leadership will be central to the role.
Leading a high-performing board of trustees, the Chair will foster collective responsibility and sound decision-making in Caxton’s long-term interests. They will chair board meetings effectively, support trustees to fulfil their governance duties and oversee succession planning for the board, Chief Executive and senior management team. In partnership with the CEO, the Chair will also ensure effective board composition, trustee recruitment and ongoing development.
Externally, the Chair will act as a credible ambassador and advocate for Caxton, building strong relationships with partners, funders and key stakeholders. Drawing on their networks and influence, they will help open doors to funding, partnerships and decision-makers, ensuring youth issues remain a priority.
Who we are looking for
The successful candidate will be deeply committed to Caxton’s mission, able to see the bigger picture and lead with authenticity, tact and diplomacy.
They will bring board or committee work experience, along with strong influencing and negotiation skills, resilience and a collaborative, organised approach.
We are seeking someone with experience in leading an inclusive organisation through a period of growth or change and/or with significant fundraising expertise.
You will bring a collaborative leadership style and act as a constructive, critical friend when appropriate.
Visible and engaged, you will work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, acting as a key ambassador for the charity and supporting the staff team to raise its profile and secure new funding to ensure the sustainability of its work.
Time Commitment
There are four board meetings and four committee meetings a year and the Chair leads at least one strategy away day per year. You will also attend other internal and external meetings where necessary, including regular 1:1s with the CEO.
You will be required to be available for 3 – 5 days over a month for this role.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 2nd February 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.
Our Spring Project
9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April, in north London
We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Spring Social Development Project.
Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.
What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.
Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama, and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.
Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting our members to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.
Come along and get involved!
Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more – women too)!!
Requirements
What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.
How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.
What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.
By volunteering on our project, you'll also:
- Use and develop your skills
- Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
- Increase your confidence
- Meet new people and make friends
- Gain experience for (other) work
- Give something back to the community
- Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
- Challenge yourself
What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.
This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.
Topics we cover include:
- Communication
- Autism
- Supporting emotions
- Safeguarding
- Creativity & Participation
- Epilepsy
When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.
We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.
In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.
Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.
Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next
We are following a number of safety measures when meeting service-users & volunteers. Taking temperature checks on arrival, asking a number of Covid-related questions before entry, wearing face masks where necessary, suggesting for volunteers to take a lateral flow test before attending an activity. These measures are regularly reviewed.
- Do sign up on our website and you'll instantly receive an email asking you to verify you really do want us to send you info.
- Please click 'Yes', then you'll receive further info about the activity and how to book an informal online interview.
- Make sure you check your junk mail for our emails, including the verification one!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.
Our Summer Camp
Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th June
We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to join us on our action-packed residential Summer Camp. On the camp you will be supporting one of our members with a disability to have a holiday they won’t forget.
What you'll do
On the camp you and a fellow co-volunteers will support one of our members with a learning disability or autism for the 5 days. You’ll support and encourage them to take part in lots of exciting activities such as campfires, treasure trails, swimming, games nights, day trips to the seaside and much more. You’ll also help our members with their day-to-day routines and preparing our meals.
Not only is it five days full of fun and games for you and our members, but you will also play a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment and of course, to enjoy a fantastic holiday!
Come along and get involved!
Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!
Requirements
What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.
How much time?
The Camp runs for five days, four nights. The dates are Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th June.
The camp starts and finishes in Tottenham, North London.
We can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses for your training days. All meals, transportation and accommodation are provided during the camp.
We'll also provide excellent training before the camp, and lots of helpful support throughout.
By volunteering on our camp, you'll also:
- Use and develop your skills
- Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
- Increase your confidence
- Meet new people and make friends
- Gain experience for (other) work
- Give something back to the community
- Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
- Challenge yourself
What about training?
Volunteers must attend in-person training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.
This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.
Topics we cover include:
- Communication
- Autism
- Supporting emotions
- Safeguarding
- Creativity & Participation
- Epilepsy
When do I need to come?
We’ll be meeting individual volunteers online from mid-January.
We'll be running face-to-face training in north London. Training starts from 15th February with other date options.
Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
