London volunteer roles

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter. This will take place in around the following areas - Havering, Romford, Harold Hill, Hornchurch Gidea Park, Elm Park, Harold Wood

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session on:

• 03/05/2026, Details of times, venue, etc tbc.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 07/06/2026, Details of times, venue, etc.
• Training for role - Must Be fit for Role I.E must be able to lift and carry Also must be able to work on the floor. This role is subject to a 6 day training course which will be spread across 3 weekends. Details of course including dates, time & venue tbc.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find put more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

The Wellbeing Officer represents the voice of volunteers and helps ensure a positive, inclusive, and supportive chapter culture. You’ll provide a safe and approachable point of contact for volunteers, gather feedback, and raise concerns or suggestions with the committee where appropriate. The role involves developing a chapter wellbeing plan, promoting widening access, and creating a welcoming environment where volunteers feel heard and supported. You’ll also assist the President and Vice President with wider committee responsibilities.

Would you like to volunteer in a customer facing role at RNIB's Products for Life Store in London? Could you be the welcoming face of RNIB? Do you have good communication skills and enjoy meeting and helping people? We need friendly, enthusiastic people like you to give visitors to our Products for Life Store the best possible experience when they come to us for information about our products and services or general enquiries. Products for Life Store consultations are a great way of customers finding out about the products that RNIB offers, and give customers the chance to try and view products.

The role involves welcoming customers and assisting customers to view and try products before they buy, recording purchases on the till (training will be provided) and some admin tasks such as using excel, checking stock lists and processing payments.

We are looking for volunteers with a welcoming and friendly nature, who enjoy interacting with customers and have some experience of Microsoft Office and Excel.

The Products for Life Store is a friendly and supportive team and ideally, you will have some flexibility to fit in with the needs of the Products for Life Store.

Description

RNIB is looking for enthusiastic and noisy volunteers to join our London Marathon Cheer Squad on Sunday 26th April 2026. Lend your voice and energy to cheer on our amazing runners at various RNIB Cheer Points along the route. If you can spare a few hours of your time, you can make a difference by motivating and supporting our inspirational runners.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Location

Region

• Greater London

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Friendly, confident, good at working in a team and available on 26th April 2026.

The Recruitment Officer is responsible for attracting, onboarding, and supporting new volunteers into the charity. The role focuses on maintaining a steady flow of volunteers by proactively identifying recruitment opportunities, organising and delivering Introduction Training sessions, and promoting the charity through events such as Freshers’ Fairs, Open Days, and external outreach. 

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

What skills and experience are needed?

• One reference
• West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, East of England, Greater London
  • You must be at least 18 years old to apply
  • • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.

Many of the men we support experience isolation, low confidence, and barriers to engaging with community life. As a befriender volunteer, you’ll build a consistent, trust based relationship that encourages social connection, helps set and pursue personal goals, and supports wellbeing and independence.

What you will be doing

• Offer regular one-to-one befriending - meeting for a walk, coffee, or a planned activity to reduce isolation and build confidence.
• Provide light, goal focused mentoring - agree simple goals (e.g., joining a group, practicing a routine, building life skills) and check progress together.
• Encourage safe community participation - libraries, local groups, leisure activities, volunteering, or learning opportunities.
• Share clear information and signpost to staff or local services where appropriate
• Accompany to non clinical community appointments, help read/understand letters, complete wellbeing “welfare check ins,” and promote general engagement in the community.
• Keep brief session notes or a simple check in with your supervisor and escalate any concerns immediately in line with safeguarding guidance.

The skills you need

• Warm, patient and non judgemental approach; able to build rapport with adult men from diverse backgrounds.
• Good listening, clear communication and reliability
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries; comfortable following guidance and asking for support.

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, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

The Secretary plays a key administrative role in keeping the chapter organised and running smoothly. You’ll manage documentation and records using OneDrive and Simvoly, take and upload meeting minutes, track action points, and follow up with committee members on progress. The role also involves supporting communications, helping respond to emails and messages, maintaining event records, and organising socials to strengthen team relationships. Strong organisation, attention to detail, and confidence using digital tools are essential.

The Fundraising Officer is responsible for generating vital income for Make a Smile. You’ll proactively identify and organise fundraising opportunities, complete the required paperwork, and ensure events run smoothly. Working closely with the Treasurer and committee, you’ll develop an annual fundraising plan, support local fundraisers, and build relationships with supermarkets and other organisations. The role is hands-on, creative, and key to helping the chapter meet its fundraising goals and maximise its impact.

Role: Volunteer Photographer – London Marathon (Royal Society for Blind Children)

Commitment: We are looking for a volunteer photographer to help us capture finish line photos for our incredible runners. We expect our runners to finish between 12:30 and 6pm, however you would not be expected to cover all this time and regular breaks.  

Location: Davy’s at St. James
Crown Passage
Pall Mall
London
SW1Y 6QY

Date: 26/04/2026

Age:  18+ 

Our Mission Statement: 

RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. 

By giving young people, the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential.

Our success depends on our values 

Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: 

TRUST: Respect and accountability 

ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning 

AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results 

MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems 

What will I be doing?

 Are you passionate about photography and capturing inspiring moments? Join RSBC, a leading disability charity, as a Volunteer Photographer at the London Marathon on Sunday, 26th April 2026!

You will be helping to support our runners who are raising funds for our vital services!

What you’ll do:

• Photograph RSBC runners at the finish line

What’s in it for you:

• Access to the London Marathon finish line
• Free buffet at our finish line party for runners and family members
• Experience and exposure to add to your portfolio
• Endorsements and references available
• Potential future events
• No editing required

What's in it for the Community? 

Capture incredible photo’s for our marathon team who are raising funds for all our vital services

Make a difference to people’s lives

Help in your community

Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them.

Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people.

Cheerer Volunteering at London Landmarks Half Marathon 2026

Would you like to have a great day out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers?

Information about the role

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 450 Shelter runners from the side lines. You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Volunteering at this event is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Date: 12/04/2026

Time: 10:00 – 14:00

Location: Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London, WC2A 2LL

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.

This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.  

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.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, click ‘fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

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

Fundraising volunteers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park reach its funding goals

East London Waterworks Park is working to acquire a 14-acre, concreted-over depot on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, and to transform it into a ‘brownfield rainforest’ with wild-swimming pools and creative learning spaces for the local community. We are showcasing an environment-first, community-led approach to land ownership that will help nature and people thrive together, revolutionising the way we think about green and blue spaces in cities.

Our Crowdfunder raised over half a million pounds towards buying the land, but we are waiting for the landowner to make decisions about the use of the site. Whilst we wait, we need to raise money for the other work we are carrying out. We have an exciting programme of community projects and work coming up, including carrying out biodiverse transformations on other sites in London.

If you have experience of planning or running fundraising campaigns and would like to get involved with a local charity, we would love to hear from you. Perhaps you are buzzing with ideas of how to raise money or are keen to get stuck in and help to make some events happen. Maybe you are a good writer and seller of ideas and would like to join our mini team of funding bid writers. We would especially love to hear from you if you have experience of writing funding applications.

If you are a professional fundraiser and would like to help but are short on time, we would still love for you to get in touch. Even if you are unable to get deeply involved, we would appreciate one-off or ongoing advice.

We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature and courageous inclusiveness to the role.

We meet once a fortnight online on a Thursday evening 

Why we need your help

We provide free games and activity sessions with tailored support for children with additional needs and disabilities. We support over 100 children, known as our ‘athletes’, with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, non-visible disabilities, and global development delay. At KEEN London, we strive to use fun and games to improve young people's wellbeing, and personal, social and emotional development as well as broadening experiences to increase skills and confidence.

Purpose of the role

Our Volunteer Coaches are the backbone of a KEEN London session! You’ll provide one-to-one support to an athlete, helping them to access all the activities on offer, achieve their personal development goals, and of course have tons of fun! You can expect to get involved with a wide range of playground games, ball games, nature walks, and creative activities. From time to time, we also run trips for our athletes, and previous trips have included trampoline parks, high ropes courses, pedalo boating and slime-making classes.

Tasks and activities

● You’ll support our athletes to engage with the session, and have fun while they’re doing it.

● You’ll help our Service Coordinators develop goals for our athletes, track their progress, and give them lots of encouragement along the way.

● You’ll work with your Service Coordinators and fellow Coaches to come up with new games, develop resources, and plan activities.

● We want our athletes to enjoy being active, making friends, and trying new things - and we want you to join in the activities with them!

● Our athletes love working with energetic and enthusiastic people, and we’ll ensure that all your hard work will be rewarded with a great time.

Please note: To ensure that you are equipped and ready to take on this role, there is a thorough application process which includes but is not limited to: an information session, an in-person onboarding training evening, an enhanced DBS check, reference checks and a safeguarding quiz. All elements of the onboarding process have to be completed satisfactorily before you can start volunteering in this role. 

Why Volunteer with KEEN London?

KEEN London would not be what it is without the volunteers who support our work, and we want to ensure that all our volunteers gain just as much from their volunteering journey as they put into the charity. Here’s what you’ll get in return for supporting us:

● Regular volunteer social events, and opportunities to meet other coaches

● We will provide you with ongoing feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential at KEEN, you will receive an induction and handbook prior to starting your role and you will receive access to a virtual training portal with additional resources.

● We will give you opportunities to access other roles to help you broaden your skills, such as becoming a Captain or Session Leader.

● Long-term volunteers receive t-shirts, badges, and advance sign-ups to our popular events

● We have a budget set aside to cover volunteer expenses (see Volunteer Agreement below)

● We will provide job/character references to volunteers after a reasonable period of volunteering with us.

Volunteer Agreement

All KEEN London volunteers are asked to observe the Volunteer Agreement. This agreement is binding in honour only, is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

As a volunteer with KEEN London, you can expect:

● To be a part of a unique and evolving charity that is providing a valuable service to children and young people with additional needs.

● To be introduced to how the organisation works and your role within it.

● A supportive and reciprocal environment that ensures a positive experience for you as a volunteer.

● To be invited to volunteer at special events and fundraising activities.

● Reimbursement of any reasonable travel expenses.

● To be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● A safe and healthy environment for you to volunteer in.

● Any problems or complaints to be investigated quickly and resolved fairly.

● Recognition for your efforts and successes – celebrating achievements and rewarding loyalty and dedication.

● To receive, if required, a reference after a reasonable time of volunteering.

● Access to free Charity Worker Discounts.

Our expectations of volunteers:

● To maintain and uphold the reputation and good name of the charity.

● To treat other volunteers, staff and service users fairly and with dignity, and to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● To ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality and data protection are upheld.

● To uphold our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. This includes ensuring that when out of sight of other adults a ratio of 2 adults to 1 athlete is in place, and that you report any concerns you have about the safety and wellbeing of athletes to the Coordinator as soon as possible.

● To adhere to all health and safety instructions.

● To be punctual and reliable when attending sessions, and inform the coordinator via phone call as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

● To attend at least 2 sessions per month for at least 6 months.

● To bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all sessions.

Role Description Internal Ref Number: COACH4