Mental health 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.

Volunteers in this role will be facilitating or co-facilitating regular SMART meetings.

Volunteer SMART facilitators will help to make newcomers feels welcome, and

empower everyone in the meeting to contribute, should they wish to.

If not already trained, volunteers will need to complete the full SMART Recovery UK facilitator training programme.

This role is ideally suited to people with lived experience of recovery, either directly, or through supporting a close friend or family member, although we welcome applications from anyone with an empathetic, non-judgemental attitude that can build strong working relationships

with others.

Tasks may include:

• • Sharing a group agreement at the start of each session, including the importance of respect and confidentiality.
  • Facilitating meetings according to the SMART Recovery Meeting Structure including a check-in, agenda setting, and check-out.
  • Reporting any concerns, including related to safeguarding, that may arise
  • in the group.
  • Link closely with the group lead to plan and evaluate sessions. ·
  • Procuring necessary resources such as flip chart, paper and pens, and setting up before/packing away after each meeting.
  • Support the group lead with any admin tasks linked to the running of the SMART group. E.g. Completing SMART audits or liaising with Regional SMART Community Coordinator.

Skills we would love you to bring to the role:

• • Welcoming, friendly and an ability to put other people at ease
  • Confident and calm in group settings
  • Good IT skills – the SMART Recovery UK training all takes place electronicallyand includes submitting some written responses via email
  • Non-judgmental towards people facing challenges in their lives, including around drug and/or alcohol use and/or mental health

Volunteer - Project Manager – SUNSHINE Charity

Lead the set‑up and launch of a small start‑up charity bringing joy, connection and belonging across London

About SUNSHINE Charity

Loneliness is one of the quietest but most painful challenges facing people across London. It affects confidence, wellbeing, mental health and the simple feeling of belonging.

SUNSHINE Charity is a tiny start‑up with a huge mission: to bring human connection, joy, community and ‘sunshine’ into people’s lives.

We are at the very beginning. No funding yet. No big team. Just heart, hope, and a vision to build a charity that lights up London — and later, beyond.

If you’ve ever wanted to help build something meaningful from the ground up, this is your chance.

The Role: Volunteer Project Manager

This role is about building the charity itself — shaping the foundations, organising the launch, and turning a heartfelt idea into a fully functioning organisation.

As our Volunteer Project Manager, you will:

• Lead the full project management of SUNSHINE Charity’s set‑up and launch.

• Create timelines, milestones and clear delivery plans.

• Coordinate early volunteers and partners.

• Help develop our first programmes to reduce loneliness.

• Build simple systems, processes and structures.

• Support early fundraising efforts — including the possibility of fundraising for your own future paid role.

• Bring organisation, creativity and heart to every step of the journey.

This is a role for someone who loves making things happen, thrives in start‑up environments, and wants to help build a charity that will change lives.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Passionate about tackling loneliness and social isolation.

• Organised, proactive and energised by building something from scratch.

• Excited by the challenge of launching a charity with no current funding.

• A natural planner who loves turning ideas into action.

• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.

• Motivated by impact, purpose and human connection.

• Ready to bring sunshine into people’s lives.

You don’t need charity experience — just heart, drive, and the ability to make things happen.

Why This Role Matters

• Because loneliness is everywhere.
• Because people deserve to feel connected, valued and seen.
• Because joy is powerful.
• Because community changes lives.
• Because you could help build a charity that becomes a beacon of hope across London.

This is your chance to:

• Lead the launch of a brand‑new charity.

• Build programmes that genuinely transform lives.

• Create systems and structures that will support long‑term impact.

• Shape a movement rooted in kindness, connection and belonging.

• Be part of something human, heartfelt and extraordinary.

Ready to Build Something Beautiful?

If your heart is pulling you toward this role — we’d love to hear from you.

Join us, and help bring sunshine into the lives of people who need it most.

Could you help bring moments of togetherness to families facing cancer? 

Families supported by Young Lives vs Cancer are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are a charity that helps children and young people (aged 0-24), and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.  

As an Events Coordinator in the South West Social Work team, you will plan and coordinate a range of events throughout the year; working directly with the families we support and partner organisations. we hope to run events across the region including end‑of‑treatment celebration days, sibling days, festive events and bereavement support events 

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support; it’s reassurance, kindness, and hope at a time when it’s needed most. Your time and commitment can help make the cancer journey a little lighter and leave a lasting, positive impact on the families you support. 

What you’ll be doing 

We hope to carry out regular events across the whole region. Your help will be invaluable in achieving this. Your tasks will include: 

• Helping to organise, co-ordinate and run events. 

• Communication with invitees and organisations involved in the planning and facilitation of events. 

• Attendance of events as a welcoming presence; helping people feel comfortable, supported, and gently connected to one another. 

• Working alongside social workers as a valued member of the team and reporting back to your volunteer manager. 

 Volunteering Opportunity 

Dementia Activity Coordinator

What You’ll Do

Bring joy and stimulation to people living with dementia by planning and running creative, engaging activities at our day care centre, that encourage connection, laughter and participation. You’ll us your skills and imagination to lead sessions centred around an activity area of your choice such as music, movement, theatre, storytelling, arts, cooking or gardening.

You will:

· Plan and deliver fun and inclusive activity sessions for day centre members living with dementia

· Adapt activities to suit individual needs and abilities

· Encourage participation and build confidence among members

· Work alongside staff to ensure sessions run safely and smoothly

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Creativity and the ability to engage people

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Patience, empathy, and understanding of dementia

· Organisation and planning skills

· Confidence leading small group activities

Time Commitment

Flexible- ideally a regular session each week between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm (Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Be the Friendly Face That Makes Someone Feel Welcome

As a Hub Volunteer, you'll be one of the first people women and families meet when they visit our hub. Your warm welcome, friendly approach, and practical support will help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment from the moment they arrive.

If you're compassionate, enjoy connecting with people, and want to make a meaningful difference, this rewarding role offers the opportunity to positively impact the lives of women and families accessing our services every day.

What you will be doing

• Welcoming women and families as they arrive at the hub
• Helping visitors feel comfortable and explaining how the service works.
• Offering refreshments and creating a warm, friendly atmosphere
• Supporting women as they browse and select clothing, toiletries, toys, baby items, and other essentials.
• Packing donations and essential items to be sent to refuges and other services.
• Preparing and dispatching parcels through the post office when required.
• Liaising with drivers to organise the collection and delivery of items
• Helping keep the hub tidy, organised, and welcoming for all visitors
• Providing a positive and respectful experience for everyone accessing the service.

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.
• Passionate about supporting women and families.
• Comfortable interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Organised and willing to help with practical tasks
• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries

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

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.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

Are You Creative, Organised, and Passionate About Making a Difference?

Turn your ideas into meaningful experiences as an Activity Coordinator Volunteer. You'll help plan and deliver fun, engaging activities that promote wellbeing, build confidence, and bring people together.

From arts and crafts and games to wellbeing sessions, themed events, and community outings, every activity you support will help create connections, inspire smiles, and make a positive impact on people's lives.

What you will be doing

• Support the planning and delivery of activities based on the interests of service users
• Help facilitate social groups such as coffee mornings, walking groups, and activity workshops.
• Encourage participation and help create a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Build positive relationships with service users and support them to develop confidence and social connections.
• Work alongside staff to identify new activity ideas and opportunities.
• Assist with setting up and tidying away activities where required
• Provide occasional one-to-one support, such as accompanying service users to appointments, shopping trips, or community activities.

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and a good listener
• Organised and dependable.
• Confident engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Creative and interested in helping others try new activities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Able to work as part of a team.

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 - 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.

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.

Are you a fluent Farsi speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills.

What you will be doing

• To support people who are not confident with spoken English to develop these skills through conversational English sessions through 1:1 or in small groups.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.

The skills you need

• Hold a TEFL qualification, or equivalent qualification to support individuals
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Farsi and English

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 - 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.

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.

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.