Mental health support volunteer roles

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.

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are seeking Volunteer Drivers, to provide transport in their own vehicle, bringing Friends (people who use our services) to and returning them home from an Archway supportive social group. Occasionally we organise Archway Fundraising activities or events where may be asked to provide transport to an Archway Fundraising activity or event.  Some Archway Friends (people who use our services) are unable to attend a supportive social group independently, mainly due to physical barriers to public transport. Transport delivered by volunteers enables Friends to access the supportive social group, in turn alleviating loneliness. The groups may be the only opportunity for Friends to meet with others. Each Friend is invited to one group per month either in Oxford or Abingdon so transport volunteers usually offer one trip per month or more if they like.

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond Charity - Supporting Armed Forces and Veteran Families

A Voluntary Trustee Position
With reasonable expenses reimbursed

Please note that although the closing date for applications is 11 September 2026, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early, as the recruitment process may close once a suitable appointment is made.

 Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of our Board of Trustees.

This is an opportunity to lead a unique and growing charity that supports the families and carers of Armed Forces personnel and veterans who have sustained a service-related physical or psychological injury. Through peer support, advocacy, collaboration and innovation, we help military families feel seen, heard and supported throughout their journey.

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strategic vision, strong governance experience and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of military families and the wider Armed Forces community.

About the Role

As Chair, you will lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring that The Ripple Pond remains focused on its charitable purpose, strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and fellow Trustees, you will help guide the charity through its next phase of development, strengthening our impact, partnerships and influence across the military, veterans, health and social care sectors.

You will function as an ambassador for the charity, helping to build relationships, influence decision-makers and create opportunities that support lasting positive change for those we support.

Who Are We Looking For?

The Chair of The Ripple Pond leads a small but complex charity that provides support to more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Around 20% of new Members joining our services live in environments that place them at high risk.

These challenges often arise from complex and overlapping circumstances, including addiction, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, safeguarding concerns, risk of homelessness and wider welfare needs.

This places significant responsibility on the Chair to provide strong board leadership, support and develop trustees, maintain effective governance and strategic oversight, and work in close partnership with the CEO to ensure the charity remains focused on delivering meaningful impact for military families. The Chair also acts as one of the charity's principal ambassadors and public representatives.

We are seeking an individual with a broad range of experience and perspectives, ideally gained across multiple sectors. This might include commercial business, the public sector, healthcare, social care, the arts, the Armed Forces, emergency services or the voluntary sector.

You will have experience in developing and delivering regional or national strategies that have achieved sustainable and measurable positive outcomes, preferably through collaboration and partnership with a range of stakeholders.

You will have operated at executive or equivalent senior leadership level and be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, where success is achieved through influence, relationships and shared purpose rather than formal authority alone.

You will possess a strong understanding of risk, including strategic, organisational, and people-related risks, and be able to explain complex issues in a way that is clear, practical, and accessible to others.

Most importantly, you will demonstrate humility, integrity and compassion. You will care deeply about people, value the contribution of others and be motivated by a desire to serve the Armed Forces community and improve the lives of military families.

Role Profile

We are seeking an experienced senior leader who can provide effective governance, constructive challenge and confident stewardship to help guide The Ripple Pond through its next phase of development.

The successful candidate will bring:

Experience and Capability

Organisational Leadership and Change

• Significant executive, board-level or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• Experience of leading organisations through growth, transformation or periods of significant change.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver complex strategies, align stakeholders behind a shared purpose and achieve sustainable outcomes.
• The ability to balance organisational ambition, opportunity, risk and long-term sustainability.

 Governance, Finance and Risk

• A strong understanding of governance, accountability and effective board leadership gained through charity trusteeship, corporate governance, public service or other relevant senior leadership experience.
• Experience of supporting effective decision-making, constructive challenge and organisational assurance.
• Financial confidence and literacy, including the ability to understand budgets, financial performance, investment decisions and long-term sustainability.
• An understanding of risk management and the importance of robust oversight.

Influence, Partnerships and Representation

• Experience of building effective partnerships and relationships across sectors.
• The ability to represent an organisation with credibility, authenticity and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage and influence a wide range of audiences.

Leadership Style and Values

We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:

Integrity and Accountability
A commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and maintaining the highest standards of governance.

Collaborative Leadership
The ability to build trust, bring people together and create an environment where trustees, Members, workforce, partners and other stakeholders feel valued and able to contribute. You will listen, encourage open discussion and help create a shared sense of purpose both within The Ripple Pond and across the wider community.

Compassion and Respect
An understanding of the experiences of military families and carers, with genuine respect for different perspectives, backgrounds and lived experiences.

Courage and Constructive Challenge
You will be confident asking the difficult questions, challenging thinking and encouraging open and honest conversations. You will build trusted internal and strategic relationships, using your influence to ensure the experiences of military families and carers are understood and reflected in wider conversations and decision-making. This will help ensure that The Ripple Pond continues to play its part in shaping a stronger support landscape for military and veteran families.

Self-Awareness and Learning Mindset
A willingness to listen, reflect and continue developing, recognising that effective leadership requires curiosity, humility and openness to new ideas.

Commitment to Our Purpose
A genuine desire to improve the lives of military families, carers and veterans affected by service-related injury. You will understand the importance of lived experience in shaping services, strategy and practice, ensuring that those we support remain central to organisational decision-making.

Experience within the Armed Forces, veterans, healthcare, social care, public service or charity sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Safeguarding and Creating a Safe Culture

The Ripple Pond is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all Members, volunteers, staff, trustees and partners. Safeguarding is fundamental to our work, and trustees share responsibility for ensuring that people feel respected, listened to and able to raise concerns.

The Chair will champion a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring the Board maintains appropriate oversight of safeguarding practice, risk management, policies and organisational culture.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Ripple Pond believes that diversity of experience and perspective strengthens our organisation and improves the support we provide. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including those with relevant lived experience.

The Chair will help ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout governance, decision-making, culture and service development, creating an organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.

Time Commitment

The role of Chair is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of Armed Forces and veteran families. While voluntary, it carries significant responsibility and requires a consistent commitment throughout the year.

Key responsibilities include:

• Chairing at least four formal Board meetings annually.
• Participating in occasional committee, strategic planning and development meetings.
• Maintaining regular engagement with the Chief Executive, providing guidance, support and constructive challenge.
• Supporting trustee recruitment, development and succession planning.
• Attending selected events, conferences and stakeholder engagements.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Ripple Pond with partners, funders, supporters and the wider community.
• Providing occasional availability for matters requiring Chair input between scheduled meetings.

Many meetings are held virtually to maximise accessibility and efficiency, although some travel will be required for Board meetings, key events and stakeholder engagement.

Professional Practice

As a national charity supporting over 1,200 military family members across the UK, the Chair will maintain an informed understanding of The Ripple Pond’s work, operating environment, opportunities and risks to provide effective Board leadership and appropriate support and challenge to the Chief Executive.

Applicants should be able to commit sufficient time in line with Charity Commission guidance and recognised principles of good governance. The time requirement will vary throughout the year, with additional involvement likely during periods of strategic development, organisational change or significant emerging issues.

Above all, the Chair will view this not simply as a governance appointment, but as an opportunity to help shape and strengthen an organisation making a lasting difference to military families across the United Kingdom.

Digital Confidence and Ways of Working

The Ripple Pond is a digitally enabled charity, with services, meetings and engagement activity delivered predominantly through online platforms. The Chair should therefore be comfortable working in a digital environment and using technology to support effective governance and communication.

This includes participating in virtual Board meetings, reviewing digital reports and documents, communicating with the Chief Executive and engaging with stakeholders online. Confidence using video conferencing, shared document systems and online collaboration tools is essential to ensure effective participation, timely decision-making and organisational agility.

Term of Appointment

The appointment is for an initial term of three years.

Trustees may be reappointed for further three-year terms up to a maximum of nine years, subject to the charity's governing document and Board approval.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead the Board of a growing charity with a clear purpose and a strong commitment to military families across the United Kingdom.

The Ripple Pond exists because the experiences and challenges faced by families caring for injured serving personnel and veterans are often unseen and not fully recognised. As Chair, you will help shape our next chapter, working with an experienced team and community of Members to strengthen our impact, ensure the voices of military families and carers are heard, and help influence wider understanding, services and support.

Volunteer Administrator

Location:  HAGA 590 Seven Sisters Road, London, N15 6HR

Timing: Maximum of up to 15 hours per week

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

We're looking for a friendly and organised volunteer to support our Haringey service with a range of administration tasks.

We support our Haringey residents in making positive changes in their alcohol or substance use recovery journey. We have one-to-one, group, and counselling services all under one roof. We understand that many people who want help with their substance use also face challenges with other areas including housing, employment, benefits, gambling, and smoking – we’re here to help.

You'll help people access the support they need by contacting clients, arranging appointments and assisting with clinic bookings. You'll also help keep our records accurate and up to date, supporting important projects that improve health outcomes for the people we work with.

This is a great opportunity to develop administration and communication skills, gain experience in a health and wellbeing setting, and make a real difference in your local community.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

This group offers blind and partially sighted people living with Sight Loss After Stroke the opportunity to socialise with one another on a regular basis. We’re looking for the right person to facilitate the group. Do you have personal or professional experience of SLAS? If you’re also a good listener, able to manage group conversations and make people feel comfortable in a social group environment, we’re eager to hear from you.

This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone. We ask you to commit to 1-2 hours per week to facilitate one group session, which will take place at the same day and time each week.

You will be the link between the group participants and the RNIB Talk and Support team and will:

• Listen to the group conversation, ensure it flows and that all conversations are appropriate;
• Make appropriate contributions as and when required to stimulate conversation;
• Create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere thus encouraging all participants to feel comfortable taking part;
• Report any Safeguarding concerns or data breaches to the Talk & Support staff team.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 2 references

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, East of England, West Midlands, North East, North West, Northern Ireland, East Midlands, South West, South East, Greater London, Scotland

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Personal experience of living with, or a professional background in Sight Loss After Stroke (SLAS)
• • Good listening and verbal communication skills
• • Ability to use the telephone confidently for an hour long call
• • Ability to work with a wide range of people from across the UK
• • Demonstrate empathy and understanding of the issues faced by visually impaired people
• • Ability to follow internal policy and procedures
• • Willingness to undertake and remain compliant with mandatory safeguarding training and attend other training and development opportunities when required.

Make a Difference with Essex Respite & Care Association (ERCA)

Are you experienced in finance or accounting and looking for a rewarding way to give back to your local community?

At Essex Respite & Care Association (ERCA), we are seeking a Volunteer  to join our charity and help support the important work we do for adults living with dementia, mental health conditions, and other long-term health needs across Essex.

This voluntary role requires approximately 2–3 hours per week and offers the opportunity to use your financial skills to make a real difference.

The Role

• Maintain oversight of the charity's financial records.

• Help keep our accounts up to date and well organised.

• Prepare and review profit and loss reports and other financial information.

• Work alongside the Charity Manager and Board of Trustees to support good financial governance.

• Provide financial guidance where appropriate.

About You

• Experience in accounting, bookkeeping, finance, or a similar financial role.

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Confident working with financial information.

• A commitment to supporting a local charity and its values.

A full handover will be provided by our outgoing Treasurer, ensuring you have the support needed to settle into the role.

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your skills to help a well-established local charity continue providing vital support to people across Essex.

If you would like to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.

Do you enjoy organising, sorting, and bringing order to busy spaces? Our Goods Sorting Volunteer role is a vital way to make a real difference behind the scenes and to the people we serve. 

At Wycombe Homeless Connection, we are fortunate to receive generous donations of food, clothing, and essential items from individuals and groups in our community. These items are part of our emergency response for people experiencing a housing crisis, including those who are homeless. They are given out to help people get through immediate, difficult situations and meet basic needs with dignity.

Keeping everything sorted, stocked, and easy to access means we can respond quickly when someone needs urgent support and that’s where you come in.

Our goods sorting team meets regularly to process donations, organise storage areas, and make sure our emergency supplies are ready to go when they are needed most.

What you’ll be doing

• Sorting donations by type, size, and best-before dates. 
• Emptying, labelling, and refilling storage boxes. 
• Organising cupboards and storage areas so emergency items are easy to find. 
• Helping keep spaces tidy, clear, and well organised. 
• Occasionally transporting surplus items to charity shops or other locations.

What the role is like

This is a practical, hands-on role where small tasks make a real difference to people in urgent need. A well-organised shelf or clearly labelled box can mean someone in a housing crisis gets essential support quickly.

You’ll be working alongside a friendly team of volunteers, sharing tasks, chatting as you go, and helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Who this role suits

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys organising, sorting, and tidying. 
• Likes working as part of a team. 
• Is organised and able to work efficiently. 
• Is comfortable with light physical activity, including moving boxes and goods.

What we offer

You’ll receive full induction and role-specific training so you feel confident and supported from day one. Wycombe Homeless Connection is an award-winning charity with a small, experienced team working closely with dedicated volunteers who make this work possible.

Without volunteers, we simply couldn’t do what we do.

When you’ll volunteer

10:00am – 12:30pm, one Wednesday per month

Flexible, occasional commitment based on your availability

Interested?

If you’d like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Overview
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our drop in group in Crawley that take place on 1st and 3rd Monday of month, 10:30-12:30. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience or perhaps someone looking to train as a speech and language therapist.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

We are looking for a friendly and reliable, qualified volunteer to support a small fishing group. The aim of the group is to reduce social isolation and support wellbeing by creating a relaxed, welcoming space where people can enjoy being outdoors, learn basic fishing skills, and connect with others.

What you will be doing

• Supporting and engaging a small group during relaxed, beginner friendly fishing sessions
• Demonstrating basic coarse fishing techniques and helping clients build confidence
• Encouraging gentle conversation and positive social interaction in a calm, outdoor setting
• Provide a listening ear and friendly, non-judgmental support and encouragement
• Helping to create a safe, inclusive and supportive group environment
• Feedback any relevant observations after sessions
• Supporting with setting up and packing away shared equipment

The skills you need

• A friendly, patient and approachable manner
• Confidence engaging with people who may experience loneliness, low mood or mental health challenges

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.

We're setting up a new telephone group which will offer blind and partially sighted people living with DREC the opportunity to socialise with one another each week and we're looking for someone to facilitate the group. The right person will have have personal or professional experience of DREC, will be a good listener who is able to manage group conversations and will have the skills to enable people to feel comfortable in a social group environment.

This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone. We ask you to commit to 1-2 hours per week to facilitate one group session, which will take place at the same day and time each week.

You will be the link between the group participants and the RNIB Talk and Support team and will:

• Listen to the group conversation and ensure it flows and that all conversations are appropriate;
• Make appropriate contributions as and when required to stimulate conversation;
• Create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere thus encouraging all participants to feel comfortable taking part;
• Report any Safeguarding concerns or data breaches to the Talk & Support staff team.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 2 references

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, East of England, West Midlands, North East, North West, Northern Ireland, East Midlands, South West, South East, Greater London, Scotland

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Personal experience of living with, or a professional background in Diabetes Related Eye Conditions (DREC)
• • Good listening and verbal communication skills
• • Ability to use the telephone confidently for an hour long call
• • Ability to work with a wide range of people from across the UK
• • Demonstrate empathy and understanding of the issues faced by visually impaired people
• • Ability to follow internal policy and procedures
• • Willingness to undertake and remain compliant with mandatory safeguarding training and attend other training and development opportunities when required.

Secretary & Admin Lead

• Role Type: Administration / Support
• Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per week (Fully remote, highly flexible)
• Salary: Volunteer

About Us:
MINDSET Charity is a brand-new, grassroots, volunteer-led charity based in Ealing, West London. Our mission is to support the mental wellbeing, emotional resilience, and personal growth of local men and boys. Through positive role models, structured mentoring, and growth-mindset coaching, we aim to build a stronger, more supportive community from the ground up.

The Role:
Behind every successful charity is an organised administrative core. We are looking for a Secretary & Admin Lead to keep our operations running smoothly. You will work closely with the Charity Manager to manage digital documentation, coordinate meetings, and keep our small team connected.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take concise minutes during our monthly Trustee meetings.
• Manage our secure, shared digital filing system (Google Drive).
• Respond to basic email inquiries from potential volunteers or local partners.

What We Are Looking For:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable using digital tools (Google Workspace, email, Zoom).
• A reliable communicator who enjoys bringing order to a growing project.

We are excited to recieve your completed application, which should include;

1. Your up-to-date CV
2. Cover Letter, stating why you wish to volunteer with us at MINDSET and what you would bring to this volunteer role and to our new start-up charity.

Volunteer Befriender: Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham

Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?

Are you a compassionate and reliable person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of families?

Home-Start WKCHF is looking for volunteers to support parents and children who are facing challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.

About the Role

As a Home-Start volunteer, you will provide emotional and practical support to families with young children in their own homes. Your role may involve:                                                                                                                                                     

• Offering friendship, a listening ear and encouragement
• Helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills
• Providing practical support such as accompanying families to appointments, family hubs or groups
• Signposting to additional services and community resources

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly and non-judgmental attitude
• Experience parenting or caring for children
• Good listening and communication skills
• Commitment to volunteering for two hour per week for a minimum of six months
• Willingness to attend free preparation course and undergo a DBS / reference checks

What We Offer

• Free Volunteer Preparation Training Course
• Regular 1-to-1 supervision and ongoing support
• Additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and experience
• Reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteer Social Events
• A chance to develop new skills and meet like-minded people
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on families’ lives

Join Us!

Audit & Risk Committee Chair

Action for Children has been supporting children, young people and families across the UK for more than 150 years. Each year, we provide vital services that protect vulnerable children, strengthen families, and help young people thrive – from homelessness support and youth employability programmes to fostering, residential care, early years provision and specialist services for disabled children. Guided by our mission to ensure every child has a safe and happy childhood, we deliver life-changing support through 342 services nationwide, reaching more than 551,000 children, young people and families last year.

Our impact is built on a dedicated workforce and a strong culture of compassion, inclusion and advocacy. We step in when times are tough – offering protection, practical help and emotional support – while working tirelessly to create the long-term change needed so that those out of reach today are within reach tomorrow. Diversity and anti-racism sit at the heart of our work, and we are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the communities and families we serve.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as a Trustee – someone with the skills and experience to be the Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee.

We seek an individual who embodies our values and demonstrates integrity whilst at the same time providing strategic challenge, championing diversity and inclusion, and showing empathy for the pressures faced by vulnerable children and families. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The term of office is three years, renewable for up to two further terms.

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute your expertise to one of the UK’s most respected children’s charities, joining a committed and values-led Board dedicated to transforming childhoods and improving life chances for those who need us most.

Applications should be received by Friday 14 August.

We are looking for volunteers who can offer time, conversation and companionship to older clients in and around Central London.

You can support someone by:

· Spending time with them in person

· Speaking with them regularly by phone

Your time and kindness can help older people feel more connected, happier and less alone.

What You’ll Do

You could be visiting someone at home or accompanying them in their community, chatting in coffee shops or talking while you walk. What you do will depend on what the client would like. Our clients are older Scots aged 60 plus who simply want to enjoy activities many of us take for granted.

As one of our volunteers once said, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Current Locations

Our current waiting list has clients in Stockwell, Hackney, Putney and Stepney Green. Locations will change as more referrals are made. If you want to make a difference to an older person’s wellbeing, please contact us — we may have a client in your area.

Time Commitment

Meetings are weekly or fortnightly for at least six months, although most volunteers stay involved for longer because they enjoy what they do. Phone calls are weekly and can be made from any quiet space at home or at work.

Who This Role Is For

This could be an ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting. It may also suit anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.

Skills and Qualities Required

· Good communication and listening skills, including spoken English

· Friendly, warm and non-judgemental

· Honest, reliable and committed

· Empathetic

· Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries, which will be covered in training

Checks and References

An enhanced DBS check will be processed for successful applicants and two references are required.

Training and Support

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out-of-pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters. The training will start in September. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome.

Please note, we are unable to respond from 14th to end of August 26.