Mental health volunteer volunteer roles

Volunteer Photographer – London Marathon (Sense Charity)

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

You’ll play a key role in celebrating our amazing Sense runners — snapping action shots, cheering them on, and helping us tell the story of connection, determination and inclusion. Your images will not only give our runners lasting memories but may also feature on our website and social media to inspire future supporters.

What you’ll do:

• Capture photos of Sense runners throughout the marathon
• Edit and share a selection of your best shots for use across our channels
• Cheer on our participants and bring positive energy to the day
• Help promote Sense’s work by capturing powerful, joyful moments

You’ll love this role if you:

• Have your own professional-standard camera (DSLR or mirrorless)
• Are studying or passionate about photography (professionals welcome too!)
• Enjoy being outdoors, staying active, and working independently
• Have editing software and an eye for great storytelling through images
• Are based in Manchester and love supporting a good cause

What you’ll get:

• A free Sense hoodie to wear proudly on the day
• Travel costs reimbursed
• A professional reference for your portfolio or future roles
• The chance to use your skills to make a real difference for people with complex disabilities

At Sense, we believe in including everyone, finding a way no matter the barriers, and celebrating every connection. Come and be part of that story — one frame at a time.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

About Sense

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

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

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Apply now to volunteer as our Manchester Marathon Photographer and help us capture the spirit of inclusion in action!

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.

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you!

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• To prepare creative writing sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop and expand their capacity to think creatively, improve their ability to put their thoughts and feelings into writing and allowing others to find their voice
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Experience of creative writing either in a professional, educational or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan creative writing sessions
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills

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.

Guardian Light Foundation & Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd

Location: Remote / Online
Commitment: Approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Founder / Safeguarding Lead

�� About Us

Guardian Light Foundation is a mission-driven organisation supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, trauma, and financial hardship.

Our counselling services operate in three tiers:

Tier 1 – Guardian Light Foundation
Free emotional support for vulnerable individuals.

Tier 2 & Tier 3 – Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd
Low-cost and paid counselling services that help fund our charitable programmes and expand access to professional mental health support.

To maintain the highest ethical and professional standards, we are seeking a Volunteer Clinical Supervisor to support our counselling team.

�� Purpose of the Role

The Volunteer Clinical Supervisor will ensure that all counselling delivered through Guardian Light Foundation and Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd is:

• Ethical

• Safe

• Trauma-informed

• Professionally supported

• Aligned with recognised counselling standards (e.g. BACP / UKCP frameworks)

You will provide clinical supervision, safeguarding oversight, and professional guidance to our counsellors and trainee counsellors.

�� Key Responsibilities

Clinical Supervision

• Provide supervision for volunteer and trainee counsellors

• Facilitate monthly or bi-monthly group supervision sessions

• Offer guidance on complex or high-risk cases

• Support counsellors with professional development

Safeguarding Oversight

• Support decision-making where safeguarding concerns arise

• Ensure appropriate boundaries and ethical practice

• Assist with risk assessments where needed

Professional Standards

• Help maintain high clinical standards across services

• Ensure alignment with recognised ethical frameworks

• Provide guidance on confidentiality, consent, and record keeping

Support for Tier Structure

Provide supervision for counsellors working across:

Tier 1 – Charity Counselling

• Crisis support

• Emotional wellbeing support

• Early intervention

Tier 2 – Low-Cost Counselling

• Structured therapeutic support

Tier 3 – Professional Counselling

• Longer-term therapeutic work

Programme Development

• Advise on counselling frameworks and policies

• Support development of safe referral pathways

• Provide input on improving service delivery

��️ Safeguarding Requirements

Because this role involves oversight of services supporting vulnerable individuals:

• Enhanced DBS Check (Volunteer) required

• Must follow Guardian Light safeguarding policies

• Work closely with the Safeguarding Lead when concerns arise

DBS checks will be conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden).

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Qualified Clinical Supervisor

• Accredited or registered with a recognised body such as:

  • BACP

  • UKCP

  • NCPS

  • BABCP (or equivalent)

• Experience supervising counsellors or trainee therapists

• Strong understanding of trauma, safeguarding, and ethical practice

• Ability to support practitioners working with complex cases

Desirable

• Experience working with:

  • Young people

  • Domestic abuse survivors

  • Trauma

  • Vulnerable families

• Experience supporting trainee counsellors

• Experience working within charities or social enterprises

�� Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent

• Ethical and professional

• Passionate about protecting vulnerable people

• Supportive but able to challenge constructively

• Committed to social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

Approximate commitment:

20 hours per month

This may include:

• Group supervision sessions

• Case consultation

• Safeguarding guidance when required

Flexible scheduling.

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to shape a growing counselling service from the beginning

• Meaningful impact on vulnerable lives

• Recognition as a key professional advisor to the organisation

• Networking with therapists, legal professionals, and social care specialists

• Opportunity to join the Advisory Board or Board of Directors

• Professional contribution toward social change

�� Structure of Services

Guardian Light Foundation

• Tier 1: Free counselling for vulnerable individuals

Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd

• Tier 2: Affordable counselling

• Tier 3: Professional counselling services that help fund the charity

This structure allows us to sustain our mission while expanding access to mental health support.

Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.

Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.

What you will be doing

• Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
• Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
• Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
• Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
• Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
• Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
• Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

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.

JOB PURPOSE:

This Role Transforms Volunteer Activity Into Structured, Ethical, High-Impact Operations

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our work is powered by people. Volunteer contribution is not just support, it is community, capacity and impact. The Volunteer Operations Analyst ensures that this contribution is organised, visible and aligned with the organisation’s mission, safeguarding responsibilities and growth.

You will play a key role in connecting people, systems and structure—ensuring that volunteer engagement is consistent, well-managed and sustainable as the C.I.C grows.

This is not a purely administrative role. It is insight-driven, systems-focused and central to how the organisation operates effectively behind the scenes.

This role exists to:

• Support the coordination and tracking of volunteer activity across teams

• Translate organisational needs into structured volunteer workflows

• Maintain and improve systems for onboarding, engagement and offboarding

• Monitor volunteer participation, capacity and gaps

• Support compliance with safeguarding and organisational policies

• Ensure consistency, documentation and scalability in volunteer operations

You are the link between volunteers, systems, operations and organisational visibility.

About the Role

To provide operational support, coordination and systems oversight for volunteer engagement across the organisation—ensuring that volunteers are effectively onboarded, supported, tracked and aligned with the C.I.C’s mission and safeguarding values.

Why This Role Matters

Strong volunteer operations:

• Ensure volunteers are supported, organised and able to contribute effectively

• Maintain safeguarding, compliance and ethical standards

• Create visibility of who is doing what across the organisation

• Build sustainable systems that reduce confusion and duplication

• Strengthen the organisation’s ability to grow and deliver impact

Without this role, volunteer engagement can become inconsistent, unclear and difficult to manage. With it, the organisation operates with clarity, structure and confidence—ensuring that every contribution is meaningful and well-supported.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in:

• Google Sheets / Microsoft Excel

• Data tracking and reporting tools

• Ability to organize and interpret large sets of data

Analytical Skills

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking ability

• Ability to identify patterns, trends and inefficiencies

• Detail-oriented with a structured approach to analysis

Communication Skills

• Ability to present data in a clear, concise and actionable format

• Strong written communication for reporting

Organisational Awareness

• Understanding of how teams and workflows interact

• Ability to think in systems, not just tasks

Preferred Background in:

• Operations 

• Business Administration

• Data Analysis or related fields

Preferred previous experience in:

• Operations analysis

• Project tracking

• Process improvement roles

• (Experience working in remote or volunteer-based organisations is an advantage)

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

Core Objectives:

• Provide clear visibility into operational performance across all teams

• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and process gaps

• Recommend practical, data-backed improvements

• Support leadership with structured reporting and insights

• Strengthen accountability and operational clarity across the organisation

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Tracking & Performance Monitoring

• Develop and maintain centralized tracking systems (e.g., Google Sheets)

• Monitor key operational metrics across departments, including:

• Volunteer recruitment and onboarding timelines

• Task completion rates across teams

• Program and project delivery timelines

• Ensure data is accurate, up-to-date and consistently maintained

2. Reporting & Insights

Prepare weekly or bi-weekly operational reports for leadership

• Clearly highlight:

• Performance trends

• Delays and inefficiencies

• Areas requiring attention

• Translate raw data into clear, actionable insights

3. Process Analysis & Mapping

Document and map existing workflows across functions (HR, Programs, Operations, Teams, etc.)

Identify:

• Bottlenecks

• Redundant steps

• Communication breakdowns

• Provide structured recommendations for process improvement

4. Risk Identification & Escalation

Proactively flag:

• Missed deadlines

• Workflow delays

• Inactive or unresponsive team members

• Escalate findings to the Operations Manager with supporting data and context

5. Systems & Process Optimization

Recommend improvements such as:

• Workflow restructuring

• Automation opportunities

• Standardized templates and tracking systems

• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems and suggest refinements

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• HR Team (for recruitment and onboarding tracking)

• Team Leads (for task and performance tracking)

• Operations Coordinator / Executive Assistants (for workflow visibility)

• Ensure alignment between data insights and operational execution

Scope and Boundaries for the role:

To ensure clarity and efficiency:

The Operations Analyst WILL:

• Analyze data and workflows

• Provide insights and recommendations

• Track and report performance metrics

The Operations Analyst WILL NOT:

• Manage or supervise team members

• Enforce task completion or chase individuals

• Schedule meetings or handle administrative coordination

• Make final operational decisions

Working Relationship:

The Operations Analyst will:

• Report directly to the Director of Central Operations & Executive Coordination

• Support decision-making but will not replace leadership authority

• Work collaboratively across all teams while maintaining objectivity and independence

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Accuracy and consistency of operational data

• Timeliness and quality of reports

• Clarity and usefulness of insights provided

• Number and impact of process improvements implemented

• Increased efficiency in key workflows (e.g., reduced onboarding time, improved task completion rates)

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

Within the first 60–90 days, the Operations Analyst should:

• Establish a centralized operations tracking system

• Deliver consistent and structured performance reports

• Identify at least 2–3 key operational inefficiencies with clear recommendations

• Provide leadership with improved visibility into organisational performance

Become a helping hand that makes a house feel like home again. 

Joining this role means stepping into a vital position of practical support for families who are caring for a child whose life will be short. Many families across Wales face this unimaginable situation while juggling the demands of everyday life - Often without the support network they desperately need. 

As a Practical Support at Home Volunteer, you’ll make a meaningful difference by helping families manage the household tasks that can feel overwhelming during such emotional and exhausting times. 

Your time and care will help bring calm, dignity and relief to families going through the toughest moments of their lives. 

What You Need to Know 

• Age: 18+ 

• Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area) 

• Commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks 

• Checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting. 

What You’ll be Doing 

• Light household cleaning (dusting, wiping surfaces, hoovering) 

• Tidying, decluttering and organising 

• Laundry support (washing, drying, folding) 

• Basic garden maintenance (if interested/experienced) 

• Running small errands locally 

• Supporting with simple household tasks that reduce the family’s mental load. 

We Are Looking For Volunteers Who: 

• Are kind, empathetic and respectful of families’ privacy 

• Are reliable, flexible and able to commit on a regular basis 

• Follow our policies, procedures & health and safety guidelines 

• Can report any concerns promptly 

• Are friendly, polite and able to maintain appropriate boundaries 

• Can adapt to different situations in the home environment 

• Enjoy making a positive difference to families’ lives. 

• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting, 

always maintaining confidentiality. 

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.  

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training You Will Receive 

You will receive a full introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, including an in‑person induction, core training and additional e‑learning. You’ll be supported by a friendly, experienced team who are available to help with any questions through regular check‑ins. 

Role‑specific and organisation‑wide training will also be provided as needed. 

All volunteers are required to keep their mandatory training up to date to 

continue in their role. 

The benefits of becoming a Practical Support at Home Volunteer 

• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy 

• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year 

• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others 

• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role. 

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

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

Support teens through art, fashion, films, manga or whatever they’re into. You’ll build trust, boost confidence and offer a calm, supportive space during a big stage of their lives. This role will take place once a week or every two weeks!

We are seeking a diverse, proactive team of volunteers to support a 6-week summer programme (July 20 – Aug 28) across three refuge houses. Our mission is to rebuild parent-child bonds and bring joy back into childhood for families recovering from domestic abuse. You will be volunteering alongside the Children Family workers throughout the summer and will be invited to join an end of summer party.

What you will be doing

• Provide mentoring for teens with interests such as art, fashion, films, anime, manga and creativity.
• Offer a safe adult presence who listens, supports, and helps build confidence.
• Lead informal creative sessions based on the young person’s interests.

The skills you need

• Ability to easily connect with teens and build trusting relationships
• You’re happy to tailor sessions to each young person.
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills
• Experience in childcare desired
• Ability to speak either Farsi, Bengali, Punjabi, Bangladeshi, or Turkish, Nepalese is desired

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

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you!

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.s

We are seeking a Volunteer Editorial Lead to oversee the editorial process, work closely with our investigative journalists, and ensure all content aligns with our mission and quality standards. This role is ideal for someone with editorial experience, a passion for social justice, storytelling, or lived experience in the topics we cover.
As Editorial Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping narratives, mentoring volunteer writers, and maintaining a consistent, professional standard across all publications.

Key Responsibilities:
•        Edit, proofread, and fact-check content produced by investigative journalists and contributors.
•        Work with the team to develop story ideas and content strategies.
•        Ensure all content reflects the organization’s values, mission, and tone.
•        Mentor and guide journalists, particularly volunteers and emerging talent, in improving writing and investigative skills.
•        Collaborate with other team members to plan content schedules and deadlines.
•        Maintain high ethical standards, particularly when handling sensitive topics.
•        Support the development of editorial guidelines and best practices for contributors.

Requirements:
•        Strong editing and writing skills; attention to detail is essential.
•        Experience in journalism, media, publishing, or content production (volunteer or professional).
•        Ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a remote environment.
•        Familiarity with issues such as childhood trauma, systemic inequality, and mental health is highly desirable.
•        Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
•        Passion for storytelling, social impact, and community empowerment.
•        Commitment to volunteer work of at least 10 hours per week.

Benefits:
•        Opportunity to shape impactful stories that influence public awareness and social change.
•        Work with a passionate, global volunteer team.
•        Flexible remote role – work from anywhere in the world.
•        Gain editorial leadership experience and mentorship opportunities. 
•        Opportunity to apply for paid roles as C.I.C scales

How to Apply
Please send:
•        A short introduction about yourself
•        Your interest in editing such content
•        Any writing, research, or media work (if available)

Students, early-career Editors, and individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Harrogate Shop volunteer 

Will you use your time and skills to help raise funds for the fight against unfit housing and homelessness? 

Will you become part of our Harrogate shop team and make a meaningful difference? 

Whether you’re greeting customers at the till or sorting through donated treasures, your time helps keep our shop running smoothly and ensures every visitor feels valued. It’s a chance to connect with others, use your experience, and be part of a friendly, down‑to‑earth team at the heart of the community. 

Harrogate, we really need your help - are you ready to join the team? 

Location: Shelter Shop, 5 Commercial Street, Harrogate

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Volunteers can support for a few hours day, or a few days a week. 

Availability: This shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9-5 and Sundays 10-4

If you can give even a few hours during any of these times, we’d really love to hear from you. 

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.

Shop volunteering helps fight the housing emergency by raising vital funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support for people who are experiencing bad housing and homelessness, as well as powering us to campaign for change.

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. 

Your skills and experience 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not volunteered or worked in a shop before. What’s most important is that you are a team player, willing to learn and want to make a difference in tackling the housing emergency. 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

• You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us or speak to someone at the shop.

• We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and the South East.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 150volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £28 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to three new members. As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services.

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media. 

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

Do you use technology on a regular basis for work, study, or daily life? If so, it is likely that you have the needed skills for this role! Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! You will make a positive difference to bridging the digital divide, empowering others to gain knowledge and confidence in using technology!

What you will be doing

• Supporting service users to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
• Supporting service users to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
• Supporting service users to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
• Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
• Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Confident using digital skills
• Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.