Mental health volunteer volunteer roles

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our drop in group in Eastbourne that take place on the last Wednesday of the month 10.30-12.00 in Alice Court Care Home BN21 2BQ . This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

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. People’s language can be affected to different degrees so not everyone’s aphasia looks the same. Imagine for a moment not being able to verbally order a coffee or ask for a bus ticket. This may be what life could look like for someone with aphasia. Aphasia is a lifelong condition and means that the person living with aphasia, their friends and family will need to adjust to a new way of communicating to overcome barriers. This may mean having to write or draw things instead of speaking. Due to the damage in the brain, people with aphasia may find it difficult to process conversions as quickly as before. Aphasia frequently results in loss of employment and a reduced social network, leading to isolation for the person living with aphasia.

Say Aphasia are looking to welcome new volunteers to help out at the group.

Volunteering for the charity is very rewarding. The training and support ensures that the volunteers learn and enjoy their time with the charity. By giving your time to people with aphasia, you will be improving their quality of life. Many of the members attending the groups live alone, or have minimal social interactions. Having a regular drop-in group to meet others with similar experiences of living with aphasia, vastly improves their mental health and well being. As a volunteer, you can help the members to communicate with each other, help to organise activities, or help out with teas and coffees. Say Aphasia offers a warm welcome to volunteers. To be part of the team, contact or fill in an application form.

Join us as a Volunteer Assistant and contribute your skills while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment!

Are you passionate about health and wellbeing? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others through movement and mindfulness? We’re looking for a Yoga and Fitness Instructor Volunteer to support our service users at Medway Recovery House. This role is a fantastic opportunity to share your skills and promote physical and mental wellbeing in a supportive environment.

What you will be doing

• Leading weekly yoga or fitness sessions tailored to the needs of our residents
• Encouraging participation and creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
• Supporting individuals in building confidence and improving their physical health

The skills you need

• Experienced and qualified in yoga and fitness
• A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
• 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.

The Community Ambassador Volunteer role is a flexible, people-focused role where you'll represent MumsAid at local events, community fairs, business engagement opportunities, and awareness-raising activities. Acting as a friendly and knowledgeable ambassador, you'll help share information about our services, fundraising activities, and volunteering opportunities, helping more people learn about MumsAid. 

No previous experience is required. We will provide training, resources, and ongoing support to help you feel confident representing MumsAid in your community. 

What will you be doing? 

• Representing MumsAid at local community events, fairs, markets, business events, and awareness-raising opportunities. 

• Acting as a friendly and welcoming point of contact for members of the public. 

• Talking to people about MumsAid's services and the support available. 

• Sharing information about volunteering, fundraising, and ways to get involved with MumsAid. 

• Distributing leaflets, promotional materials, and information resources. 

• Helping raise awareness of perinatal mental health and the support available through MumsAid. 

• Answering general questions about MumsAid and signposting enquiries to the appropriate staff member where needed. 

• Gathering feedback, questions, and community insights to share with the MumsAid team. 

• Helping to create a positive, inclusive, and welcoming presence for MumsAid within the local community. 

• Following MumsAid's policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety, and equality and diversity guidance. 

What skills and qualities can you bring? 

• Warm, friendly, and approachable personality. 

• Passionate about supporting mums, families, and maternal mental health. 

• Comfortable speaking with people from a variety of backgrounds. 

• Good listening and communication skills. 

• Reliable and committed to attending agreed volunteering opportunities. 

• Confident representing MumsAid in a professional and positive manner. 

• Willingness to learn about MumsAid's services, fundraising activities, and volunteering opportunities. 

• Able to work independently as well as part of a team. 

• Supportive of equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

• Respectful of confidentiality and personal boundaries. 

What is in it for me? 

• Join a friendly, welcoming, and supportive volunteer team. 

• Be part of a charity making a meaningful difference to mums and families in the local community. 

• Receive training and guidance to help you feel confident in your role. 

• Gain experience in community engagement, public speaking, and ambassadorial work. 

• Meet new people and build connections within your local community. 

• Develop your communication and networking skills. 

• Receive clear communication and support from the MumsAid team before each opportunity. 

• Volunteer t-shirt and relevant event materials provided where appropriate. 

• Reimbursement of pre-agreed travel expenses (with receipts). 

Join the team! 
Become a MumsAid Community Ambassador Volunteer and help ensure more mums and families know that support is available. Through conversations, connections, and community engagement, you'll play an important role in helping us raise awareness of maternal mental health and the services MumsAid provides. 

MumsAid’s Young Mums service supports expectant and new mothers aged up to the age of 25, offering emotional support, peer connection, advocacy, within a group setting. The group offers a safe, welcoming environment where young mums can share, connect, and learn.

To assist in the organisation and the smooth running of Young MumsAid group sessions. Offering friendly emotional support and guidance to help new mums connect and thrive in their community, ensuring group participants feel safe and welcomed. 

What will you be doing? 

• Assist the group facilitator with planning, organising, and facilitating regular support group meetings for new mothers, ensuring that the meeting space is clean, safe and warm. 

• Greet attendees as they arrive; help new members settle in, show them around, introduce them to others. 

• Be attentive to group dynamics; encourage inclusion and gently facilitate interaction when helpful (for example, helping quieter mums to join in). 

• Provide emotional support and guidance to mothers within the group, ensuring a safe and inclusive atmosphere. 

• Provide tailored one-to-one support to mothers within the group who need additional help, referring to other specialists when necessary. 

• Assist with administrative tasks related to the group, including attendance records, scheduling, and communication with participants. 

• Implement and deliver engaging and relevant content for group sessions including activities, and discussion topics as advised by the facilitator. 

• Participate in debrief or feedback with the facilitator after the group, sharing any insights or concerns. 

• Observe and flag any safeguarding, mental health, or welfare concerns in line with MumsAid Safeguarding and child protection policies (in debrief with facilitator) immediately following the session. 

• With guidance from the facilitator carry out monitoring requirements. 

• Support in liaising with other professionals to increase awareness about the group and to assist in recruitment of suitable group members.

• Respond to any feedback of the group, adapting sessions as necessary as directed by the group facilitator. 

• Distribute educational materials and resources relevant to new motherhood as necessary. 

• Promote and support equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the views and voices of MumsAid’s service users are considered in all aspects of group initiatives, including in the discussions of need and impact. 

• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of group members. 

• Attend induction and role-specific training and take part in supervision or feedback sessions. 

What skills and qualities can you bring? 

• Warm, welcoming personality; good at putting others at ease 

• Empathetic, non-judgemental nature 

• Some awareness of mental health challenges (especially maternal mental health) 

• Strong commitment to MumsAid values: empowering, safe, peer-led, inclusive, sustainable 

• Understanding of confidentiality and when safeguarding takes precedence, in line with MumsAid policies and procedures 

• Reliable and able to work well in a team 

• Be committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Comfortable and confident around young children 

• Openness to feedback and supervision 

• Willingness to complete volunteer induction 

• Willing to undergo DBS check 

What is in it for me? 

• Induction and regular training, including safeguarding training, mental health first aid and suicide prevention training.

• Ongoing support, supervision, and feedback 

• Reimbursement of travel expenses (with receipts) 

• Make a real difference to the lives of local young mums 

• Gain valuable experience in supporting vulnerable families 

• Gain practical experience in group facilitation and community support. 

• Develop active listening, communication, and safeguarding skills. 

• Be part of a welcoming volunteer team 

• Written references on request 

• A DBS check paid for by MumsAid (If required) 

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.

Kaleidoscope is a grassroots NGO, working with displaced accompanied and unaccompanied teenagers aged 12-18 in Calais and Dunkirk, northern France. We work across informal living sites, day centres and safehouses to provide safe, youth-focussed spaces and activities to promote trauma mitigation, emotional regulation and identity building. We plan and facilitate a range of activities and workshops in response to the needs and wishes of the teenagers we work with, including arts, sports, music, woodwork, cooking and games, to empower and support them to grow in their identity, self expression and learning of practical and technical skills. Most importantly our sessions build trust and a space of safety that helps mitigate the vast trauma that teenagers have experienced in and before arriving in northern France.

We are looking for volunteers to join our team based across Calais and Dunkirk. Volunteers play a crucial role in the planning and delivery of our youth activities and sessions for displaced teenagers aged 12 to 18. As a small, grassroots organisation our volunteers also contribute to the day-to-day running of our project and have the opportunity to support and shape our work on an operational level. 

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping people in Havering know where to turn when they need urgent mental health support. You’ll be out and about in the community spreading the word about the Waltham Forest Beacon — chatting to local people, connecting with community centres, faith groups and local organisations, and sharing information through leaflets and posters. This is a great role for someone confident, friendly and passionate about making support more visible and accessible in the community.

What you will be doing

• Promoting the Havering Crisis Café within the local community
• Visiting community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, faith settings and other local spaces
• Handing out leaflets and displaying posters
• Helping build positive relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Feeding back any insights, questions or community needs to the team

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable and confident talking to new people
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing and community support
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non judgemental 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 - 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.

Role Summary

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our new drop in group in South Oxford that take place at 10 am to noon on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

The aim of face-to-face Individual Support is to provide in-person supportive social contact for people who are hurt by loneliness.

Volunteers support Friends (people who use our services) on a one-to-one basis. After completing training, volunteers will be linked with a Friend who they will phone for around one hour every two weeks. This is arranged at a mutually convenient time. 

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 or costs for coffee out with Archway Friend).

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

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!

Do you want to make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals in your community?

We are looking for Client Support Volunteers to assist in the Garden alongside our horticulturists in the supervision of our adult clients and teenagers with a variety of disabilities.

Our volunteers work in the garden with clients, helping them with various tasks such as planting, harvesting, pruning and mowing to name a few, under the guidance of our team of horticulturists. 

As well as general gardening work you will be assisting our clients, both children and adults with the opportunity to achieve a qualification in horticulture.

Other tasks our volunteers help with include general garden maintenance, DIY tasks or craft/cookery activities.

No gardening experience is required, just the ability to get along with others and muck in! This can be a great stepping stone to further education or work opportunities.

At present, we are looking for Volunteers who can offer a regular weekly commitment.

Join our friendly team, working alongside our horticulturists supporting adults and teenagers with a range of challenges or disabilities.

Purpose: To provide empathetic, person-centred peer support to AuDHD UK beneficiaries through group sessions and 1:1 interactions, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment in line with the charity’s mission and safeguarding standards.

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Reports to: Peer Support Coordinator/COO

Commitment: Flexible, part-time (details negotiable)

Role: Unpaid volunteer positionpeer

Key Responsibilities

Facilitating Peer Support Group Session/ Community Moderation

• Plan and facilitate group peer support sessions, ensuring all participants feel welcome and included.

• Foster a safe, respectful, and confidential space for sharing experiences and mutual support.

• Adapt session content and approach to meet the needs of participants.

• Contribute to moderating messages from our 24/7 Peer Support Community Platform (hosted on Discord). This is a daily task completed between PSWs.

Safeguarding

• Remain vigilant for safeguarding concerns during all interactions.

• Raise safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Team via completion of an Incident Log. Report any concerns promptly, following AuDHD UK’s safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies and best practices.

Additional Duties

• Attend regular check-ins and training sessions with the Peer Support Coordinator.

• Contribute to feedback and improvement processes for the peer support programme.

• Support the wellbeing and development of fellow volunteers by fostering a positive team culture.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Lived experience of AuDHD or similar neurodivergence  (desirable but not essential).

• Empathy, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, and non-judgemental support.

• Ability to manage sensitive situations and recognise when to escalate concerns.

• Reliability, punctuality, and good communication skills.

• Commitment to AuDHD UK’s mission and values.

Time Commitment Estimate

• Running sessions: 1.5 hrs/session per week (including facilitating and possible safeguarding concern admin)

• Applicants should be available for at least one of the following Peer Support Groups: Mon 7-8pm, Tues 11am-12pm, Thurs 2-3pm and Saturday 9-10am. If you are not available for the groups but still wish to apply to be a moderator, you are welcome to. 

Mission Alignment Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate:

• Understanding of AuDHD UK’s core purpose.

• Commitment to volunteer-led service delivery.

• Adherence to safeguarding and ethical guidelines.