Migrant volunteer roles

Location: Portsmouth

Hours: 3 hours per week

Closing date: 28 May 2026​

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As a Conversational English Volunteer, you will support adults and families seeking sanctuary in the UK to practice and build confidence in spoken English through friendly, informal conversation sessions. Working alongside other volunteers, you will help develop and facilitate weekly sessions focusing on topics that promote integration and wellbeing.

You will play an important role in reducing isolation, improving confidence, and supporting the wellbeing of people from migrant backgrounds. This role is crucial in complementing existing Migrant Help services by providing welcoming, in-person opportunities for social connection and language practice.

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What you will do

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• Provide regular weekly Conversational English sessions for people seeking asylum
• Together with other volunteers, plan the sessions and materials
• Build trusting relationships with students
• Find out from students’ what areas they want to cover and what skills they want to develop, and incorporate this into future sessions
• Provide encouragement to speak English and create a safe environment to make mistakes and build confidence
• Set up and pack away the resources
• Be empathetic and patient in sessions
• Provide ongoing feedback to Volunteer Coordinator throughout the duration of the project
• Uphold professional boundaries
• Report any safeguarding or confidentiality breach concerns to your volunteer supervisor as soon as possible.

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What we expect from you

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•  Complete relevant induction and training provided by Migrant Help
• Undergo required vetting (DBS and references).
• Commit to volunteering for a minimum of 6 months, at agreed times.
• Attend volunteer support sessions as required.
• Complete feedback forms when required highlighting any growth opportunities and honestly communicating what is not working well
• Have access to the internet and laptop
• Adhere to confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
• Uphold Migrant Help’s values.
• Start volunteering at an agreed time and be punctual
• Complete all relevant documentation as required by volunteer coordinator
• Be open and understanding of different customs, values, and beliefs
• Work closely with other volunteers as part of team

​What you not be able to do

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• Volunteer with us if you are under 18.
• Exchange contact information with clients
• Buy gifts, food or lend or give/receive money to/from clients
• Carry out casework tasks, such as, complete benefits applications, liaise with local authorities or refer to other services or provide immigration advice
• Take learners off site without staff
   

You will be an excellent candidate for this role if you

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•  Are fluent in English
• Have spare time and can make a regular commitment
• Have previous experience of teaching English (desirable)
• Can be creative and come up with new ways to learn
• Have non-judgmental and inclusive attitude
• Have friendly and approachable nature
• Are reliable and punctual
• Are patient and empathetic when listening to others
• Uphold personal values that are consistent with Migrant Help values of protection, diversity, equality, partnership, innovation, and excellence.
• Are a keen learner
• Can use MS Office, Zoom and MS Teams platforms.

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You will benefit from volunteering with us by

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• Gaining experience useful for your future CVs and cover letters 
• Being able to provide a volunteering reference to your future employer or educator 
• Being a part of dedicated and inclusive service 
• Developing new skills 
• Being more aware of immigration and asylum systems in the UK 
• Having reasonable expenses reimbursed 
• Having regular check ins and supervision to support your volunteering experience and growth

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About Migrant Help

​Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential. 

We place a high value on employees in relation to the work that they do and the benefits the organisation offers, with an ethos of being a Great Place to Work. 

At Migrant Help, we foster a culture in which equality, diversity and inclusion are recognised, valued and encouraged. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we match your skills with the needs of our organisation. As long as you share our values, vision and goals. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of their age, religion or belief, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.

Migrant Help is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to, applicants will have to undergo strict vetting procedures throughout different stages of the recruitment process.

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How to apply

​To apply for this role, please click on the 'use this link to apply' button and complete the online application form.

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Who are LRMN?

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help them improve their wellbeing.

Why do we need you?

The Women Together Project supports refugee and asylum-seeking women who have experienced trauma, including Gender-Based Violence (rape, torture, FGM, forced marriage, domestic violence etc.). We are a member of the BACP and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework. Our approach is broadly integrative, drawing on woman-centred/ feminist, holistic, cross-cultural and mind-body perspectives.

The project consists of 1-1 counselling and advocacy and a weekly women’s nurture/ health group. 

We are currently seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed female volunteer counsellor to support our work.

What activities will you be involved in?

As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will:

• Offer 1-1 counselling to women from diverse cultures and backgrounds who have experienced trauma, including gender-based violence (this may involve working with an interpreter). This can be done at LRMN’s office or remotely as per clients’ need.

• Meet and maintain our standards regarding confidentiality and equal opportunities, and manage and be accountable for your own work.

• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all counselling interventions on file and/or electronically.

• Carry out monitoring and evaluation tasks as advised by the Women’s Project Manager.

• Attend team meetings and contribute to information-sharing and discussion around best practice.

• Incorporate project approaches into practice – eg holistic/ feminist/ cross-cultural theories.

• Undertake training in areas relevant to VAWG, refugee and asylum policy and own professional development.

• Work flexibly and from a human rights perspective, remaining open to the challenges faced by this client group.

• Communicate effectively with other members of the therapeutic team and LRMN advice teams, making effective and sensitive referrals where necessary.

• Undertake own clinical supervision either in house or externally.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

By volunteering with LRMN, you will:

• Be part of a small, passionate team working towards improving the lives of some of the most disadvantaged women in UK society

• Monthly group clinical supervision

• Receive direct support and guidance from the Project Manager, as well as additional support from LRMN’s other staff

• Have the chance to attend a monthly team meeting to share information and support (this is not formal supervision)

• Offered places on training organised by LRMN or by external organisations

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) & up to £15 travel expenses (this applies to qualified volunteers in the office for 4+hours)

Is there induction and training?

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and responsibilities, safeguarding and record keeping.

You will be provided with the training (not clinical) needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team. 

Who are LRMN looking for?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has membership of a professional body (BACP or similar)

• Is passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

• Is passionate about the issue of trauma and gender-based violence and its impact on women

• Is friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries

• Respects and adheres to the BACP ethical framework in their work

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer, please contact us.

What commitment do you need to make?

We ask volunteers to commit to one morning or afternoon a week (3 clients per week). 

Volunteer ESOL Teacher to provide face to face classes for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You will plan and deliver lessons independently with the assistance of experienced ESOL teachers.  Your students will be from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ages.

We run classes from Mon to Wed from 10 am until 12. 

Previous teaching experience is not compulsory; CELTA or TEFL appreciated.

Minimum 3 month commitment preferred.

Chair of Trustees at Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job summary: 

We're looking for a Chair of Trustees to help shape the strategic vision of WTRRP as we move forward into our 25th year as a charity. This would be someone to support us with our strategy in line with our mission and our values. In this role, you will lead the Committee and other Trustees co-chairs of the charity, share responsibility for the agenda and actions of Trustee meetings and AGM, improving good governance and acting as a senior ambassador of the organisation. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, availability and leadership skills to work collaboratively with our small staff and our volunteers.

WTRRP exists to support asylum seekers and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers who do not yet have settled status in the UK or may have specific needs relating to their application process or welfare. The main services of the charity are a drop-in session and social hub every Tuesday (at St Mary’s Church in central Watford), ESOL classes, providing advice and financial support to its clients and assisting them to integrate into the local community.

The Partnership has grown dramatically over the past 5 years, which is why we are looking for a Chair to join us. WTRRP is run by a committee that meets typically every 1-2 months and it also provides supervision to our 3 staff members and support to our 70 volunteers.

We would welcome applicants with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous Committee experience
• Business development and charitable fundraising
• Human resources and people management
• Lived experience of being a Refugee or Migrant
• Financial background

Principal responsibilities:

1. Be part of the Committee, supporting the organisation as it grows and develops.
2. Have availability to regularly attend the Tuesday hub/drop-in at St. Marys church from 11- 2pm to support the team.
3. Oversee the administration and coordination of sub-committees.
4. Serve as line manager to our Operations Manager, helping to conduct planned supervision and appraisals.
5. Represent the Partnership as required to the public or external parties such as funders and Community groups.

This is an important role that will support the charity as we adapt and change. If you feel that you may have some of the skills we are looking for and want to have an initial chat with our chair, then please contact us.

Watford and Three Refugees Partnership is a charity offering practical and emotional support to asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers. We are looking for someone who has a couple of hours a week to help some of our clients.

Would you like to join the ESOL team within our charity that provides English language and literacy support to our clients?

Role description:

You will be teaching literacy to 1 or 2 clients a week. This will be face to face teaching at St Mary’s Church, Watford between 12.15 and 1.30pm but times can be subject to change.

Essential:

• A teacher specialised in Adult literacy with a minimum of Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) or equivalent
• Previous experience
• Familiar with students whose English is not students’ first language.

Person Specification:

· Friendly, approachable, and respectful with good interpersonal and communication skills

· Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude

· Commitment to equality, inclusion, and safeguarding

What We Offer:

· Induction, training and ongoing support

· A welcoming and inclusive team environment

· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others

Our Second Home is a youth movement that empowers migrants and refugees to flourish in the place that they call home. Our overnight activity camp for young people aged 14-18 is a chance for young people to come together and have five days of fun and excitement, supported by a dynamic and dedicated team of leaders and staff.

An OSH Leader is a supportive adult, a role model, and someone young people can feel safe being themselves around. It’s about creating a warm, fun, and consistent presence during residentials — helping young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and at home.

Youth Leaders for this project will be responsible for facilitating the camp, and will be directly in contact with, and responsible for, the participants. During the camp they will be ‘on duty’ full-time, meaning that they will spend the whole time with the participants, including at meals.

THIS ROLE IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE UK. We will arrange Zoom interviews with applicants separately.

Responsibilities:

• Interacting and forming a bond with the participants
• Creating and running fun and engaging activities for the participants
• Looking after the participants’ welfare, and ensuring that they feel cared for and secure
• Managing the participants’ behaviour and setting clear boundaries

Expectations and requirements:

• All applicants must be interviewed and be willing to provide references on request.
• Youth Leaders must set a positive example of behaviour and involvement for all participants, and adhere to the volunteer guidelines.
• Youth Leaders may be required to prepare activities for participants at the camp. If asked, this must be completed in plenty of time to allow any materials or equipment to be sourced.
• Applicants should be aged 20 or above.
• Applicants must be eligible for DBS clearance (no criminal record that prevents applicants from working with children)
• Youth Leaders must raise any safeguarding concerns swiftly and follow safeguarding procedures
• Youth Leaders must follow all Our Second Home policies and procedures of (which will be explained at the Camp training days).
• Anyone attending an OSH residential must test negative for COVID-19 prior to attending the programme, regardless of whether they have received a vaccine or not.

Essential skills:

• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to improvise
• Ability to build connection quickly with peers and young people
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively
• High level of organisation
• High levels of empathy and patience
• Awareness and sensitivity that some participants might be suffering from trauma

Additional desired skills:

• Experience working with and/or caring for young people aged 14-18
• Experience working with refugees and/or asylum seekers
• Experience working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
• Language skills: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Somali
• First Aid training
• Creative or artistic abilities
• Sports leadership
• Ability to prepare fun and engaging activities for young people

We particularly encourage applications from those who have lived experience of being a refugee.

Please ensure you are available to come to all the following events - specific dates can be found on the application form:

• Training
• Pre-Residential Prep Day (on site)
• Residential, in full
• Feedback & thank you afternoon

QUOTES:

• “Having the professional [welfare] support made me feel very support and more comfortable with the work” – BT
• “The atmosphere of fun, respect, care, and community is what made the young people so comfortable and connected” – BT
• “The leaders were all awesome – it was incredible to work in a team so full of hard working, intelligent, experienced people” – BT
• “Seeing the kids bursting out of their shells and that being the norm rather than just exceptions was just incredible.” – CA
• “It honestly surpassed anything I could have hoped for” – LK

Structure:

Youth Leaders will be supported by the Welfare Support Lead(s), who will be their main contact in the build to and throughout the camp. The Welfare Support Lead(s) will run team meetings at the end of each day and be on hand to advise and manage the Youth Leaders.

Transport Support Volunteer

Watford and Three Refugees Partnership is a charity offering practical and emotional support to asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers. We are looking for a team of volunteers who have time to support our clients in the community.

Would you like to join a team within our charity that provides more practical support to our clients?

Some examples of support includes;

· Helping with house moves

· Collecting furniture that is being donated and drop off at client’s homes

· Lifts to attend appointments if the client struggles using public transport

You must have access to your own vehicle. You will work as part of a supportive team and it can fit around work and caring commitments. You will be able to claim mileage at 45p per mile and parking costs as expenses. We will need proof that your driving documents are up to date, including informing your insurance that you are using your car for ‘business’ purposes (usually at no extra cost).

If you are interested or want to find out more information, please contact us and we can arrange a chat with our volunteer coordinator in the first instance. To join us you will need to complete an application process which includes obtaining two references and an enhanced DBS check. We look forward to hearing from you!

Summary of role

We are looking for teachers with a recognised ESOL qualification to support clients on a 1:1 basis with speaking, reading and writing English for an hour or so each week.

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English outside of the classroom or interact with a British-born person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as, the employment team and digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need one-to-one support with their English, mostly around listening and speaking, fluency and confidence building. We can also offer additional sessions to clients who are accessing external ESOL classes who feel they need additional 1:1 support.

What will you be doing?

We would like you to meet a client for 1 – 2 hours each week, this can be at the Centre or in a public place such as a café or library or where possible on-line. You will provide them with individual support with their English.  

Your responsibilities:

• Be able to commit at least one hour a week to your client for up to six months.
• Create an agreed Individual Learning Plan.
• Meet with your client at an agreed time and place.
• Be able to encourage and motivate your client.
• Be able to plan an hour’s English session based on the client’s ability and need.
• Send a short progress report to the Learning & Employment Manager after every meeting with your client.
• Participate in the Centre induction and safeguarding training.
• Attend quarterly group meetings, at the Centre, with other English Learning Volunteers at an agreed time.

What are we looking for?

• You have a recognised ESOL qualification e.g. CELTA or a Trinity or Cambridge Certificate
• You have excellent listening and clear communication skills.
• You are able to encourage and motivate a person.
• You are friendly, patient and reliable.
• You will have the ability to get on with people from a wide range of backgrounds

We cover travel expenses.

AFRIL’s Allotment of Refuge is an integrated group of growers and gardeners both with and without lived experience of migration. The Allotment provides a weekly wellbeing space for AFRIL members to come together with members of the broader community and learn about food growing, learn new skills and enjoy a shared lunch. The Allotment also grows crops which are distributed at AFRIL’s Foodbank.

Our volunteers are crucial in supporting AFRIL staff to obtain the best outcomes for our clients, and this role will provide you with an opportunity to see a hands-on outdoor project, learn about growing and gain valuable insight into the immigration system and its many challenges.

Connect: North Korea works with North Korean escapees to recover, rebuild, and succeed. We were established in 2018 to address the complex challenges North Koreans face in building new lives after escaping the North Korean regime and reaching safety.

We are seeking a Legal Trustee to join our Board of Trustees at an exciting stage of growth. As we scale our programmes and deepen our impact in the UK and internationally, we are looking for an individual with strong legal expertise to support our governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic development.

If you have a legal background, this is an excellent opportunity to play a highly rewarding role in supporting our mission. The successful candidate will help ensure robust governance, provide legal insight on risk and compliance, and support the organisation to grow sustainably. Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with our work and vision and share our values and commitment to social and racial justice. 

CNK’s small Board of Trustees is committed, friendly and comprises trustees from a broad range of professional and personal backgrounds at different points in their careers. If you are invested in CNK’s mission and from a legal background but have questions about the role or are unsure if your experience matches the criteria below, please do get in touch for an informal conversation.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Legal Trustee

LOCATION: Remote / 78 Coombe Road, New Malden, KT3 4QS

We usually hold board meetings online, but this is open to change.

COMMITMENT: 2 – 3 hours per month. We hold one annual away day we’d expect the board to attend.

Our Board meets every quarter for 2 hours. There is expected support between meetings. Our terms are capped at 3 years with potential for renewal for one additional term.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to good governance and strategic decision-making, ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities in line with our constitution, governance framework, and applicable legislation.

• Provide legal insight and oversight on regulatory compliance, risk, and organisational development, ensuring alignment with relevant legal frameworks

• Support the Board in maintaining high standards of governance, accountability, and transparency

• Use your networks and influence to promote the charity’s mission, acting as an ambassador to build relationships with donors, partners, and advocates.

• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the Chair to maintain a supportive, ambitious, and effective governance environment.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Demonstrable experience in a legal role (e.g. solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel).

• Understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to charities

• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills and comfortable in an ambassadorial role.

• Demonstrable communication and teamwork skills with proven ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Able to make difficult evidence-based decisions, negotiate challenging conversations, and be able to balance competing interests

• Experience working or volunteering in diverse and cross-cultural environments.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience of charity law, regulatory compliance, or governance

• Lived experience of migration or of a refugee background is highly desirable.

• Korean speaker

• Be actively engaged in refugee and migrant rights, social change, and/or a related field

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Due to the nature of CNK’s work with people in vulnerable circumstances, including at times children, a DBS or criminal record check is required for this role, although a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to working at CNK. 

• Candidates are required to commit a minimum of 2-3 hours per month to this role for at least one term of three years. 

• Charity trustee positions are unpaid voluntary roles. Any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed inline with CNK’s expenses policy. 

CNK’s values are rooted in inclusivity and equity and we encourage applications from people of all ethnicities, working ages, genders, sex, sexual orientations, faiths (or non), marital status (or non) and pregnancy status. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply. 

We also respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a CV and cover letter for the attention of Emma Shore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. 

Join the Body & Soul team in our Children and Young People Programme to support young people from displaced communities. 

Across the UK, migrants, refugees, and people seeking asylum are facing increasingly difficult conditions due to increased hostility, threats, fear, and an increasing sense of a lack of belonging. The growing anti-immigration rhetoric is creating fear and heightened challenges for our members from those communities, who are trying to rebuild their lives while dealing with isolation, uncertainty, trauma, and HIV. 

In such times, it feels more important than ever to support these communities with a united approach. No one should feel unwelcomed, especially when they have endured repeated trauma, including but not limited to trafficking, war, and gender-based violence, alongside systematic injustice, poverty, insecure housing, racial discrimination, and stigma. Everyone should feel a strong sense of belonging, love, compassion, and community, and we hold that at our core. 

Our Life Beyond program offers therapeutic and community support to those with these experiences who have or are affected by HIV. Grounded in a deep cultural understanding of the lived experiences of our diverse community, our program equips members with the resources and support needed to navigate the dual challenges of living with HIV and being displaced in the UK. We offer a safe, non-judgemental community that nurtures belonging, resilience building, and mental and physical wellbeing.

Acknowledging the importance of a whole-family approach and early intervention, we offer our Children and Young People program. Here, we support those from displaced communities and young people navigating the impact of intergenerational and racial trauma. We aim to create an inviting space that reinforces their skills and strengths, supporting them to navigate their lives with a strong sense of self-identity, resilience, connections, and a sense of belonging. 

How do we do this? 

We run a creative, community-based programme to support children and young people facing complex challenges, including mental and physical health, family transitions, marginalization, and social isolation. These sessions involve, but are not limited to, arts, drama, physical activities, music, and much more, to foster resilience, life skills, personal identity, and social connection, both in-person and online. 

About Body & Soul 

Body & Soul is an organization dedicated to revolutionizing suicide prevention from the ground up, healing mind, body and soul within a therapeutic community that nurtures resilience, restores hope and liberates all from the grip of trauma and adversity. Our community provides people of all ages with a wide range of innovative and creative programmes that support physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.We have developed a ‘whole person’ model of care rooted in a strengths-based approach that nurtures connection, healing and growth. 

The roles available: 

1. Young Adventurers (0–3 years) – Monthly Tuesdays

1. Adventurers (3-9) – Monthly Tuesdays 

1. BaSe (9-12) – Monthly Tuesdays 

What You’ll Do 

• Lead/support engaging, age-appropriate sessions for children and young people. 

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and positive group environment. 

• Use relational approaches to manage challenging behaviour and set clear boundaries. 

• Support emotional, social, and creative development through interactive activities. 

• Collaborate with co-facilitators and program staff to deliver therapeutic sessions and projects. 

• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement. 

• Work within a team of sessional staff and volunteers 

Who We’re Looking For 

• Recent experience of supporting children or young people (classroom, youth, or play settings). 

• Experience with racially/culturally diverse communities

• Confident, relational approach; able to build rapport and trust quickly. 

• Skilled in responding to challenging behaviour and promoting positive group dynamics. 

• Creative, flexible, and committed to inclusion, equity, and wellbeing. 

• Passionate about Body & Soul’s aims

Desirable but not mandatory 

• Experience in any arts, drama, media, or physical activity-based workshops and/or interventions. 

• Familiarity with emotional resilience, mental health, or attachment-focused programs. 

• Familiar with trauma-informed approaches to emotional regulation. 

Why Join Us? 

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. 

• Work in a supportive, inclusive, and creative team environment. 

• Flexible, collaborative working approach. 

• Experience a full introduction & training program, responding to the needs and interests of our volunteers. 

• Opportunities for training and professional development. 

• Ongoing support from our team, our Head of Volunteering, and from a large community of other volunteers.