Patient support volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Spend 3 - 4 hours a week in a hospital and feel over the moon!

This is what happens when you join the Friends of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital as a volunteer.

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital on Fulham Road is known as one of the best hospitals in London and across the UK as a whole. One reason for this is its focus on patient and staff wellbeing. If you have been a patient at Chelsea & Westminster, you will surely have noticed the staff’s professional work ethic and determination to deliver the best care.

One way to “give back” to the incredible staff is to join our charity the Friends of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as a volunteer.

The medical staff are often so busy that if they have not brought lunch with them, they have very little time to leave the ward to buy food. Since November 2022 the Friends of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has successfully operated a Lunch Trolley service for hospital staff, in partnership with B Bagel Fulham Road. The service operates five days a week (Monday-Friday) from 10:30 to 13:30/14:00 and allows busy staff (and some patients) to purchase bagels, salads, cakes and drinks without leaving their departments.

In our first year of operation, thanks to our hard-working volunteers we raised around £9,000 to support the work of the Friends charity in the hospital.

We are now looking for two additional volunteers, one who can commit to a set weekly shift of around 4 hours (day to be discussed) and one who can fill in occasionally when one of our permanent volunteers is away. You will be joining a small, friendly team providing a really valuable and popular service to our hard-working hospital staff.

Role description

● Collect the day’s order of bagels and salads from B Bagel (opposite the hospital) by 10:30/10:45

● Collect the trolley from the Friends storeroom (lower ground floor) and stock it with the bagels/salads/cakes plus additional items from the stock list

● Volunteers have a dedicated route to follow each day, so Monday’s first stop is not always the first served on the other days

● When entering a ward/department, make yourself known to the nurse's desk and place the trolley in a safe position that does not obstruct the movement of staff or patients

● Take payment via contactless card machine only (your only battle will be with the dedicated WIFI but we usually manage.)

● At the end of the run, return trolley to the Friends store room (lower ground floor)

● Do stock check

● Remove and dispose of all perishable items from the trolley

● Return carrier box to B Bagel with the order for the next day

Specification

Essential

● Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to at least one 4-hour slot (around 10.30 to 14.00) once a week 

● Trustworthy

● Polite, friendly and enjoys meeting new people

Desirable

● Previous experience in food retail or a similar voluntary role

● Previous experience in operating a contactless card machine

Full training will be provided. Volunteers report to the Friends Charity Manager, but are also required to comply with all requirements of the hospital’s own volunteering department, including undergoing a DBS check, Occupational Health check and core training. We will take up references on all successful applicants.

Please note that this is quite a physically demanding role and will not suit those with mobility issues or who have difficulty moving and handling heavy items.

Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.

Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:

• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors

• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values

• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC

• keep a record of all approaches

Time Commitment

• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments. 

Location of Volunteering

• Homebased

ABOUT YOU

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer

• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

• excellent written skills

• excellent organisational and administrative skills

Benefits to you:

• Meeting and working with new people

• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments

• Learning new skills whilst having fun!

• Adding to your CV

• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies

We can only accept applications from UK residents. 

In this role, you’ll help create a fun, uplifting atmosphere where participants can relax, express themselves, and enjoy music together in a supportive environment. Whether someone wants to belt out their favourite song or simply watch and enjoy, you’ll help make the session welcoming and inclusive for everyone!

What you will be doing

• Set up and pack down karaoke equipment, ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Welcome participants and help them choose songs
• Encourage involvement in a positive, non pressured way
• Create a safe, supportive, and friendly space where everyone feels comfortable taking part.
• Support staff with basic session coordination as needed

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and patient
• Comfortable engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Enjoys music and creating a positive atmosphere.
• Reliable and confident supporting small groups.
• No singing ability required—just enthusiasm!

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 playing games and engaging with people? Are you interested in boosting people’s socialising abilities and cater a safe and cheerful experience? If so, we are recruiting for a volunteer to facilitate weekly games and chat sessions at our Service.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and set up a weekly games and chat group
• Create a safe space for individuals to express themselves
• Teach people how to play new card and board games
• In the sessions encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through playing cards, board games and holding conversations

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm, patient, friendly and welcoming
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - 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.

As a Tigrinya Interpreter Volunteer, you will be supporting women who speak little to no English and helping them to communicate with others in society. This role is necessary for our service user to feel included as well as supported. This would be a great opportunity for you to meet someone new and make a difference in their time at Hestia!

What you will be doing

• To maintain strict confidentiality and good working relationships
• To be able to meet with client when required for appointments and other professional meetings when needed
• Speech translating along with translating written documents from English to Tigrinya

The skills you need

• Fluent in Tigrinya
• Be understanding and patient, as well as sensitive to service user’s emotions
• A good communicator who is able to create a relaxing and nurturing environment

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.

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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

Join us in promoting health and wellness in our community! We are looking for a passionate volunteer to teach Online Karate sessions for individuals with mixed abilities as part of our online groups programme. Your role will be key in supporting to reduce isolation and bringing people together! If you are qualified and would like to get involved, please apply now!

What you will be doing

• Plan and deliver online Karate classes for diverse groups and skill levels
• Create a welcoming environment which encourages participation
• Educating participants on the physical and mental benefits of Karate
• Providing guidance during practice, encouraging participants, and helping them achieve their goals

The skills you need

• Qualified in teaching Karate
• A friendly, approachable, and patient demeanour
• An interest in promoting health, mindfulness, and community well-being
• Excellent communication and listening 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 - 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

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.

Volunteer Assistant Tutor – Rotherhithe Saturday School

Empowering Young Minds, Boosting Core Skills
Maths & English Every Saturday 10am-12pm for Kids Aged 7-11

Skills Development Training is a 10+ year established Southwark charity running a new Rotherhithe Saturday School for children aged 7-11 (Years 3–6). We are looking for a committed Volunteer Assistant Tutor to support our small-group Maths & English sessions.

Role Overview

• Support the lead tutor every Saturday, 10am–12pm (term time).

• Help deliver 1 hour Maths + 1 hour English with a short break.

• Work with a small group of up to 10 pupils, focusing on: number fluency, reading comprehension and writing skills.

• Help with setting up the classroom, supporting individual pupils, and maintaining a positive learning environment.

What We Offer

• Travel expenses covered.

• Experience in a structured, professional education setting.

• Opportunity to develop teaching, classroom management and mentoring skills.

• A reference after a period of consistent volunteering.

What We’re Looking For

• Reliable and able to commit to most Saturdays, 10am–12pm.

• Enjoy working with children aged 7–11 and supporting their learning.

• Patient, encouraging and confident with basic Maths and English.

• Willing to complete a DBS check and follow safeguarding policies (training provided).

Location

The Business Centre, St. Olav's Court
Lower Road, London, SE16 2XB (Rotherhithe area)

Mencap Volunteer Visitor (Woodwork, Football and Walking - Coventry)

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We are looking for a patient and caring volunteer to visit a man in his early 60s who lives in a supported living home in central Coventry. He enjoys going to watch the football, woodwork and crafts, gentle walks, and watching sports and films.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

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.

Are you a Child and Young Person Clinical Supervisor interested in supporting child and young person counsellors and therapists?

Burning Nights CRPS Support has a highly skilled counselling and therapy team who provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and children who have been impacted by a debilitating pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This team is expanding rapidly and we are now looking for 1 volunteer Child and Young Person (CYP) Clinical Supervisor to join this team ensuring we can continue the provision of our vital emotional support services to this community specifically for young people. We would ideally like to take on 1 CYP Clinical Supervisor supporting a small group of CYP therapists who specialise in a range of modalities.

All our Counselling and therapy team help to develop our growing mental health support service for patients, families and carers affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a volunteer with the CRPS Counselling & Therapy Service, your skills and experience as a CYP Clinical Supervisor will be providing support to therapists who offer therapy to vulnerable children and young people aged 5-18.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, you will provide group and 1-2-1 Supervision support for CYP counsellors or psychotherapists who provide counselling support or specialist services for children and young people. The service currently offers specialist support to anyone over the age of 5 who is affected by CRPS.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Facilitate Clinical Supervision group sessions on a monthly basis (online) and be able to offer at least 1 or 2 supervisees on 1-2-1 basis mainly trainees

• Administer this supervision from invitation through to record keeping

• Take part in complex case allocation meetings with the Clinical Lead

• Maintain appropriate clinical records of all work and to report, along with any concerns on individuals or their practice to the Clinical Lead

• Commitment to ongoing supervision of supervision practice at Burning Nights CRPS Support as well as engaging in separate own personal supervision

• Work flexibly as part of a small team as necessary to provide maximum coverage for supervision, such as in the event of emergencies

• Abide by all Burning Nights CRPS Support policies and procedures

• Adhere to BACP, BABCP (or other appropriate therapies governing body) Ethical Framework

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Psychotherapy/Counselling qualification with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a similar field

• Qualification in Clinical Supervision - ideally level 7 or above (could also suit experienced counsellors who require a placement during Clinical Supervision placement, or experienced counsellors wishing to gain experience in supervision)

• Had experience of supervising CYP therapists 

• Accreditation/registration (or working at the level of or towards this qualification) as a Supervisor with BACP/HCPC/BABCP or equivalent

• Significant proven experience of supervising individual CYP counsellors/psychotherapists from a range of training backgrounds 

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with young people with a range of difficulties including complex medical health issues, loss and bereavement. Ideally experience of working with children and young people living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Willingness to engage in any Burning Nights CRPS Support training

• Understanding of issues regarding confidentiality and management of risk within a counselling service

• Good administrative skills

• Understanding of the voluntary sector

• Commitment to on-going engagement in personal supervision

• Knowledgeable of and committed to equalities’ provision

Desirable:

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with children and young people living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Being able to supervise CYP therapists in small groups

• Experience of working within a low-cost / free voluntary sector counselling setting

• Experience of working within the voluntary charity sector

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5.30pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5.30pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5.30pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre and we are trialing an outreach sessions at a local Library & Hotel on otger weekdays

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

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