People volunteer roles

Are you a young person aged 18-25 ready to connect globally, build skills, and create positive change? Youth Connect is a virtual mobility programme bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds to learn, collaborate, and take action on issues that matter through supported social action in your local community.

Whether you're passionate about helping others or just curious to learn more and put this into practice, this programme will give you the confidence and tools to create meaningful change—right from home. The programme will run from late June - August and is open to young people aged 18-25 globally. 

✨ Open, inclusive, and designed for emerging changemakers.

�� Apply now and be part of a global community shaping the future.

*Join our friendly team and help make a difference in your community!*

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to support our new café. Whether you're looking to gain experience, meet new people, build confidence, or simply give something back to your local community, we would love to hear from you.

As a Volunteer Café Assistant, you could help with:

* Welcoming and serving customers

* Preparing hot and cold drinks

* Serving cakes and light refreshments

* Keeping the café clean, tidy and welcoming

* Washing up and general cleaning duties We are looking for people who are:

* Friendly and approachable

* Reliable and willing to learn

* Happy working as part of a team

* Able to provide excellent customer service

No previous café experience is required - we will provide any training and support you need.

Volunteers needed for the friendliest club in London!

Can you spare two hours a week to work with some of the friendliest, welcoming people

you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers organise fun, engaging

activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience

is needed; you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun!

Our club is split into two age groups: 14-25 years and 25 years +. You have a chance to make a real

difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in

confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and

train you, and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Where will I volunteer?

This role is largely home based, but will generally also involve visiting clients out in the community. Your local branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so.

Time commitment

This varies quite a lot depending on which cases come in, how complex they are and whether they fit your skills and experience, but it’s essentially a flexible role and there are no set hours.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

As Cadet Group Lead you will be responsible for the overall management of your St John Ambulance Youth unit. You will do this by leading weekly meetings, organising other youth development activities and actively participating in the recruitment, training and retention of the young people and volunteers in your unit. You will ensure that they have a positive and rewarding experience in St John Ambulance, by equipping them with the necessary skills to fulfil our vision; ‘Everyone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them. No one should suffer for the lack of trained first aiders.'

Cadet Group Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Must be available on an evening during the week, must have already completed Youth Leader training or be willing to undertake as soon as possible

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots charity supporting children, young people, and families through alternative education, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities, and community food hubs.
Our mission is to empower children with confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. We work closely with local schools, families, and partners to create safe, supportive learning environments where every child is valued and heard.

Role: Youth Mentor / Support Worker

Location: Community sites / schools
Hours: 2–4 hours per week (flexible)
Contract: Volunteer
Reports to: Head of Programmes & Education

Role Overview

As a Youth Mentor, you will provide emotional, practical and wellbeing support to young people who need a positive role model. You will help build resilience, confidence, and healthy life-skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 mentoring and group support

• Encourage positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing

• Support workshops, activities and trips

• Build safe, trusting relationships with young people

• Report safeguarding concerns appropriately

• Log basic session notes and progress

Person Specification

Essential:

• Empathy, patience, and strong listening skills

• Experience supporting young people (formal or informal)

• Commitment to safeguarding and boundaries

Desirable:

• Experience in youth work, coaching or education

Benefits

• Safeguarding, mentoring and youth-work training

• Flexible volunteering

• Excellent experience for education, youth work, or social care careers

• Meaningful impact on young people’s lives

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Where will I volunteer?

This role is largely home based, but will generally also involve visiting clients out in the community. Your local branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so.

Time commitment

This varies quite a lot depending on which cases come in, how complex they are and whether they fit your skills and experience, but it’s essentially a flexible role and there are no set hours.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Gardening Volunteer

Location: Amadeus House, 18 Corfton Road, Ealing, London, W5 2HT

Timings: Flexible

About Waythrough

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

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

Make a real difference in your community 

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

The Crisis Recovery House supports people experiencing a mental health crisis, as an alternative to hospital admission, where appropriate. It also helps individuals discharged from hospital who need a brief period of intensive support.

As a Gardening Volunteer, you’ll work alongside staff and residents to care for the garden at Amadeus House and to co‑create engaging gardening sessions. Together, you’ll help maintain an inclusive, therapeutic outdoor space by sharing gardening skills, supporting hands‑on tasks, and contributing ideas for seasonal or themed activities. Your involvement will help make the garden a shared, welcoming environment that supports residents’ wellbeing and recovery.

Tasks may include:

• Taking a lead role in the garden’s day‑to‑day care and upkeep, working collaboratively with staff and residents.
• Maintaining the garden so it remains safe, tidy, welcoming, and vibrant — including planting, watering, pruning, and general tidying.
• Organising and delivering gardening sessions with residents, teaching and learning basic gardening skills together in an inclusive way.
• Supporting residents with hands‑on tasks such as planting, weeding, composting, and harvesting.
• Planning and delivering seasonal gardening activities (e.g., spring planting, autumn tidy‑ups) in collaboration with residents and staff.
• Helping develop themed areas such as herb gardens, raised beds, or flower and vegetable plots, encouraging shared ownership and creativity.
• Accompanying residents on visits to garden centres or local green spaces as part of gardening projects.
• Bringing enthusiasm, encouragement, and imagination to help make the garden a therapeutic and enjoyable shared space.
• Fostering teamwork, creativity, and a sense of collective pride in the garden.

Skills/qualities we would like you to bring to the role:

• Hands-on gardening knowledge with an enthusiasm for helping others grow their skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, along with basic IT confidence.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to keep track of tasks and share updates with the team.
• A caring, patient and non‑judgmental approach when working with people with lived experience of mental health challenges.
• Reliability and good time‑keeping.
• The ability to work collaboratively with staff and residents, while also being comfortable taking initiative or following guidance.
• An understanding of Waythrough’s work and a genuine interest in contributing to our mission and values.
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and Waythrough policies, and to engaging in supervision and completing relevant training (including safeguarding, boundaries, cyber security, DEIB, and health & safety).

What We Offer

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

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

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

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

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

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

Based right in the heart of the city, Shopmobility is a vital and much loved service for all of our customers.  A place where they know they will be listened to, treated with dignity and provided with the best assistance we can offer them, to live their lives independently.

Equal Lives is a user led Disabled People's Organisation and we're really proud of Shopmobility!  It's the part of our organisation which is people facing, the part where our staff and volunteers get to represent us and interact with our customers on a daily basis.  So, it's vital that we have the right people on hand and that's where you come in!

If you've got a passion to help the Disabled community by empowering them to live the life they deserve, then you're our kind of person.  We're looking for those compassionate individuals who want to help others, who are happy to give a few minutes to listen to someone's story, to ask how their day was and to support them in working out the best solutions to suit their needs.

Shopmobility is a scheme that supports people to hire mobility aids during their visit to the city. We're based in Chantry Place (previously Chapelfield Shopping Centre) and we are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the shop.This is a great opportunity to volunteer, build your skills and meet new people! 

Role overview: 

 As is typical of working with the community, no one day is the same.  As such, the role may include, but is not limited to: 

• Opening the site ready for business and helping to prepare the shop 
• Closing the shop at the end of the day 
• Greeting customers and acting as a friendly, supportive and welcoming face 
• Supporting customers to work out what they need, and to hire the equipmen
• Keeping the site looking presentable and welcoming
• Handling cash and taking card payments
• Supporting people to sign up as Shopmobility members and to join Equal Lives as members
• Responding to queries on social media, email and telephone
• Taking future bookings for the equipment 
• Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles when they’re returned 
• Marketing and promoting the shop 
• Some other occasional ad hoc tasks as required such as signposting to our other services or other organisations

We’ll give you: 

• Comprehensive training, including Customer Service, GDPR, Safeguarding and Data Protection 
• The opportunity to choose your days and hours (within our opening times of Tuesday to Friday)
• An accessible city centre location 
• A variety of activities to challenge you and develop your skills 
• The opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as you gain experience 
• Specific tasks focusing on the skills you want to gain 
• A friendly and supportive team of staff and volunteers 
• A mapped out plan of personal development to help you evidence your professional progression

You will be doing really important work with this role, supporting those with mobility issues access the City to lead more independent lives. This opportunity gives you a fantastic chance to learn and develop great transferable skills. 

If you are looking for a volunteer role which gives you the chance to make a real difference to people's lives, this role could be for you. 

Volunteering Arrangements 

 The site will follow the COVID19 safety guidelines and volunteers will be reimbursed reasonable expenses incurred whilst supporting us.

All volunteers are required to undertake our core training programme. This covers basic safeguarding and other key features, such as data protection.

New volunteers will have an opportunity to ‘shadow’ experienced volunteers and members of staff 

Potentially, depending on the candidate, there may be additional opportunities to participate in a variety of accredited training courses. Please ask a manager for further details. 

Volunteers are required to adhere to the organisation’s policies and practice guidelines. 

Reasonable expenses, including travel whilst undertaking this role will be reimbursed. This includes mileage (currently £0.45 p/mile) and parking costs. 

Person specification 

• Honesty
• An ability to be empathic, whilst maintaining professional boundaries 
• Reliability, and only committing to a level of volunteering which is realistic 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• The ability to be non-judgemental 
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent listening skills 
• Commitment to attend training courses and team meetings 
• Ability to follow organisational policies and procedures including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety
• Dedicated to the empowerment of Disabled people 

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Where will I volunteer?

This role is largely home based, but will generally also involve visiting clients out in the community. Your local branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so.

Time commitment

This varies quite a lot depending on which cases come in, how complex they are and whether they fit your skills and experience, but it’s essentially a flexible role and there are no set hours.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be Supporting blind and partially sighted people and family members in our Edinburgh Community Equipment and Advice centre. Whatever the task we want our customers to have access to the same Technology as their sighted peers and ensuring they can live life as independently as possible.

What you’ll be doing
• Meeting and greeting community members on arrival.
• Assist customers with items such as tablets and phones in order for customers to make the best use of them.
• Downloading the latest apps, helping customers with visual enhancements or spending time with customers to learn voice over.
• Providing a warm atmosphere in order to enhance the learning experience.

What you’ll gain from the role
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A broader understanding of technology to assist blind and partially sighted people.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Volunteers are needed for weekdays between 9am – 5pm for around 4-8 hours a week.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference and a PVG.

Location

• RNIB Scotland, 12 – 14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh EH7 5EA.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have • An interest in technology and apps • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

Are you a big football fan who enjoys playing football as well as watching it?

We are looking for volunteer football enthusiasts to both play football and enjoy talking all things football with someone with learning disabilities and or autism.  As a volunteer you will need to be able to volunteer for a couple of hours each week.

What does the role involve?

Our football volunteers will enjoy spending time having a kick about, perhaps watching a game on TV and perhaps having a post-match discussion. Trips to watch the odd live game would also be an enjoyable experience for the people we support.

Skills required: -

• To be kind, empathetic and friendly

• To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

• Good communication skills

• Positive & supporting attitude

• To be punctual and reliable

• Commitment to inclusion

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

• Becoming one of our football volunteers will provide opportunities for those we support to increase their confidence, boost their mood and keep fit. 

• Training and ongoing support from SeeAbility staff.

• The chance to develop new skills in accessible communication and inclusive practice.

• Being part of a warm, welcoming community that values every individual.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.

• This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. Being a football volunteer is a great way to get out and about, exercise, and help others

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Volunteer Advocate in East Sussex area - Are you passionate about advocacy and want to support others in their personal growth?  This role may be perfect for you!

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) is a dedicated charity specialising in independent advocacy within the community. Our mission is to empower individuals by helping them express their needs, secure their rights, and access essential services while promoting social inclusion and justice.

We are seeking passionate Volunteers to join our team at SWAN in East Sussex. As a Volunteer, you will play a vital role in empowering individuals to develop essential self-advocacy skills and confidence. Your contributions will help ensure that individuals can voice their needs and receive the assistance they require.

SWAN appreciates that life experience can make you the ideal volunteer for a role such as this. We are keen to hear from people who have lived experience and would like to help empower others.

Do you have the following skills and experience:

• Experience working with people who are described as vulnerable, or who have additional support needs.
• Good communication suitable for a wide variety of people, some of whom may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues or have been assessed as lacking capacity.
• A commitment to the belief that everyone has a right to be heard, have choice and control, to be safe from harm and to live the life they choose.
• Can you commit to giving approximately 3-6 hours per week.

If you are ready to make a difference in your community and support those who need it most, please request an application form. If you require any assistance with completing the application please get in touch.

Equality and Diversity Statement

Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to SWAN’s values. It is important that our workforce reflects the diverse communities in which we work. We therefore welcome applications from people who represent the diversity of the people we advocate for and the communities we work in.

About the REMAP:

Since 1964, REMAP has helped thousands of people each year overcome everyday challenges through innovative, bespoke solutions. When standard commercial products are not suitable, REMAP volunteers design and make one-off equipment tailored to a person’s individual needs. Our work is delivered through more than 65 volunteer-run branches across the UK and is completely free of charge for the people we support.

About the role:

REMAP is looking for Volunteer Makers who can use practical, technical or creative skills to design and make bespoke equipment for disabled people. Previous REMAP solutions designed by our volunteers have included adapted handles, specialist supports, modified furniture, access aids and other one-off items designed around a person’s individual needs. You can find more inspiring solutions on REMAP's website on the Solutions section. 

We are looking for volunteers: 

• With skills or experience in, carpentry, DIY, product design, electronics, metalwork, plastics, workshop practice or practical problem-solving.
• With access to own tools or workshop .
• Who live in the area of your local Branch and have access to transport.
• Who are able to listen carefully, work safely, think creatively and treat people with dignity and respect
• With an understanding of risk management and who can follow set policies and procedures

What will you be doing:

You will take on practical cases that match your skills and availability. This may include meeting clients, speaking with families or therapists, understanding a practical challenge, and designing or making a safe solution using materials such as wood, metal, plastic or electronics.

What difference will you make:

Your volunteering and solutions will help disabled people overcome everyday barriers and enjoy greater independence, confidence and choice. Many REMAP projects are modest in size but life-changing in impact for the person receiving them.

​Salary: 

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Support:

Induction, mentoring, local branch support and guidance on safe working are provided. DBS checks are arranged where required.

Why Volunteer With REMAP?

• To give someone greater independence, confidence and choice in everyday life.
• To use your existing practical, maker skills.
• To share your experience.
• To learn new skills. 
• To join a welcoming likeminded community of makers with great practical skills.
• To increase your own wellbeing through purposeful volunteering that makes a real difference.