People volunteer roles

If arts and crafts make you happy, imagine sharing that joy with someone who loves it just as much. As a volunteer visitor, you could spend time painting, drawing, crafting, or exploring creative spaces together building a real friendship while doing what you both enjoy. It’s about more than making art; it’s about connection, confidence, and creating moments that truly matter.

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.

Watch a video about this volunteer role here

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.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us:

Join us a mediation volunteer! You will have the chance to help your local community and gain full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.

North Hampshire Mediation Partnership with Citizens Advice Rushmoor offer a free and confidential service helping local residents resolve disputes and improve communication. Our trained volunteer mediators work with neighbours, families and individuals to support peaceful resolutions and stronger community relationships.

Volunteering with us is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference, develop valuable skills in active listening and conflict resolution, and be part of a supportive team. Whether you’re looking to give back to your community or gain experience in mediation, we’d love to hear from you.

We offer full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.

We are looking for people with the following skills:

• Active Listening – hearing and understanding what people are saying, both verbally and non‑verbally
• Empathy – showing compassion and understanding for people's feelings and perspectives
• Impartiality – staying neutral and non‑judgemental, even in emotionally charged situations
• Calm and Patient – remaining composed and supportive when conversations become difficult
• Good Communication – clear, respectful communication with clients, fellow mediators and the service
• Confidentiality – maintaining privacy and trust at all times
• Teamwork – working collaboratively with another mediator during cases and contributing to a supportive volunteer team
• Reliability – attending training, supervisions and scheduled mediations consistently
• Willingness to Learn – being open to feedback and committed to developing mediation skills through training and practice

Mediations typically take place a couple of times a month, so it isn’t a regular weekly commitment. Instead, we ask for flexibility and a willingness to support the service as and when required. Some clients can only attend sessions in the evening, and while weekend work is rare, it may occasionally be needed. It is a meaningful and rewarding role where you can make a real difference, develop valuable skills and be part of a supportive team.

We are currently offering an exciting honorary placement opportunity for a trainee or newly qualified counsellors/psychotherapists working towards BACP registration or accreditation.

About the Role:

Survivor Service

Honorary therapists work within the Psychotherapy Service team to provide emotional and therapeutic support to young people and children with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse or trauma. The post will entail jointly assessing and providing individual therapy and having weekly supervision with our therapists.

Requirements:

· Availability for in-person clinical work on Tuesdays

· Capacity to hold a caseload of up to 3 clients

· Attendance at online clinical supervision on Mondays, either 9.00-11.00am or 11.30am-1.30pm

· Attendance at in-person team meetings on the third Monday of each month (helpful but not mandatory)

· Currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a Level 4 or above counselling/psychotherapy course

· Student member of the BACP, UKCP, HCPC (or equivalent professional body) and adhere to ethical framework of awarding professional body

· Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed

· Minimum commitment of 1 year

Through our commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and inclusivity we offer:

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Valuable experience in delivering Trauma-Informed counselling support to a diverse client base

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

• Opportunities for further training and psychoeducational workshops

How to Apply: 
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and availability to Cindie Nielsen, Psychotherapy Services Manager

Want to make a difference? Could you help us?

New trustees wanted

We are looking for up to three people to be active members of our Board of Trustees.
Together with the other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders you will help the
Foodbank deliver a non-judgemental and compassionate service, and help us as we
work towards a future where foodbanks are no longer needed. The Trustee may be
asked to take the lead on specific areas of our work, utilising their experience and
skills. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have experience in
fundraising/bid writing, human resources, communications/PR, and property
management.

Our vision

Our vision is a future where our foodbank is no longer needed because people can
afford the essentials and get the support they need when they need it, preventing them
from reaching a point of crisis.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide a compassionate, dignified, and non-judgemental service to
people within our community. We do this by working in partnership with other
organisations to provide holistic support that enables people to find a way out of their
crisis. We work together with partners and the other foodbanks in RCT to identify and
address the root causes of people needing to use our foodbank to alleviate poverty
within our community.
Volunteering is a fantastic way for you to be involved in your local community and
volunteers are at the heart of all that we do as a Foodbank.

Share’s trustee team has responsibility for overseeing strategy and performance. Share currently has eight trustees, and is looking to recruit up to three more with the enthusiasm, skills and commitment we need to help guide Share through the next phase of its development. Trustees are supported by Share’s Senior Leadership Team led by the Chief Executive.

The full Board meets six times a year. Meetings are in person and usually take place in the evening, with the exception of an annual away day. In addition, Trustees will usually sit on one of our Board Sub-Committees which meet four times a year with meetings taking place virtually.

Who we are looking for

We strongly believe that diversity of thought and experience directly contributes to better organisational outcomes, and that the composition of the Charity’s leadership should be reflective of the diversity of Share’s student body.

Prospective Trustees must have a commitment to Share’s vision and values, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of disabled people. Share is keen to encourage applications from:

• Individuals with strong financial credentials, ideally a Chartered Accountant, who will sit on our Finance Sub-Committee
• An HR professional, who will sit on our HR and Safety Sub-Committee

We are particularly keen to encourage applications from groups currently under represented on the Board, including people who have lived experience of disability or of caring for someone with a disability, and those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

You don’t have to have been a trustee before – we are a welcoming, supportive team and will help you to succeed whether you’re a first-time Trustee or you have extensive experience.

As a Community Network Volunteer, you will organise and facilitate meetings and events for a group of families so that they can get to know one another and build a supportive community. This could be anything from arranging informal meetups in the local park to organising online or face to face meetings, to setting up local events. The group would be able to share knowledge and experience amongst one another and just be there for one another.

Knowledge and experience required

• Enthusiasm and some time to spare! 

• Personal experience, and understanding of the issues facing adoptive parents 

• Good listening and communication skills

• Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices 

• Some IT and administration skills  

Benefits of volunteering with Adoption UK

• Meet new people and be part of helping adoptive families to thrive 

• Flexibility to volunteer in a way that suits your family and commitments                             

• Be supported in your own family’s journey both in your group and as part of a UK wide adoption organisation 

• Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities 

• Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills 

• Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses 

Mind In Enfield and Barnet combines over 50 years of experience to improve peoples mental health in Enfield, Barnet and beyond. We are led by lived experience and driven by a passion to support and protect people’s mental health in ways that they want.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Volunteer Meet and Greet to support the Therapy Team at Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB). This role involves sitting at the reception desk and acting as a first point of contact, helping to create a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment for clients, visitors and staff. You will offer clear directional guidance, practical assistance and information about services and activities, helping people feel safe, comfortable and supported when they arrive. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys engaging with others and contributing to a positive, inclusive space for individuals accessing mental health services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help create a friendly and inclusive environment by greeting clients and visitors in a warm and professional manner

• Cover the reception desk and act as a first point of contact for enquiries

• Provide clear directional guidance and escort individuals to their destination where appropriate

• Ensure clients, visitors and staff sign in and out accurately

• Maintain accurate logs of calls and emails in line with service procedures

• Help maintain a tidy, calm and welcoming reception and waiting area

We welcome individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to apply.

Within our organisation, volunteers are highly valued and essential to delivering our services effectively. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of their background. This includes people who have personal or professional experience with mental health challenges. We focus on providing comprehensive training, guidance, and supervision to ensure volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles. We support our volunteers' success and offer opportunities to network and socialise with trustees, staff, and fellow volunteers. We are committed to recognising the meaningful contribution every volunteer makes to our community.

This is a part-time, volunteer (unpaid) role with flexible hours ranging from a minimum of 1 day (3–5 hours) up to 20 hours per week. Hours can be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10:00am and 3:00pm. Please see the attached document for further details.

Please apply to the volunteering email address attached, with a current CV and covering letter explaining your interest in this role. 

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)

Key responsibilities

Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management

• Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
• Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
• Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Board Leadership

• Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
• Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development. 
• Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
• Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.

Support to Hardman Trust CEO

• Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
• Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations. 
• Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.

General Chair responsibilities

• Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
• Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.

Person Specification

We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions.  We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.  

Essential

• Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
• Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
• Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
• Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
• Robust planning and organisational skills.
• Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
• A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
• Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
• Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
• Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
• Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
• Experience of building partnerships and networks.
• Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.

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.

Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life?  Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.

A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and  dynamic team.

We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.

Who are Age UK Sutton?

Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.

Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)

Time Commitment:

• Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
• Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
• Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.

Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)

Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April

The purpose of the role is to design and facilitate gardening activities at our community allotment with refugees and people seeking asylum, alongside our other gardening volunteers.

The role includes:

• planning and facilitating seasonal gardening activities with small groups
• supporting participants to bring their own ideas, work independently or lead their own activities where appropriate, providing support and guidance as needed
• fostering a positive culture of support and community
• raising any safeguarding or support concerns with our People Support Team
• setting up/packing down around sessions, generally contributing to the smooth running of sessions
• maintaining tools
• contributing to overall running of the charity (attending monthly online meetings, taking on organisational tasks)
• maintaining participant confidentiality
• attending training sessions as needed

At the garden we run gardening, art and craft activities. Through these sessions we maintain our beautiful community garden, grow and harvest vegetable/fruit crops and create wildlife and social areas. We always try to make sure there are a range of activities to choose from to fit with a range of energy/ability levels. All new ideas for activities to do at the garden are welcome!

Our sessions are on Tuesday mornings and afternoons and Friday mornings

Gardening expertise is not necessary for this role, although it is always very welcome.

As this is an on site role we will consider applicant who are based in Greater Manchester,UK. 

Background for Citizens Advice Salford’s Chair of Trustees:

Citizens Advice Salford is looking for a new chair for our board of trustees. The service is an independent charity, employing 35 people and benefiting from the support of about 70 highly trained volunteers. We are a full member of the National Association of Citizens Advice, our membership organisation, which supports our work.

Our chair plays a critical role in leading both the board and the organisation, as well as in representing the Salford service within the broader Citizens Advice movement. They will also provide strategic leadership and support the service’s chief executive.

The service provides advice to about 18,000 people each year, and is regulated by various bodies. Our offer is primarily through face to face contact, telephone advice, web access and we are looking at what new digital approaches such as AI can do for us.

We hold the specialist advice giving quality mark. Citizens Advice Salford has a strong reputation as a campaigner for change, for fighting against poverty, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of our clients, together with working across Greater Manchester with our colleague local citizens advice services.

Financially we have a range of contracts with public bodies such as the Council, together with a range of other grants and funding for specific projects.

The current chair is reaching the end of her six year term, but will still be a member of the board. It is a strong board consisting of ten people, with a diverse range of skills and experience.

If you would like to have a more general discussion about the role please feel free to contact the current Chair, or the Chief Officer. Contact details are available on our vacancy page via the apply button.

• What's in it for you?

• use your experience to make a positive impact for people in Salford by ensuring Citizens Advice Salford is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
• meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
• build on your governance, leadership and strategy knowledge and skills
• increase your employability
• be a part of infl uence and change work that looks to reduce poverty in Salford, and to make it and the country a better place for all.

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings and you’ll likely need to give two or three hours, six times a year and you may need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specifi c projects, or meet with volunteers and staff occasionally within Citizens Advice Salford. We can be fl exible about the time spent, so come and talk to us.

Valuing Inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from global majority communities.
If you are interested in becoming a chair of trustees and would like to discuss fl exibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

Join Street Paws as a Trustee — Shape the Future of a Charity Making Real Change

Street Paws is the charity standing up for people and pets facing homelessness, we believe in a future where homelessness never separates people and their pets, because for them a pet is a lifeline not a luxury.

Street Paws stands up for people facing homelessness because, for them a pet is a lifeline, not a luxury. We challenge the misconception that having a pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home. That is why, in partnership with Local Authorities, hostels and support services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training and advocacy – breaking down the barriers and opening doors to make pet friendly support the norm, not the exception.

We are looking for new trustees with legal, cyber security or lobbying/ campaigning expertise to join our board and play a pivotal role in protecting and strengthening the charity as we grow. By joining our Board, you will have the chance to:

Lead Strategy at a High Level

Your decisions directly shape the direction, resilience, and long‑term impact of Street Paws. You’ll help guide a charity that supports some of the most vulnerable animals and owners across the UK.

Make a Big Difference with a Small Time Commitment

We know your time is valuable. That’s why the role is designed to be flexible and manageable:

· A few hours a month, on your schedule

· Just one board meeting per quarter (around 2 hours)

· Remote participation options available

This is a meaningful way to contribute your professional expertise without taking on a heavy workload.

Build Your Board-Level Experience

Whether you’re looking to take your first step into governance or broaden your leadership portfolio, this role offers:

· Real strategic influence

· Exposure to charity governance

· A chance to work alongside passionate, skilled trustees

You’ll be part of a committed team driving forward a mission that genuinely changes lives.

About Hope for the Young

We are a community of mentors, staff, young people, and volunteers who are passionate about welcoming young refugees to the UK and ensuring they are given every opportunity they need to settle into their communities, access education, and reach their full potential. Our mission is to remove the obstacles to young refugees and asylum-seekers’ education and well-being through mentoring, advocacy, and financial support.

We are looking for a passionate and creative Social Media Volunteer to help grow our online presence and amplify the voices of the young people we support.

As part of this role, you will:

• Create and schedule engaging social media content

• Draft compelling captions and stories

• Design graphics and visual content on Canva

• Share impact stories and highlight the achievements of young people

• Help grow engagement and reach across our social platforms

Requirements for the Role:

• Strong written English skills

• Ability to create engaging and creative content

• Good understanding of tone, messaging, and audience engagement

• Excellent attention to detail

• Able to commit to 7 hours per week (however this could be negotiated). 

What you will get in return:

• Gain hands-on experience in social media and communications

• Develop content creation and storytelling skills

• Contribute to meaningful work supporting young people seeking safety in the UK

• Receive a reference upon successful completion of the role

• Flexible volunteering hours

• Travel expenses covered