833 Social volunteer roles

Help shape the future of one of Gloucestershire’s leading charities supporting older people.

Lilian Faithfull Care is seeking four new Trustees to bring insight, challenge and strategic leadership to a values-led charity with people at its heart.

For more than 80 years, Lilian Faithfull Care has helped older people live well, with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging. Today, we support residents and day guests across our care homes, day services and specialist dementia services, supported by a dedicated team of colleagues and volunteers.

We are looking for four new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the charity through the next stage of its development. This is an opportunity to contribute to strategic decisions, support and challenge the Executive Team, strengthen governance and help ensure the charity remains sustainable, responsive and focused on the people we support.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in areas such as HR, digital transformation, marketing, fundraising, commercial leadership, charity governance, adult social care, legal matters or board-level strategy. Previous Trustee experience is welcome but not essential; what matters most is sound judgement, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to improving later-life care.

Trustees usually give around 18 days per year, including Board meetings, committee work, strategy sessions, preparation and occasional visits to our services. Some activity can take place remotely, but Trustees should be able to attend meetings in Gloucestershire when required.

This is a rewarding opportunity to influence the future of care for older people, join a collaborative and values-driven Board, and make a lasting contribution to a charity that puts people before profit.

Volunteer with halow!

Make a difference, have fun, and be part of our community

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping halow’s young people enjoy new experiences, build friendships, and take part in activities they love.

As a Social Activity Volunteer, you’ll support a range of fun activities based around the interests of our young people, including bowling, theatre trips, discos, and days out. Whether you can volunteer once a week, once a month, or a few times a year, your time and support can make a real difference.There is no minimum time constraint, all we ask is a commitment from volunteers

Who can volunteer?

No previous experience is needed,we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to support our young people. Although our office is based in Guildford, volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey

Why volunteer for halow?

Our volunteers enjoy the fun of our events and can gain valuable work experience whilst enjoying giving something back to the community, taking on new challenges and sharing their skills to help others. Other benefits include:

• To try something new
• To have fun
• To give something back to the community
• To do something that you feel is important to you
• To meet new people
• To gain valuable work experience
• To take on new challenges
• To share your skills in order to help others
• To build confidence

Join us and help create meaningful experiences and memories for young people across Surrey.

Would you like to play a key role in a charitable foundation committed to tackling social and environmental issues? If so, we are looking for a trustee to join the Samworth Foundation, a grant-making charity, to help us invest our money in organisations working to bring about positive change.

Established in 1973, the Samworth Foundation is a grant-making charity founded and funded by the Samworth family. As a funder, we aim to bring lasting change to issues that impact on people, communities, and the environment, in the UK and internationally.

Our core grant making focuses on two themes:

• Building lives free from modern slavery and exploitation.
• Better agricultural systems that enhance nature and address climate change.

Trustees share responsibility for governing the Foundation and directing how it is managed and run. You will help us effectively distribute our money to organisations working to address social and environmental issues in the UK and overseas.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to the Foundation's vision and can contribute effectively to the board's work — whether this would be your first trustee role or you've served as a trustee before.

We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and for this role, we would like to hear from people who have experience of farming, particularly farming that benefits nature and climate. For example, this may be as a farmer or grower, a farm advisor, an agronomist.

Join Our Board: Chair-Elect & Trustee Opportunities
 

Cambridge House is an equity-based multiservice social action charity established in 1889 and now
working across 29 London and 17 English and Welsh local authorities.

Our services include a Law Centre, statutory advocacy services, disabled peoples empowerment services, and advice services for private rented sector tenants.

We Transform Lives through personalised, place-based access-to-justice and resilience-building services
for families and people facing crisis, deprivation and social inequity.

We Transform Society by producing evidence, research and thought leadership to improve policy and
practice and challenge structural barriers.

We’re particularly looking for people with the following knowledge and experience:
▪ Frontline delivery — charity services in community settings, particularly legal/advice
▪ Campaigning & influencing — political/parliamentary affairs at a national level
▪ Commissioning & systems — public sector commissioning across welfare, health, housing,
refugee/asylum and/or social care
▪ Strategic enablers — AI in the workplace/service delivery, or marketing/communications/PR, or donor
development/corporate partnerships and fundraising
Diversity and Inclusion

To address underrepresentation on our current Board, we especially welcome applications from people
with lived experience of insecure housing/homelessness, the welfare/disability benefits system, and/or
minoritised faith/language groups, and people who are:
▪ Queer/LGBTQIA+ and/or from Black, Asian and global majority communities
▪ Women or Trans/Non-binary
▪ Disabled, neurodiverse and/or living with a mental or physical health condition

Cam Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group. In case you are not familiar with humanism, it is a world view held by a large number of people who are not religious. Humanists base their understanding of the world on scientific evidence and reason, and centre their values on kindness and respect. If you would like to know more about humanism, please visit the Humanists UK website.

Cam Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Cambridge to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Cam Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Social Media Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Cam Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification (.pdf or .docx) to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Role Overview

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic Activity Volunteers to support our growing range of social groups and activities for people with sight loss.

Our groups provide valuable opportunities for people to socialise, build confidence and enjoy a range of activities, including seated exercise, quizzes, guest speakers and other social and creative activities.

As an Activity Volunteer, you will help create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable, supported and able to get involved.

What You'll Do

• Welcome and support people attending our groups and activities.
• Encourage social interaction and help attendees make connections.
• Provide sighted guidance when required.
• Support staff in welcoming new attendees and helping groups to grow.
• Encourage people to take part in activities.
• Gather ideas and feedback from attendees for future activities and events.
• Complete any training relevant to the role.

What We're Looking For

You don't need previous volunteering experience, but you should be:

• Friendly, approachable and welcoming.
• A good listener and communicator.
• Empathetic and understanding towards people living with sight loss.
• Willing to learn more about sight loss.
• Happy to get involved in a variety of activities.
• Flexible and reliable.
• Committed to the aims and values of Focus Birmingham.

Desirable

It would be beneficial, but not essential, if you have:

• Knowledge or personal or professional experience of sight loss.
• Previous volunteering experience.
• Experience within a social group, community or similar setting.

What You'll Get From Volunteering With Us

As a Focus Birmingham volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of people with sight loss.
• Gain valuable experience within a charity and community setting.
• Develop your communication, confidence and interpersonal skills.
• Receive relevant training and ongoing support.
• Meet new people and become part of the Focus Birmingham community.
• Build experience that can support your personal and professional development.
• Gain valuable experience to add to your CV and future applications.
• Be part of a friendly and supportive team.
• Be invited to wider Focus Birmingham events and celebrations, including our Focus Conference and Summer Social.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Focus Birmingham, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique experiences, perspectives and strengths that people bring and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We are looking for volunteers who can offer time, conversation and companionship to older clients in and around Central London.

You can support someone by:

· Spending time with them in person

· Speaking with them regularly by phone

Your time and kindness can help older people feel more connected, happier and less alone.

What You’ll Do

You could be visiting someone at home or accompanying them in their community, chatting in coffee shops or talking while you walk. What you do will depend on what the client would like. Our clients are older Scots aged 60 plus who simply want to enjoy activities many of us take for granted.

As one of our volunteers once said, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Current Locations

Our current waiting list has clients in Stockwell, Hackney, Putney and Stepney Green. Locations will change as more referrals are made. If you want to make a difference to an older person’s wellbeing, please contact us — we may have a client in your area.

Time Commitment

Meetings are weekly or fortnightly for at least six months, although most volunteers stay involved for longer because they enjoy what they do. Phone calls are weekly and can be made from any quiet space at home or at work.

Who This Role Is For

This could be an ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting. It may also suit anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.

Skills and Qualities Required

· Good communication and listening skills, including spoken English

· Friendly, warm and non-judgemental

· Honest, reliable and committed

· Empathetic

· Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries, which will be covered in training

Checks and References

An enhanced DBS check will be processed for successful applicants and two references are required.

Training and Support

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out-of-pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters. The training will start in September. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome.

Please note, we are unable to respond from 14th to end of August 26. 

This role is part of a team of Volunteers who attend group sessions and assist the Lead Volunteer in delivering activities

What you will be doing

• Sending out information to Group Members about the group via email, text or on social media
• Helping to plan and organise group activities, and keeping the activity risk assessment updated
• Communicating with the venue
• Completing online Health and Safety Training. This is important as it will help you to understand some of the difficulties or accidents that could occur at an adult group and how the Branch can help to prevent these
• Co-ordinating with the venue staff regarding the setting up and clearing away before and after the session
• Supporting group activities, interacting with participants and making sure everyone can engage in activity in a safe manner
• Providing information about autism and other local services where relevant

Join us in shaping the next chapter at Harrison Housing

We have a proud history, a clear purpose and an ambitious future.

We are looking to recruit a Chair of Trustees and Three Trustee. These are all voluntary roles based in London.

Founded in 1869, Harrison Housing supports older people through almshouse and social housing. Today, we provide 75 sheltered homes and 19 general-needs homes, and manage a further 139 properties across London for other almshouse providers. Our purpose is safe, well-maintained homes for older people in housing and financial need and our vision is supporting residents to live independently. We are building on our strong foundations to support more people, strengthen almshouse partnerships and improve our homes and services.

Chair of Trustees

We are seeking an inspiring, collaborative and strategic leader to chair our Board and help shape Harrison Housing's next chapter. You will lead an effective Board, provide strategic direction and constructive challenge, work closely with the Chief Executive, and ensure strong governance, financial oversight and risk management. You will keep residents and our charitable purpose at the heart of decision-making, lead Board development and succession planning, and represent Harrison Housing with key stakeholders. Previous Chair experience is desirable but not essential. You will have senior leadership, governance, committee or Board experience, sound judgement and an understanding of the challenges facing people in social housing.

Commitment: On average 4–6 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings and an annual Strategy Away Day.

The current Chair's term ends in February 2027. The successful candidate will join ahead of this, including the December 2026 Board meeting as part of the handover.

Three Trustees

We are seeking three new Trustee to bring skills, experience and fresh perspectives to our Board.

Previous Trustee experience is not required. We are looking for sound judgement, strategic insight, constructive challenge and commitment to our purpose.

We are looking for candidates who understand the challenges of a small organisation and will particularly welcome expertise in:

• Financial strategy and sustainability
• Strategic growth and organisational development
• Property and asset strategy
• Fundraising and income generation
• Resident engagement and the resident voice
• Social housing or the almshouse sector
• Governance, regulation or public bodies

Collectively, Trustees oversee strategy, performance, finances, risk and governance, ensuring residents and our charitable purpose remain central to decisions.

Commitment: Trustees are expected to attend 4 Board Meetings per annum plus a Strategy Day. They are also expected to take part in a Committee in accordance with their skills, interests & experience (an additional 4 Meetings per annum).

For both roles, you will bring:

• Commitment to Harrison Housing's purpose and values
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Collaborative working and constructive challenge
• Integrity, openness and accountability
• Commitment to good governance and equality, diversity and inclusion

Knowledge of social housing, almshouses, charity governance or regulation is an advantage. We particularly welcome people who can bring new perspectives, professional expertise or lived experience to our Board.

Why Harrison Housing?

 These voluntary roles offer the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to older people's lives and help shape the future of an organisation with a long and proud history.

You will help us provide safe, good-quality homes, support independent living, reach more people, strengthen almshouse partnerships across London and build a strong, sustainable and well-governed organisation.

For more information on the positions please download the attached recruitment packs.

Key dates

Chair Closing date: 9am, Monday 28 September 2026 Interview: week commencing 19 October 2026

Trustees/NEDs  Closing date: Monday 19 October 2026 Interview: Monday 26 October 2026

How to apply Please submit:

• CV: Maximum 3 pages, covering your current/most recent roles and relevant experience from the last 10 years.
• Personal statement: Maximum 3 pages, explaining your motivation, why Harrison Housing interests you, and the experience, skills and perspective you would bring.

All Trustees are subject to a DBS check, paid for by Harrison Housing. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with our policies.

Harrison Housing is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds, including lived experience.

Purpose of the Role

Volunteer Content Creators are the production engine of our Social Media Management Team.

You will help create, remix, and repurpose content that fuels

• Donor growth
• Volunteer mobilisation
• Survivor-led storytelling
• Community trust
• Cultural disruption.     We are looking for:                                                                                                                                           AI Content Creators – generating content variations, captions, visuals, and scripts using AI tools

Help Shape Aspire Oxfordshire's Next 25 Years

As Aspire Oxfordshire approaches its 25th anniversary, we are looking for new Trustees to help shape the next chapter of our journey.

For almost 25 years, Aspire has supported people across Oxfordshire experiencing homelessness, poverty and disadvantage to build safer, healthier and more independent lives. Through supported accommodation, employment and training, homelessness prevention and personalised support, we help people create lasting change.

As we look ahead, we have ambitious plans to grow our impact, strengthen partnerships, increase fundraising and continue delivering high-quality, person-centred services. We are seeking passionate, values-led individuals to join our Board and help guide our future.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, constructive challenge and oversight, working alongside fellow Trustees and our Executive Leadership Team to ensure Aspire remains well governed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering the greatest possible impact.

Previous Trustee experience is not essential. We welcome people who share our values, bring professional expertise and want to make a positive difference. A full induction and ongoing support will be provided.

We are particularly interested in people with experience in:

Fundraising, Communications and Social Media
Helping diversify income, build supporter engagement and raise Aspire's profile.

Charity Governance and Employment
Knowledge of the charity sector, governance, HR or employment law to support good governance and organisational development.

Social Housing and Welfare
Experience of housing, homelessness, welfare benefits or housing policy to strengthen our understanding of the sector and the people we support.

Charity Finance and Risk Management
Experience in finance, accountancy, audit or risk management to support effective financial oversight and long-term sustainability.

As a Trustee you will:

• Help shape Aspire's strategic direction.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance and financial sustainability.
• Provide independent support and constructive challenge.
• Act in the best interests of the charity and the people we support.
• Champion Aspire and help strengthen partnerships and opportunities.

Time Commitment

The role is voluntary and designed to fit alongside professional and personal commitments.

Trustees will typically attend:

• Four hybrid Board meetings each year.
• Four online meetings each year as a member of one Board sub-committee.
• Occasional additional meetings or events where appropriate.

Why Join Aspire?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference while helping shape the future of an ambitious and growing charity. You'll work alongside an experienced and supportive Board, helping more people secure safe housing, employment and independence.

Aspire Oxfordshire is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We believe a diverse Board leads to stronger governance and better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of changing lives—and help shape the next 25 years.

If you are passionate about making a difference and would like to use your skills and experience to support a growing local charity, we would love to hear from you.

Whether this is your first Trustee role or you are an experienced Board member, if you share our values and believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a safe, independent and fulfilling life, we encourage you to apply.

Together, we can help shape Aspire Oxfordshire's next 25 years.

Join our team of befrienders!

You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community, including individuals with complex needs, to reduce feelings of loneliness, build meaningful friendships, and improvement well-being. You will support people to recite a passion for a hobby or an interest, or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

Through regular companionship and encouragement, you will help individuals rebuild their lives beyond crisis, increase their confidence, and strengthen their connection with their local community.

This is a complex needs service, and we are looking for volunteers who are confident, non-judgemental, and are able to support individuals facing a range of challenges.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

We are seeking a dedicated and friendly person with a passion for cooking to cook a healthy community meal for our lunch service on Tuesdays and/or Fridays.

The community kitchen chef volunteers will play a vital role in supporting Mind in Camden’s wider group services, including the Healthy Minds Community Programme and Phoenix Recovery Service. We support adults (18+) living in Camden who may be experiencing mental health challenges, isolation, or social exclusion.

A key part of our services is providing healthy home cooked meals for our community members twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). As a Community Kitchen Chef volunteer, you will gain valuable frontline experience cooking a community meal for adults with a range of mental health needs. You will work collaboratively with other volunteer chefs to design healthy menus that are guided by suggestions and requests from our community members.  You will be challenged to create delicious meals using a limited budget and minimising food waste.

*Please note we require a minimum of 6 months commitment to your volunteering role.

Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.