Social volunteer roles

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

This role concentrates on building relationships with members of the public, encouraging them to consider alternatives to placing their cats up for adoption. You will focus on providing information and support to existing owners who may be experiencing issues with their cat. You’ll also help potential new cat owners who are seeking advice before getting a cat.

You’ll build relationships within the community to engage with cat owners and potential cat owners, for example with vets, other charities, Citizen’s Advice, local authorities etc.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Providing information and support to cat owners who may be considering rehoming their cat due to a change in circumstances or cat behaviour issue
• Offer a signposting service, using a comprehensive resource library, information, guidance and support
• Communicating with members of the public to offer support regarding cat ownership by using a variety of mediums eg email, video calls, social media
• Effectively use in-house systems to record outcomes and provide feedback
• Linking with community groups, partners and charities to share key messages about cat ownership
• Linking with other Cats Protection volunteers and employees to share key messages and experiences
• Attending community events (in-person and virtual) to promote key messages

Time expectation

Our supporting cat owners volunteers usually spend four to 10 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

What does it look like to lead a charity where community voice sits at the heart of every decision?

Down’s Syndrome Manchester (DSM) is a vibrant, member‑led charity supporting individuals with Down’s syndrome and the families, carers and professionals who walk alongside them. From the earliest days after diagnosis to the milestones of adulthood, DSM creates connection, belonging and the conditions for people to thrive.

With DSM at a pivotal point of growth and change, we’re seeking a Chair who can bring the skills and experience needed to confidently lead the charity through this exciting period of consolidation and development.

Location: Greater Manchester
Renumeration: Voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered
Time commitment: Estimated at approximately 1-2 days per month

About Down’s Syndrome Manchester
You’ll be warmly welcomed into a friendly, member‑led community that has gone through significant recent growth, under the leadership of a talented CEO. From energetic early‑years support to social groups that spark friendships, DSM is now looking to build on its support and advocacy across Greater Manchester.

DSM responds directly to what families need and empowers them to shape the charity’s future. Growing fast and full of potential, we’re now looking to further strengthen foundations and step confidently into the next chapter – guided always by member voice and experience.

About the opportunity
We’re looking for a committed Chair with a pioneering spirit, able to bring steady, compassionate and strategic leadership to a recently developed Board and a dedicated CEO.

You’ll ensure the Board is effective and focused, offer constructive support and challenge to the CEO, and help embed strong governance and decision‑making structures. Holding a strategic view while keeping DSM’s member‑led ethos always front and centre, you’ll create the space for big picture thinking and clarity as the organisation evolves.

Who are we looking for?
While previous Chair experience would certainly be an advantage, we also warmly encourage applications from experienced charity trustees or commercial board members ready to step into a bigger leadership challenge.

We’d particularly welcome people who bring:

• Experience in governance, organisational leadership or strategic oversight
• A calm, focused and relational leadership style
• A commitment to inclusion, equity and lived‑experience‑led decision making
• The ability to bring structure and accountability to a growing charity

Why this role matters
With big, bold and brave ambitions, a rapidly growing membership and an exceptional team ready to deliver, the right Chair will help ensure the charity is fighting fit for the future. You’ll futureproof the organisation to make sure it is:

• Well governed and resilient
• Values led
• Member driven
• Future ready
• Equipped for the opportunities ahead

Are you passionate about using your skills and expertise to help support and develop a UK-wide relationships and sex education charity?

Sexpression:UK provides high quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education workshops to young people between the ages of 11-18 in schools and youth groups. We operate across the UK through our unique network of affiliated branches and volunteers based at universities and students’ unions in 15 towns and cities.

You will have strong empathy with our mission to educate and empower young people to make individual, informed decisions about their bodies and their health. You will be committed to using your expertise to contribute to the future development of the charity and ensuring high quality governance of the organisation.

We are looking for a motivated individual with demonstrable experience in leadership or governance to join our board as Chair of Trustees.This is an exciting time to join our charity with the opportunity to contribute to a unique youth-led charity playing a leading role in some of today’s biggest issues.

CONTEXT

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in

Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children.

We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to

identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions. We

offer a baby bank, a charity shop & various community support services to help

women facing crises or challenging situations.

Wolverhampton Baby Bank is a flagship project run by The Women & Families

Resource Centre, a registered charity supporting families with children aged 0-3.

Through donated essentials and community engagement, we provide much-needed

items such as:

• Essential supplies for babies and toddlers, including nappies, wipes, clothing, toys,

and bedding.

• Support services for new parents, including drop-in groups and befriending for

pregnant women and new mothers.

• Referrals and resources to connect families with additional community services.

Scope and Span

The On-Site Sales Team Member supports the day-to-day operations of the Baby Bank’s physical shop by assisting walk-in customers, maintaining store presentation, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

This role plays a key part in generating fundraising revenue while upholding the organization’s values and customer service standards.

Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for volunteering with The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC). Our work supports and empowers women and families facing challenging circumstances, and your role is essential in helping us provide consistent, reliable, and respectful services. To ensure fairness, sustainability, and high-quality support for the community, all volunteers are expected to follow the structured framework and guidelines below.

• Minimum of 12hrs per week and 4hrs per day

• Attend agreed shifts consistently and provide notice if unable to attend.

• Carry out agreed tasks responsibly, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

• Treat service users, staff, and fellow volunteers with respect and compassion.

• Communicate openly about availability, concerns, or if feeling overwhelmed to prevent burnout and overcommitment.

• Follow agreed scheduling processes to ensure continuity and consistency in service delivery.

• Work collaboratively as part of the team and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

Your commitment and reliability help us create a stable and supportive environment for the families we serve.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist customers visiting the physical shop

• Guide customers through available items and provide product information

• Ensure items on display are organized, clean, and properly labeled

• Monitor stock levels on the shop floor and coordinate restocking

• Process sales transactions (if assigned to cashier role)

• Handle customer inquiries professionally and courteously

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the retail space

• Follow pricing guidelines and promotional instructions

• Report any stock discrepancies or customer concerns to the Team Lead

• Support in-store fundraising campaigns or special sales events
   

Qualifications

• Minimum high school education

• Previous retail or customer service experience preferred

• Comfortable interacting with customers face-to-face

• Available for scheduled on-site volunteer hours

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Friendly and customer-focused attitude

• Basic sales and upselling ability

• Attention to detail

• Organization and time management

• Team collaboration

• Reliability and accountability

Learn to Love to Read offers one-to-one support to children who find learning to read challenging, in schools and online via Zoom.Our In-school volunteers are asked to commit 90 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 1-3 pm.
Our virtual volunteers are asked to commit 30-60 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 4-6 pm.

Full training and ongoing support is provided for all volunteers to provide them with a framework which supports children's reading skills, while also building their self-esteem, confidence and love of reading. Our volunteers support the same children each week, providing 20 minutes of one-to-one support for the whole academic year. This ensures a consistent and rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the children.

In Wandsworth, post-COVID, 20% of Key Stage 1 and 25% of Key Stage 2 children did not reach the expected standard of reading in summer 2025. Low literacy is linked to poverty and social exclusion, limiting options in life. Early literacy intervention is crucial to break this cycle. School closures due to COVID-19 have been tough for children from disadvantaged families.
 

Please note we only work with schools in the London borough of Wandsworth and all our volunteers need to live in or within easy reach of that borough. 

In line with Safer Recruitment, all applicants are asked to complete an application form, provide references, take part in a face-to-face interview and ID check, and attend online training which includes safeguarding. All volunteers must have an enhanced DBS check which we arrange on your behalf. You will also be required to obtain checks from any country in which you've lived for more than three months from the age of 16 in line with Wandsworth's guidance. Once you have registered, we’ll send you a link to the application form.

Learn to Love to Read is committed to working without bias and offering equal opportunities for our volunteers. We are committed to valuing diversity and working inclusively across all our activities. Our aim is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Wheels for All aims to promote inclusive cycling through a range of successful community engagement programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis. Our Volunteers bring our cycling programmes to life, they make sure everyone feels included, they inspire others, they increase confidence, they maintain bikes and make sure that cycling is accessible to everyone.

From meeting/greeting participants, leading elements of the activity, providing encouragement, helping to move equipment to/from storage, and assisting to check working order of cycles, your support will make a huge difference to our participants and carers who attend our inclusive cycling sessions. Training is provided to all volunteers, with other opportunities to attend and participate in external training where relevant.

As a valued Wheels for All volunteer you will:

• Make a difference to the lives of disabled people
• Meet new people
• Make new friends and join social activities
• Connect with your community through supporting a local project
• Develop your skills at our sessions and relevant training courses
• Reap mental health and wellbeing benefits of helping others
• Build experience for references
• Receive a lot of appreciation from our participants and carers! 
• Be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy
• Receive Wheels for All branded uniform 
• Access the volunteer Wheels for All training 
• Enjoy the amazing Charities culture 

What are we looking for?

• Approachable and friendly nature
• Great interpersonal and communication skills
• Empathy and understanding of how people can react differently to certain situations or triggers
• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement
• Adaptable and flexible to changing circumstances
• Effective as part of a team
• Positive attitude
• Honesty and integrity
• Excellent organisational skills and initiative
• Some cycling experience (although not essential)

Volunteers aged 18 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all volunteers must be happy to undertake a DBS check and collect references. 

Do you enjoy outdoor spaces, flowers and nature? Can you appreciate the beauty of a well-maintained garden and enjoy taking care of it?

We’re looking for volunteer gardeners to help us maintain our gardens in our Walsall hospice.

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We have three hospices in the West Midlands, which provide a happy homely environment where children can experience all kinds of great activities, meet new friends or relax and enjoy some quiet time.

As a volunteer, you’ll get involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as planting, weeding, path clearing, sweeping, and general garden maintenance. It's a rewarding way to contribute to our hospice community while enjoying nature and staying active.

Am i right for the role

We are currently seeking volunteers with relevant experience in gardening or outdoor maintenance, as their skills and knowledge will be invaluable in helping us care for and maintain our garden to a high standard.

Hours are flexible throughout the week, as some team members are unable to undertake heavier physical tasks, we are especially interested in applicants who are reasonably fit and enjoy hands-on outdoor work.

Why volunteer at Acorns?

• Achieve a sense of wellbeing that you are helping your local community
• To connect with like-minded people and make new friends
• To enhance your CV by learning new skills and gain valuable experience
• We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering
• You’ll get Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
• You’ll receive free mandatory and role specific training

Full training will be provided.

Our recruitment process includes attending interview, obtaining two suitable references and a clear DBS check (instigated by Acorns)

Location: Birmingham | Commitment: 3-8 hours per week (working week) | Work style: Hybrid

Since 2024, we’ve been honoured to support over 800 individuals on their journey toward a better future. Looking ahead, our 2026 strategic vision is bold. We want to be recognised as a collaborative support service that truly transforms lives. To help make that happen, we’re looking for a passionate team of fundraisers to work alongside one another, supporting the Creative Director, each contributing in different ways to support the organisation’s sustainability and impact.

The Corporate Fundraiser focuses on securing B2B income. You will work directly with businesses and corporate partners, supporting them to organise fundraising activities within their organisation. This includes events such as coffee mornings, sponsored walks or runs, dress-down days, and team fundraising challenges.

This role suits someone who is confident in communicating with organisations and enjoys building professional relationships for social good.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support corporate partners to plan and deliver fundraising activities

• Act as a friendly point of contact for businesses fundraising on our behalf

• Help share fundraising ideas and guidance with corporate teams

• Maintain positive relationships with existing and new corporate supporters

• Work alongside the wider team to align corporate fundraising with our values and goals

What difference will you make:

• An opportunity to make a real impact on a grassroots organisation.

• You’ll help unlock larger-scale donations and long-term partnerships that strengthen our sustainability and expand our ability to support people across Birmingham.

• Ultimately your input will help turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in corporate fundraising

• Experience planning events or organising community-based campaigns.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively while balancing the voluntary role with other commitments.

• Understanding of homelessness-related issues, or a genuine interest in learning about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the community.

GreenSeas Trust is looking for a creative and environmentally conscious individual to help us grow our presence on Instagram. If you have a way with words, a passion for marine conservation, and an eye for what makes a post pop — we’d love to have you on board.

Requirements: 

• Plan and write engaging posts to widen the reach of GreenSeas Trust.
• Monitor Instagram account on a daily basis.
• Search for relevant articles that share our views on ocean plastics.
• Engage with our followers and increase the numbers.
• Be able to design graphics and posts using Canva.
• Be able to use the Meta Business platform for analytics. 

This is a UK based work from home position. 

You must be able to work individually and collectively as part of a small team. 

Fluency in English is a must. 

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £22.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

Must drive.

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 

Join us—and help make cycling accessible for all!