Social volunteer roles

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Do you use technology on a regular basis for work, study, or daily life? If so, it is likely that you have the needed skills for this role! Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! You will make a positive difference to bridging the digital divide, empowering others to gain knowledge and confidence in using technology!

These sessions will take place on Fridays between 10:30 - 1:15pm!

What you will be doing

• Supporting service users to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
• Supporting service users to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
• Supporting service users to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
• Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
• Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Confident using digital skills
• Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

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

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? Based at our Supported Accomodation, Oasis House
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.

We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff. 

This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.

We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.

Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music group!

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the service users
• Facilitate a weekly singing and music group with use of instruments
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun

The skills you need

• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

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

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

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

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

What's in it for you

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

Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.

We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff. 

This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.

We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.

Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV

Do you enjoy organising? Would you like to play a key role in making sure things get done!

Our volunteer administrators are instrumental to all the work that we do across Hestia. You will have the opportunity to support staff with a wide range of desk-based and administrative tasks. These behind-the-scenes roles provide essential support in ensuring that those who we work with access the support they require to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

What you will be doing

• To support with administration, texting and emailing information to service users, volunteers, and staff
• Support with updating and inputting data into spreadsheets
• Support with making phone calls to follow up and gather needed information.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Good organisation and administrative skills
• Able to maintain good working relationships
• Basic IT skills, comfortable using spreadsheets and emailing

What's in it for you

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

Could you help bring moments of togetherness to families facing cancer? 

Families supported by Young Lives vs Cancer are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are a charity that helps children and young people (aged 0-24), and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.  

As an Events Coordinator in the South West Social Work team, you will plan and coordinate a range of events throughout the year; working directly with the families we support and partner organisations. we hope to run events across the region including end‑of‑treatment celebration days, sibling days, festive events and bereavement support events 

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support; it’s reassurance, kindness, and hope at a time when it’s needed most. Your time and commitment can help make the cancer journey a little lighter and leave a lasting, positive impact on the families you support. 

What you’ll be doing 

We hope to carry out regular events across the whole region. Your help will be invaluable in achieving this. Your tasks will include: 

• Helping to organise, co-ordinate and run events. 

• Communication with invitees and organisations involved in the planning and facilitation of events. 

• Attendance of events as a welcoming presence; helping people feel comfortable, supported, and gently connected to one another. 

• Working alongside social workers as a valued member of the team and reporting back to your volunteer manager. 

Be the Friendly Face That Makes Someone Feel Welcome

As a Hub Volunteer, you'll be one of the first people women and families meet when they visit our hub. Your warm welcome, friendly approach, and practical support will help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment from the moment they arrive.

If you're compassionate, enjoy connecting with people, and want to make a meaningful difference, this rewarding role offers the opportunity to positively impact the lives of women and families accessing our services every day.

What you will be doing

• Welcoming women and families as they arrive at the hub
• Helping visitors feel comfortable and explaining how the service works.
• Offering refreshments and creating a warm, friendly atmosphere
• Supporting women as they browse and select clothing, toiletries, toys, baby items, and other essentials.
• Packing donations and essential items to be sent to refuges and other services.
• Preparing and dispatching parcels through the post office when required.
• Liaising with drivers to organise the collection and delivery of items
• Helping keep the hub tidy, organised, and welcoming for all visitors
• Providing a positive and respectful experience for everyone accessing the service.

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.
• Passionate about supporting women and families.
• Comfortable interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Organised and willing to help with practical tasks
• Respectful of confidentiality and 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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

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

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

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

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

What's in it for you

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

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service.

As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

What's in it for you

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

Help us tell the stories that inspire communities and save lives.

Our Communications Officers are responsible for sharing the incredible work of North West First Responder Group with the public, volunteers, partners and supporters. From celebrating volunteer achievements to promoting fundraising campaigns and community events, you'll help ensure our message reaches the people who need to hear it.

If you're creative, passionate about social media and communications, and want to use your skills to support a life-saving charity, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do

As a Communications Officer, you may:

• Create engaging content for our social media platforms.
• Capture photos and videos at events and community activities.
• Write news articles, volunteer stories and website content.
• Design graphics and promotional materials using platforms such as Canva.
• Help manage and grow our online presence.
• Support marketing campaigns, fundraising appeals and awareness initiatives.
• Assist with media enquiries and press releases where required.
• Ensure our branding and communications remain professional and consistent.

You'll work closely with our Communications Team and wider charity to showcase the impact of our volunteers across the North West.

What we're looking for

We're looking for volunteers who are:

• Creative and enthusiastic with a passion for storytelling.
• Confident using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
• Able to write clear, engaging content for a variety of audiences.
• Organised, reliable and able to work independently.
• Comfortable attending events to capture content when available.
• Keen to contribute new ideas and help grow the charity's reach.

Previous communications or marketing experience is welcome but not essential. If you have enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to learn, we'll provide the support you need.

What you'll gain

By joining our Communications Team you'll receive:

• The opportunity to make a real impact by raising awareness of our work.
• Experience in charity communications, marketing and digital media.
• Opportunities to develop skills in content creation, branding and public engagement.
• Access to training and continuous professional development.
• A chance to build a portfolio of work while supporting a growing charity.
• Recognition as part of an enthusiastic and supportive volunteer team.

Every post you publish, every story you share, and every campaign you support helps us reach more people, recruit more volunteers, raise vital funds, and ultimately strengthen the communities we serve. Your creativity could help save lives.

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service. As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

What's in it for you

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