Social care volunteer roles

Enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Confident working with young people between the ages of 16 - 24.

To provide social and practical support to customers. Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness.

Clarion Housing Group operate a number of supported housing schemes, to support people to live independently, by providing residents with the life skills they will need to eventually go on to their own tenancy.

This opportunity is based in Strood, Rochester and Gillingham (Medway).

Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.

Activities:
-Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
-Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.

Practical activities could also include:
-Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
-Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
-Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
-Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking

Support for Volunteers:

- To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training

- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

- Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

Do you have a passion for knitting and would like to share your skills with others? We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Knitting Volunteer to facilitate an Online Knitting group. Knitting is good way to relieve stress, increase confidence and create a sense of purpose.

We are looking for a volunteer to facilitate our online sessions on an adhoc basis and be available on Tuesdays between 12 and 1pm.

What you will be doing

• Supporting others to improve their knitting and crochet skills and adhere to all abilities
• Facilitate a fun and enjoyable interactive online group
• Maintain strict confidentiality and good working relationships

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal & communication skills to give instructions clearly to service user
• Kind and patient nature
• Interest and experience in knitting and Crochet
• Helpful and motivating attitude with a supportive 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.

Are you a fluent Sylheti speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships, and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills. We are looking for a face-to-face volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour per week who is available between hours 11am – 2.30pm Monday-Friday!

What you will be doing

• To support individuals who are not confident with spoken English to develop their reading, writing and conversational skills through one-to-one sessions.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties
• Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.
• Support with preparing for the “Live in the UK Citizenship Test”

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Sylheti and English

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.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

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.

Are you a fluent Farsi speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships, and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills. We are looking for a face-to-face volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour per week who is available between hours 11am – 2.30pm Monday-Friday!

What you will be doing

• To support individuals who are not confident with spoken English to develop their reading, writing and conversational skills through one-to-one sessions.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties
• Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Farsi and English

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.

Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.

Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.

What you will be doing

• Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
• Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
• Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
• Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
• Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
• Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
• Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

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.

Are you a fluent Urdu speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships, and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills. We are looking for a face-to-face volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour per week who is available between hours 11am – 2.30pm Monday-Friday!

What you will be doing

• To support individuals who are not confident with spoken English to develop their reading, writing and conversational skills through one-to-one sessions.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties
• Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.
• Support with preparing for the “Live in the UK Citizenship Test”

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Urdu and English

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.

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you!

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• 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 volunteer, you will meet a wide variety of people with unique backgrounds and personal stories to share. You will discover new talents and skills you didn’t even know you had. Most importantly, you will build lasting connections and make new friends who share your passion for helping others!

Volunteers help in many ways, from making drinks and providing much-needed one-to-one attention for clients, to supporting outings, maintaining our building, assisting carer groups, and running fundraising events or campaigns. Each volunteer’s contribution plays a crucial role in supporting our work.

You will join the Headway Black Country team and work alongside dedicated individuals who make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

We prefer volunteers to commit for at least six months, with a minimum of one half-day per week. This ensures you can make a meaningful and lasting impact while fitting the role into your schedule.

Social Media Volunteer (South London)

This is an excellent volunteering opportunity for somebody who wants to enhance and develop their digital and social media skills whilst helping animals in need.

Overview of opportunity

As a volunteer Social Media Volunteer, you would play a massive part in ensuring that our branches activities are promoted online whilst creating a positive public profile on social media. You would play a significant role in gaining more awareness and support for animal welfare and helping us come to the aid of more animals in need.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA South London Branch

The South London Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Volunteer Social Media Coordinator responsibilities

• Researching potential influencers, community groups, and online accounts that align with the branch’s mission and values.
• Identifying opportunities for collaboration or content sharing to strengthen the branch’s online presence and support base.
• Monitoring social media trends and gathering examples of engaging content that could highlight the branch in a positive light.
• Tracking audience feedback and online conversations to provide insights that help shape the branch’s outreach strategy.
• Potential to maintain the branch’s Instagram / other social media platforms and respond appropriately to online comments and feedback

What we are looking for in a volunteer Social Media Coordinator

• Experience of using social media and awareness of its potential as well as its dangers.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• An interest in animal welfare.
• Reliability and can offer an ongoing commitment

What we can offer you as a volunteer Social Media Coordinator

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your local area and attracting more support.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the South London Branch.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Role Description: 

This role sits within our new Coproduction and Transformation Project

The role of the Co-Production Volunteer is central to the success of the Co-Production and Transformation and Engagement Project. Volunteers bring lived experience, local knowledge, and critical perspectives to support the redesign of mental health services, so they are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in the real needs of those who use them.

This role exists to ensure that service users, carers, and community members have a meaningful voice in shaping decisions that affect care delivery. Volunteers will work alongside professionals, clinical teams, and other stakeholders to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, highlight strengths, and co-create improvements. Whether drawing from personal experiences of mental health challenges, supporting someone through the system, or working in the community, volunteers act as equal partners in transformation. They help build bridges between professionals and service users, promote accountability, and encourage a culture of openness and innovation.

Through structured engagement such as workshops, advisory groups, feedback panels, and co-design activities, the Co-Production Volunteers will contribute to the long-term sustainability and responsiveness of mental health services. Their insights help ensure that care is not only clinically effective but also emotionally safe, culturally sensitive, and aligned with what matters most to the people it serves.

Main Tasks

· Attend monthly co-production workshops, steering groups, or feedback sessions

· Share personal and/or collective experiences to inform service transformation

· Provide administrative support- send and respond to emails, input information on our database

· Review materials and provide feedback (e.g., policies, pathways, information leaflets)

· Participate in recruitment panels, focus groups, and pilot testing where appropriate

· Help create accessible, inclusive spaces that welcome diverse voices

· Promote equality, dignity, and psychological safety within meetings

· Support evaluation activities and co-authoring of reports or recommendations

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

We are looking for someone who:

· Has lived experience of mental health challenges

· Good communicator

· Passionate about improving NHS West London Mental Health services

· Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual 

· Lived experience of mental health services (personal or as a carer/family member/community member)

· A commitment to improving mental health care and reducing stigma

· Willingness to share personal insights in a respectful and constructive way

· Openness to listen and engage with others from diverse backgrounds

· Ability to attend meetings and participate reliably (online or in person)

· Basic communication and interpersonal skills (speaking, listening, expressing views)

· Comfortable working as part of a group, including with professionals and other volunteers

· Respect for confidentiality and group boundaries

· Ability to reflect, ask questions, and provide feedback on ideas, documents or processes

· Interest in learning about co-production, service transformation or health improvement

· Respect for inclusion, anti-discrimination, and safeguarding practices

· Willingness to learn digital tools (such as Zoom or MS Teams) with support if needed

· An understanding of the local community context and the challenges people may face accessing care

Those from or have an interest in:

• Black and Minority Ethnic Communities
• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Disability
• Employment, Education and Training
• Health and Social Care
• Homeless and Housing

What's in it for the Coproduction Volunteer? 

Joining our Service User Network is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognized charity, whilst supporting positive changes within the NHS West London Trust. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organization. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector. 

NAPAC are looking for someone who is empathetic and resilient with a real passion for supporting people through their healing journey to join our friendly team in Stockport.

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. Many adults with a history of childhood abuse continue to suffer – from post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, depression, and other issues. It doesn’t have to be this way – this is the chance for you to change someone’s life for the better.

As a volunteer support line Call Handler, you will be a key member of our dedicated team, providing emotional support and a safe environment for callers with a wide range of complex issues.

NAPAC offers full training and hands-on support for call handlers with every call they receive. Volunteers will receive a 5-week training course (4x3 hour sessions plus a shadowing week) Volunteer recruitment is ongoing with courses running every couple of months. Here you will receive specialist trauma-informed training and be fully equipped with the skills you need to feel confident in supporting survivors. You will use these skills to explore issues relating to childhood abuse and it how it effects adulthood and signpost callers to relevant resources and services that can provide more in-depth support. Calls are caller-led, and you will be there to empower each caller to take back control in their lives.

Volunteers are also invited to attend our twice-yearly training days where we host guest speakers from other relevant organisations.

The Independent Visitors programme provides every child and young person in care the offer of a regular befriender to provide consistent support, to listen to their thoughts and feelings, and to take part in a range of activities/trips together.

The Early Help Service is looking for volunteers who are passionate about supporting children in care, and can communicate effectively and confidently with young people.

This role involves:

• Attending an initial matching meeting with a young person
• Committing to 18 months of befriending with a child or young person
• Meeting a young person every 2-3 weeks
• Taking part in activities with a child or young person
• Acting in the best interests of a child or young person

Please note that you must be based in the UK to undertake this role.

NAPAC are looking for someone who is empathetic and resilient with a real passion for supporting people through their healing journey to join our friendly team in Stockport.

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. Many adults with a history of childhood abuse continue to suffer – from post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, depression, and other issues. It doesn’t have to be this way – this is the chance for you to change someone’s life for the better.

As a volunteer support line Call Handler, you will be a key member of our dedicated team, providing emotional support and a safe environment for callers with a wide range of complex issues.

NAPAC offers full training and hands-on support for call handlers with every call they receive. Volunteers will receive a 5-week training course (4x3 hour sessions plus a shadowing week) Volunteer recruitment is ongoing with courses running every couple of months. Here you will receive specialist trauma-informed training and be fully equipped with the skills you need to feel confident in supporting survivors. You will use these skills to explore issues relating to childhood abuse and it how it effects adulthood and signpost callers to relevant resources and services that can provide more in-depth support. Calls are caller-led, and you will be there to empower each caller to take back control in their lives.

Volunteers are also invited to attend our twice-yearly training days where we host guest speakers from other relevant organisations.