Social care volunteer roles

Join Our Board - Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join us at an exciting time of growth.

Merton's voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector is full of energy, ideas and people determined to make a difference. As the borough's infrastructure charity, Merton Connected sits right at the heart of it: connecting, supporting and championing the organisations that support local people every day.

Now we want you to help shape what comes next.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to inclusive community development. Whether this would be your first governance role or you've supported other boards before, what matters most is your perspective and your willingness to engage.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with insight or experience in:

• Charity management
• Public health, health and social care integration, or partnership working between statutory and VCS organisations
• Marketing and communications
• Digital and AI operations
• Income generation and fundraising
• Impact and performance measurement

We also warmly welcome applicants with diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong connection to Merton. There's no single profile we're looking for, and different viewpoints make us stronger.

What you'll be doing

As a trustee, you'll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You'll join a collaborative, supportive board that works closely with our leadership team to ensure Merton's voluntary, community and faith sector continues to thrive.

What you'll gain

• The chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people's lives
• Insight into how a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity works from the inside
• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your own strategic and leadership skills
• A place on a welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

The practical bit

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: A full induction is provided, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

We are actively seeking to expand our board and hope to make at least two trustee appointments over the next two months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may appoint additional trustees where their skills and experience complement the board.

Ready to find out more?

Please apply with your CV and a few screening questions

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 short term home visits, counselling sessions, practical & emotional one to one support, domestic violence groups, awareness raising workshops and drop in or chat groups to help women facing crisises or challenging situations.

Purpose

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator, you will play an important role in supporting group sessions and workshops. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable environment where everyone feels valued and able to participate.

Your responsibilities may include engaging with group members through conversation, welcoming participants as they arrive, and supporting the smooth running of sessions by helping with set-up and clear-up tasks. You may also assist with taking attendance at the start of each session.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

• Welcome participants and help create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment

What will make you a great fit for this role

• Able to demonstrate strong active listening skills and the ability to build rapport
• Able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and remain non-judgemental
• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Reliable and punctual

It's not essential, but you may also bring;

•  Previous experience working in group settings  

As a maintenance (handyman) volunteer at SeeAbility, you will support the facility in maintaining a safe, functional, and pleasant environment for people we support and our teams.

This position requires a reliable, skilled, and proactive individual who can carry out general maintenance tasks and assist with small repairs around the property. Your efforts will directly contribute to the well-being of the people we support and ensure that the home remains a comfortable and secure place for all.

Skills Required 

• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to the building and facilities, including but not limited to:  carpentry, painting, decorating and repairing

• Assist with the installation of furniture, fixtures, or equipment, ensuring they meet safety standards.

• Ensure that all tools and materials are properly maintained and stored safely.

• Help identify potential maintenance issues before they become problems.

• Report more complex repairs or safety concerns to the Facility Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.

• Support the care home during renovation or redecoration projects.

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to ensure the upkeep of the home.

• Would not be asked to carry out and electrical or plumping works

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring all tasks are completed with care and in compliance with regulations

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours

Benefits

Being a maintenance (handyman) volunteer provides a key service by helping to keep our homes in good condition. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others.

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Be the difference on your doorstep.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship, support and listening ear to people living in their local community, sometimes with serious, long-term or terminal illness who often struggle with loneliness.

By popping round for a cup of tea or a friendly chat once a week you can make a world of difference. You will be a good listener, kind and have a genuine interest in other people.

As a Compassionate Neighbour Volunteer you’ll not only gain new skills, confidence, and social networks; you’ll be making a difference in your local community.

Full training and support is provided. Training for our next intake will be held at the Hospice on the following dates:
Tuesday 15 September and Thursday 17 September 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm

If you are unable to attend the above dates, we have scheduled training dates for later on this year:
Saturdays 7 & 14 November 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm

About the Role:

We are looking for warm, reliable volunteers to join us as In-Home Befrienders. In this role, you will visit a residential home and spend quality time with people with sight loss, autism, and learning disabilities. Your presence will help create a friendly, relaxed environment where individuals feel valued and supported

The Difference You’ll Make:
Your time and presence can make a huge difference. For many people we support, a friendly chat, a shared laugh, or a simple activity can brighten their day and help reduce feelings of loneliness. You’ll be helping people feel valued, included, and connected, often turning an ordinary moment into something special and meaningful.

What You’ll Do:

• Share coffee, chats, and meaningful one-to-one or small group conversations
• Take part in activities such as crafts, games, and listening to music
• Offer companionship and emotional support
• Help create a positive and engaging atmosphere within the home

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, patient, and empathetic individuals
• A genuine interest in supporting people with additional needs
• Good communication and listening skills
• Reliability and a positive attitude
• Volunteers who live close to the volunteering location
• No previous experience required – full support will be provided

Requirements:

• Completion of a short online training programme
• A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• Provision of references

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• Opportunities to socialise and be part of a supportive team
• Valuable experience to enhance your CV and develop new skills
• The chance to make a real difference in someone’s day

A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.

Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.

Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?

· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client

· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?

· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?

· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?

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

Key Responsibilities:

· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model

· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way

· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this

· Assist service users to engage with formalised support

· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required

A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.

Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.

Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?

· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client at our Supported Accomodation - Oasis House

· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?

· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?

· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?

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

Key Responsibilities:

· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model

· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way

· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this

· Assist service users to engage with formalised support

· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required

Do you love social events?  Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support our team across Cardiff in organising events, activities, clubs and fundraising days!

If you would like to make a difference and make new friends along the way, we would love to hear from you! 
 
Activities will include 

• Attending and assisting with the logistics of events; this can include setting up, clearing down, selling raffle tickets and refreshments, directing traffic and helping the people we support enjoy the atmosphere of the day

• Helping to arrange and attend; friendship groups, coffee catch ups, creative craft sessions and much more 

• Offering ideas for fundraising or fun things to do! 

• Liaising with Dimensions Community Connections Officer

• Being there for company, friendship and fun to the people we support 

 
You will have the flexibity to choose activities that are of most interest to you. 

About you 
We are looking for someone who is: 

• Enthusiastic about volunteering 

• Organised and helpful

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism 

• Friendly, enthusiastic and interested in others

• Passionate about supporting people

• Reliable/dependable and willing to volunteer regularly

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer: 

Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities across the UK. 

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with: 

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses) 

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff 

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion 

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector 

Want to apply for this role? 

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!

Key Information

Frequency:1-2 hours per week 

Intended Commitment:~ 26 weeks (6 months)

Location:Various locations across Sandwell

Please note that applications to volunteer in this role will start to be reviewed week commencing 24th August; please allow until the end of August to be contacted.

The Role

• Meet regularly with an older person and help them identify a meaningful personal goal

• Break the goal into small, manageable weekly steps.

• Offer encouragement, companionship and practical support.

• Help them explore local groups, activities, transport or digital opportunities.

• Support them to become confident enough to continue independently when the volunteering relationship ends.

Examples of goals could include joining a community group, using public transport, learning to make video calls or reconnecting with a favourite activity.

Personal qualities and skills

• Friendly, patient and encouraging

• A good listener and communicator

• Reliable and able to attend regularly

• Comfortable helping someone work towards agreed goals

• Able to motivate and support without taking over

• Understanding of professional boundaries and promoting independence

• Confident with basic IT, email and online searches

A driving licence and access to a car may be required, depending on the person’s location and support needs.

Commitment/Details

• Frequency: 1–2 hours per week

• Commitment: Approximately six months

• Location: Across Sandwell

• Expenses: Travel expenses reimbursed

• DBS: Enhanced DBS check required and arranged by us

What you will gain

• See the direct difference your support makes

• Develop skills in goal setting, mentoring and active listening

• Receive full induction and role-specific training

• Make a meaningful impact through a defined, short-term commitment

• Training in subjects such as Befriending, Loneliness and Isolation, Making Every Contact Count (MECC), Goal Setting, and more.

Volunteering Opportunity 

Group Activities Mentor

What You’ll Do

Support a small group of older people aged 65+ to become more active and improve their wellbeing. You'll facilitate discussions, encourage participation, and help the group work towards shared goals during a 12-week programme.

You will:

· Support a group of up to 6 participants

· Help the group identify a shared wellbeing or physical activity goal

· Facilitate weekly group sessions

· Encourage participation and positive peer support

· Monitor progress towards agreed goals

· Introduce ideas and activities that support healthy ageing and wellbeing

· Maintain attendance and session records

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Group facilitation

· Communication and leadership

· Motivation and coaching skills

· Confidence managing group discussions

· Organisation and planning

· Problem-solving and teamwork

Time Commitment

Minimum 2 hours per week

Flexible weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm

Location: Community locations around Enfield

Reports to: Communities in Motion Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you a big football fan who enjoys playing football as well as watching it?

We are looking for volunteer football enthusiasts to both play football and enjoy talking all things football with someone with learning disabilities and or autism.  As a volunteer you will need to be able to volunteer for a couple of hours each week.

What does the role involve?

Our football volunteers will enjoy spending time having a kick about, perhaps watching a game on TV and perhaps having a post-match discussion. Trips to watch the odd live game would also be an enjoyable experience for the people we support.

Skills required: -

• To be kind, empathetic and friendly

• To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

• Good communication skills

• Positive & supporting attitude

• To be punctual and reliable

• Commitment to inclusion

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

• Becoming one of our football volunteers will provide opportunities for those we support to increase their confidence, boost their mood and keep fit. 

• Training and ongoing support from SeeAbility staff.

• The chance to develop new skills in accessible communication and inclusive practice.

• Being part of a warm, welcoming community that values every individual.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.

• This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. Being a football volunteer is a great way to get out and about, exercise, and help others

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Join AkiOke and gain hands-on experience in community engagement while helping young adults with learning difficulties access inclusive music sessions.

AkiOke is a welcoming music club for young adults (18–30) with learning difficulties. Our sessions help build confidence, friendships and wellbeing through singing and music in a supportive environment.

 What you’ll be doing

This role is about helping AkiOke grow by reaching the right people:

• Research local SEND groups, organisations and attend events
• Help us connect with services such as Mencap, day centres and supported living providers
• Share information about AkiOke with local networks
• Support simple outreach activities (emails, messages, introductions)
• Identify opportunities to promote the club in the community

What’s in it for you

 Real experience in community outreach and engagement
 Insight into the SEND and charity sector
 Strong experience for CVs (especially social care, community work, psychology, or charity roles)
 Opportunity to build communication and networking skills
 Flexible, manageable commitment
A chance to make a genuine impact on people’s lives

 Location & time

• Based in Bromley (Remote & local engagement)
• Flexible hours (2 hours per week)

• Who does this role suit?
• Students or anyone interested in community work, social care or the charity sector
• Friendly, proactive and organised individuals
• Someone confident in researching and reaching out to people
• No formal experience needed — just enthusiasm and reliability

 Why it matters

Your role will help more young adults find a safe, supportive space where they can build confidence, make friends and enjoy music.

Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.

Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.

You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid). 

Why you'll love it:

• You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
• You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project. 
• You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
• You will develop communication and public speaking skills
• You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing. 

If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

 The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

 What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Carry out basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and reliable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.
• Applicants must live near the volunteering location.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. In 2024 we  celebrated our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.