Social care volunteer roles

Want to make a difference to your local community?

Become a Trustee of Ruils & be the change you want to see!

Ruils Independent Living is a local charity that supports Disabled children and adults to live independent lives.

We are a small charity with a BIG vision and are looking for new Trustees to help us to remove the barriers Disabled people face. As a user-led charity, we are particularly looking for people with lived experience of Disability, people who have experience of the health & social care system and/or a parent/carer of a Disabled young person. We would also welcome someone with experience in HR and Law.

No prior trustee experience is required, we can provide training and mentoring. All you need is enthusiasm, a desire to learn and time to commit to the work of Ruils.

All trustees will receive a full Induction and training is available. Travel expenses are also covered.

We currently have hybrid meetings and 6 full board meetings per year with the expectation that each Trustee attends one subcommittee every other month.

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer, provide us with financial strategic direction and help us maintain our long-term sustainability

Working closely with our Chair and Chief Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

• Guiding and advising the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

• Chairing the Board’s Finance Sub-Committee

• Reviewing the quarterly and year end accounts produced by our Administrator

• Presenting the year end accounts at the Annual General Meeting

• Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s resources

• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, but you’ll need to:

• have recognised professional financial qualifications or experience

• ideally, have some knowledge or experience of charity finances

• be familiar with Quickbooks accounting systems and spreadsheets

• have the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way

• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations

• work effectively as part of a team

• have the time and flexibility to respond to the demands of the charity

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality, equality and data protection

• represent Citizens Advice professionally at all times

Please note that while a large part of the role can be performed remotely, in-person attendance is expected for the board and trustee meetings.

If you are interested in joining our successful and expanding service, as we continue to meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you. 

Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our befriending volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us-, Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Our Big Buddies support young people, aged 10-18, for a few hours each week over a period of up to 12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths and build confidence.

Support may look like:

• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear 
• Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!

Essential Criteria:

• Can commit to the Big Buddies programme for a minimum of 6 months
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Full DBS check
• Support and supervision
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us by contacting us here for an online application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

Role Overview

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate volunteers to join our new monthly drop in group in that take place in Redbridge Sports & Leisure, Forest Road, Barkingside, Ilford Essex, IG63HD, every 3rd Thursday of the month 10.30-12.30 starting on 20th November.

This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience. Is perfect for SLT students, retired health professionals and individuals looking at becoming speech and language therapists.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable but not essential (training will be given)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Role  Overview
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our new drop in group in Herford that take place on 2nd Thursday of month, 10:30-12:30. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

This role is perfect for retired healthcare or student healthcare professionals or trainee speech and language students.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Solihull Council is seeking a Chair of the Chelmsley Wood Neighbourhood Board to lead the delivery of the Pride In Place Programme in the area. This is an important opportunity to play a central part in shaping long-term improvements in the community, supported by £20 million government investment over the next 10 years.

Our ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about Chelmsley Wood and wants to help make positive, lasting change for the community.

LONELINESS AWARENESS LEAD (VOLUNTEER)

Raise Awareness, Tell Human Stories & Help SUNSHINE Change the Way London Understands Loneliness

About SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE is a small but ambitious grassroots charity on a mission to reduce loneliness and help people feel truly seen, valued and connected. Every week, our volunteers bring warmth, joy and human connection to people who feel isolated, overlooked or alone.

We’re now looking for a Loneliness Awareness Lead — someone who can help us shine a light on the realities of loneliness, share the stories of the people we support (with dignity and care), and spread SUNSHINE’s message of hope across London and beyond.

Your work will help people understand that loneliness is not a personal failure — it’s a human experience. Your storytelling will help people feel less ashamed, less invisible, and more connected. Your leadership will help SUNSHINE reach the people who need us most.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Raising Awareness of Loneliness Across London

• Lead campaigns that highlight the emotional, social and practical realities of loneliness.

• Share insights, facts and stories that help the public understand the issue with compassion.

• Help shift the narrative from stigma to empathy, from silence to connection.

2. Telling the Stories of the People We Support

• Work with participants (with full consent and care) to share their experiences.

• Create warm, respectful, human‑centred stories that honour their courage.

• Show the impact SUNSHINE has on confidence, wellbeing and connection.

3. Creating Content That Spreads SUNSHINE’s Message

• Develop blogs, interviews, social posts, short films or written stories.

• Work with our Creative Volunteers to bring stories to life visually.

• Help build a public voice that feels hopeful, inclusive and emotionally resonant.

4. Building Relationships With Media & Community Platforms

• Identify opportunities to share SUNSHINE’s work through local press, podcasts, newsletters and community networks.

• Represent SUNSHINE with warmth, clarity and movement‑energy.

• Help us become a recognised voice in the loneliness and wellbeing space.

5. Supporting SUNSHINE’s Growth & Impact

• Ensure our messaging reflects the lived experiences of the people we serve.

• Help shape campaigns that inspire volunteers, partners and supporters.

• Strengthen SUNSHINE’s presence across London as we grow.

This Role Is for You If…

• You’re a natural storyteller who cares deeply about people.

• You want to help change the way society understands loneliness.

• You’re empathetic, thoughtful and able to hold stories with care.

• You enjoy writing, interviewing, content creation or awareness‑raising.

• You’re based in or connected to London.

• You want to help build a new charity from the ground up.

• You want to grow your skills in communications, advocacy or community engagement.

Practical Details

• Location: Hybrid/Flexible — remote with occasional London meetups.

• Time: Approx. 3-5 Hours per week (This is a fully flexible volunteer role with no set hours)

Why This Role Matters

Loneliness is often hidden. People carry it quietly — in their homes, on the bus, at work, in crowded streets. Your work will help bring these stories into the light with dignity and compassion.

Every story you share will help someone feel less alone. Every campaign you lead will help someone understand they are not the only one. Every message you craft will help SUNSHINE reach people who need connection, hope and community.

This is not just awareness work. It’s storytelling that heals. It’s advocacy that empowers. It’s connection — shared with the whole city.

How to Apply

Send a CV and a short note about why this role speaks to you. We review applications on a rolling basis — join us and help spread SUNSHINE across London.

Role Overview
Are you a retired health professional or a SLT students, or looking at retraining to become a speech and language therapist... Read on!!

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our new drop in group in Hemel Hempstead that takes place on 1st monday of the month from 11am to 1pm. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

The Refuge Admin Support Worker Volunteer supports the daily running of our Bexley Refuges by helping women and families access activities, appointments, and resources.

You’ll assist with admin tasks, run or support group activities and house meetings, make contact calls, keep records updated, and help with in-house and external activities.

The role suits someone proactive, friendly, organised, and confident with IT, with an understanding of domestic abuse. Experience with children or groups is a bonus.

Volunteers gain experience in the VAWG sector, access training and supervision, and play a key role in supporting women on their recovery journey.

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. 

St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care.

Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. 

Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. 

Our Badger are children aged 5-10 years of age and the Cadets are 11 – 17

If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch. 

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. 

Must be able to attend meetings and attend courses when they become available

The closing date for this advert will be 03/04/2026

Interview - dates and time, locations to be advised

Join Us as a Trustee or Treasurer Trustee at Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough

Are you passionate about improving the lives of older people in our communities?
Do you have skills, experience, and enthusiasm to help guide a well‑established and growing local charity?

Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough (Age UKCAP) are seeking new Trustees, including a dedicated Treasurer, to join our Board.

We are the largest local charity supporting older people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, delivering vital services that reduce loneliness, support independence, and improve quality of life. As demand for our work continues to grow, strong strategic leadership has never been more important.

Why Become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee is an extremely rewarding opportunity to use your experience for social good. As a Trustee with Age UKCAP you will:

• Shape the strategic direction of a respected local charity
• Support the wellbeing of older people across the region
• Gain Board-level experience
• Join a friendly, committed, and values‑driven team
• Help ensure our charity remains sustainable, effective, and innovative

 Who We’re Looking For: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and sectors. In particular, we are keen to hear from people with:

General Trustee Skills

• Knowledge or interest in health, social care, voluntary sector services, or community support
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• A passion for improving older people’s lives

Specialist Skills (for the Treasurer Role)

In addition to the above, our Treasurer Trustee will bring:

• Strong financial management experience
• Understanding of charity finance, risk, and governance
• Ability to oversee budgets, financial reporting, and audit activity
• A collaborative approach, working closely with our CEO and Finance Team

(You do not need to be a qualified accountant, though this would be an advantage.)

Time Commitment

Approximately 8 meetings per year, plus occasional strategic or sub‑group sessions.
Trusteeships are voluntary roles, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

How to Apply

If you would like to make a meaningful difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.

For more information or to express your interest, please contact our Executive Assistant

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. 

St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care.

Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. 

Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. 

Badger Sett Helper, working with children aged from 5 years to 10 years old

If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch. 

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. 

Must be able to attend meetings and attend courses when they become available

The closing date for this advert will be 03/04/2026

Interview - dates and time, locations to be advised

Do you have a calm and friendly dog?  
 
Would you enjoy some company on your walks?   
 
We are looking for a volunteer dog walking buddy in Bournemouth who would like to share their time (and dog!) with a pet loving gentleman we support.   

“Hi – I live in Christchurch and I am supported by Dimensions. I am looking for a friendly volunteer who has a dog that I can help walk”  

Activities will include:  

• Arranging with your buddy to go for a walk together with your dog  (a support worker will always be present) 

• Chatting and getting to know your buddy  

• Doggy cuddles!  

• Providing friendship and fun     

We’re looking for someone who is:  

• A dog owner with a calm but loveable dog!  

• Friendly, reliable and a good listener  

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism   

• Willing to commit to volunteer on a regular basis (exact times and days can be discussed)  

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  

Join Richmond Foundation as a Trustee and help shape a fairer, healthier future for our community.

Richmond Foundation is a long-established local charity with a proud history of supporting residents through grant-making, property management, and community initiatives. We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and contribute to our vision: Everyone in Richmond has opportunities to build healthy and fulfilling lives.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, agility, and ambition.

Our goal is to recruit people from a wide range of backgrounds, with different expertise, experience and knowledge. We want to make our committees more diverse and representative of the groups and people we support. You can read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our website.

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to support applicants at any stage. We will provide a buddy system for new trustees.

We are looking to recruit trustees who have experience and knowledge in one of the following areas:

• Charity Finance and Investment
• Our Grant Priorities
• Residential Property

We are also interested in expertise in:

• Safeguarding
• Social Housing
• Grantmaking (particularly within larger foundations)
• Managing grants from a range of funders
• Data and evidence
• Evaluation and impact reporting
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Communications and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Human Resources (HR)

As a Trustee, you will:

• Uphold Richmond Foundation’s vision, mission, objectives, and values.
• Provide strategic oversight and governance for the charity.
• Act in the charity’s best interests and manage resources responsibly.
• Attend at least four Board meetings per year (3 hours each) and join at least one committee (further 4 meetings per year 90 mins to 2 hours each).
• Prepare for meetings by reading all relevant documentation and reviewing minutes.
• Attend relevant training and at least one event hosted by a grant-funded organisation annually.
• Serve a four-year term, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two-year term.
• Champion high standards of conduct, including respect, inclusivity, accountability, honesty, and confidentiality.
• Declare and manage any conflicts of interest.
• Act in accordance with our Trustee Code of Conduct
• Support safeguarding and ensure the charity is accountable and compliant with its governing documents.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not be disqualified under the Charities Act (including being disqualified as a company director, having unspent convictions for offences involving dishonesty or deception, being an undischarged bankrupt, having been removed as a trustee by the Charity Commission or a court, or being on the sex offenders’ register).
• Be willing to sign a declaration of eligibility upon appointment and annually thereafter.

How to Apply

If you are interested in making a difference in Richmond and can contribute your time and expertise to help us deliver our charitable objectives, we would love to hear from you.

Full details, person specification and requirements, and application instructions are available in the Trustee Recruitment pack.

The application deadline is 10:00am on Monday 13 April 2026

Richmond Foundation are hosting a Webinar and Q+A for interested applicants on 18 March 2026. This will be an opportunity to learn more from our CEO, Chair and Trustees and ask questions. Details can be found on our website.

Interviews: Scheduled in May/June 2026

Term Commences: September 2026