Social care volunteer roles

Volunteering Opportunity 

Kitchen Assistant – Day Care Centre 

What You’ll Do

Work alongside the chef to help prepare and serve food for older people attending the centre. You’ll assist with food prep, keeping the kitchen clean, and ensuring mealtimes run smoothly.

You will:

· Prepare ingredients (e.g. peel and chop vegetables)

· Help make tea and coffee trays

· Wash dishes and maintain hygiene standards

· Keep kitchen surfaces and equipment clean

· Organise supplies and groceries

· Interact respectfully with clients when appropriate

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Willingness to learn food prep tasks

· Understanding of food hygiene (training provided)

· Organised and detail-oriented

· Good communication and teamwork

· Reliable and committed

· Suitable for those with or without catering experience

Time Commitment

2–4 hours between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
(Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre 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!

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.

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  

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

The Organisation
Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network working towards one vision: a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family. We support the transformation of child protection and alternative care systems, shifting away from institutional care and strengthening families and communities to keep children safe.
The unique composition of our Foundation brings together our Key Assets teams in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and represents a network of over 1,000 foster care and child care practitioners. We combine this practical expertise with international advocacy and grant making through our MJF Global division to champion global care reform and support local organisations working to prevent family separation.

Structure
Our structure enables us to share and build on our collective experience, knowledge, practitioner skills, and proven best practice models as we continue to deliver innovative and quality services. Each organisation within the Martin James Foundation has its own strategy and mission of how it works towards our shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.
In addition, a set of shared strategic objectives enables us to achieve a greater combined impact. These objectives span a range of interventions that seek to support children, families and communities, as well as the structures and systems designed to protect them. Our work is informed and guided by the principles of the Guidelines of Alternative Care for Children, designed to enhance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Board
The Board of Trustees has strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that ambitious strategic goals are set and worked towards effectively. The Board of Trustees works in collaboration with the Executive team to make decisions on key issues, offering support and challenge on a range of matters. The Board of Trustees acts as a point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, for example any complaints or grievances, in line with agreed processes. The Board of Trustees also has legal oversight of the charity, including responsibility for ensuring that statutory and reporting requirements to the Charity Commission are met.

Board Statement of Values and Decision Making
Board Members embrace the entrepreneurial ethos of the Martin James Foundation. The Board is keen to take innovative approaches to delivering the Foundation’s work and commits to working collaboratively and effectively, as a collective decision-making body, to ensure the success of the charity. In doing so, board members commit to upholding the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Trustee
All Martin James Foundation Trustees contribute to the effective governance of the Foundation, through supporting the Board to make objective, long-term decisions on key issues in order to advance the charity’s mission and goals. Typically, such key issues will include: strategy, goal-setting, programme or project design, relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. government), public relations, finance, safeguarding, or any other legal matters. The Chair will hold the Board of Trustees and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. Each Trustee will support the Chair and Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.

Person Specification
1. A strong and visible passion and commitment to Martin James Foundation, its strategic objectives, values and cause
2. Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
3. Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. An understanding and experience of international issues and the challenges facing NGOs working internationally is desirable
4. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
5. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
6. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events.
7. Desirable: Broad knowledge and understanding of children’s protection and social care and current issues affecting it.
8. Desirable: Lived experience of foster care or other family-based care.
9. Essential: Expertise in charity law and regulations gained through operating as a legal professional for Not-For-Profit / Charitable organisations.

Commitment and Conduct
The average time commitment is approximately 1 day per month, encompassing the following activities:
• Attendance at four quarterly Board meetings including review of all relevant papers and policies in advance of meetings. Meetings are held remotely with one in person annual general meeting. Papers for these meetings are circulated one week in advance. Meetings will focus on new projects, annual report and accounts, and other strategic decisions.
• Occasional exceptional Board meetings may be convened as required and are held by video call.
• Attendance at four quarterly Finance, Risk and Audit sub-committee meetings. Additional Board Committees are under consideration to which new Trustees would be invited to join in accordance with relevant skill sets.
• Meetings with executive leadership team members in relation to specific policies and projects, linking to relevant skills and specialisms brought by Trustees.
• Optional monthly meetings with the Chief Executive.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions to the Board, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply. All Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be fully covered.

New Trustees will be provided with a structured induction and ongoing training and one-to-one support as appropriate.
As part of the appointment process, all Board members are required to adhere to the Martin James Foundation Code of Conduct and complete the Declaration of Eligibility and Interest form. The content of the Declaration of Interest form may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.