Social support work volunteer roles

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

Queen's Park Trust aims to support as many residents as possible in or near to Queen's Park Westminster. In order to do this, we need to use multiple methods for reaching residents and promoting the Trust in a postive way. This role would involve working as a team within our committee, accountable to the Chair of the Board and Trustees but would also need to work within a sub-team with the Resident Engagement Officer, EDI Officer, Social Media Manager and CEO. Someone with initiative, enthusiasm and drive would be ideal!

Promote QPT on social media, posting stories and gaining followers.

We are a Manchester based dementia support charity, looking to recruit a team of Volunteer Minibus Escorts, to accompany our drivers onboard our two Together Dementia Support minibuses - helping to pick-up and drop-off our service users before and after groups.

Drivers and Escorts are a key part of our service user experience – you’ll be their first and last contact with Together Dementia Support each week, so we rely on our escorst  provide a to be positive, supportive and enjoyable experience.

Volunteer Escorts will board the minibus with our drivers in the morning (at the Kath Locke Centre, M15 5DD) ready to pick service users up and transport them to the group, which will run for 2 hours. Depending on your availability, once the group has ended there is an option to finish your volunteering shift, or support members on the minibus for the return journey – finishing back at the Kath Locke Centre. We may also ask you to begin your volunteering shift at the group, and then support on the return journey.

You’ll be responsible for our service users boarding and disembark the minibus safely, and engaging with them throughout the journey. You also be expected to stay in good contact with our service users and carers around pick-up times, delays or issues. You’ll also stay in good contact with our office and the group Dementia Support Co-ordinator around any issues or problems.

All volunteers are also expected to adhere to the following Together Dementia Support policies – Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality Diversity & Inclusion, and any other policies deemed relevant.

Minibus Escorts will recieve comprehensive Induction Training, and Moving & Handling Training. You will also have to understake a DBS Check, which we cover the cost for.

Perks & benefits:

• Travel expeneses covered
• On site, free parking available
• All training provided - no experience necessary
• Great experience of working within a health and social care environment
• Opportunity to learn more about dementia, and how it affects those living with the condition
• Opportunity to join a diverse volunteering community, and support local people living with dementia to live better

Benefits:

• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• On-site parking

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.

Location: Remote 
Type: Freelance with potential to grow

We are looking for a creative and strategic Social Media Manager to join our team and support the growth of an exciting lifestyle and wellness brand. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in building and managing the digital presence of a brand that blends health, wellness, community, and lifestyle.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement a results-driven social media strategy across platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest)

• Create engaging, on-brand content (graphics, captions, reels, stories) to drive awareness, engagement, and conversions

• Manage content calendars, ensuring consistent posting and alignment with campaigns

• Monitor analytics and deliver insights to continuously improve performance

• Engage with the community — responding to comments, messages, and building relationships with followers and influencers

• Stay up to date with trends in wellness, lifestyle, and digital media to keep the brand relevant and ahead of the curve

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in social media management (agency or brand side)

• Strong understanding of wellness, lifestyle, and community-driven content

• Proficiency with tools such as Canva, Meta Business Suite, Later/Buffer, or similar

• Excellent copywriting skills and a good eye for design and brand storytelling

• Ability to analyse metrics and translate them into actionable strategies

• Creative thinker, highly organised, and able to work independently

Nice to Have

• Experience with influencer outreach and partnerships

• Paid ads management (Meta, TikTok, Google)

• Interest in health, wellness, or lifestyle sectors

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a dynamic team at an exciting time of growth, with the chance to make a real impact in shaping the voice and presence of a wellness brand that is gaining traction in both the UK and US markets. This is not just about managing social media — it’s about being part of a mission-driven movement that inspires healthier, more abundant living.

Note : This is a voluntary position for women only under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010), Schedule 9, Part 1. Such positive recruitment action is justified whenever it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 39 charity shops across London. Our FARA Fulham shop is looking for a creative and enthusiastic Social Media Instagram Volunteer to help us keep our Instagram content fresh, engaging, and up to date.

By volunteering with us, you’ll directly support our mission, help promote reuse through donation and recycling, and contribute to a positive experience for our customers and online community.

The Role:

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Creating Instagram content, including posts and stories
• Capturing photos and videos that highlight our activities, updates, and events
• Showcasing donation appeals in a clear and appealing way
• Helping maintain a consistent and on-brand social media presence
• Monitoring basic engagement (likes, comments, and shares)
• Greeting and assisting customers when required

The Volunteer:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Knowledge of using Instagram and current social media trends
• Is creative, visually focused, and confident taking photos or short videos
• Is friendly, approachable, enthusiastic, and able to communicate our mission online
• Is reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Has experience in social media content creation is a bonus, but not essential

What’s in it for You?

At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming and collaborative teams. You’ll gain hands-on experience in social media content creation while working alongside supportive colleagues. Full training is provided, and we offer a positive, inclusive, and safe volunteering environment.

Your Time:

Our shop operates from 10:00 to 18:00, and we’re looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours either in the morning or afternoon, whenever you are available in arrangement with the shop manager.

FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Stafford.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Derby.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

Lightup Impact

We equip and fund youth grassroots leaders in East Africa to scale community-led solutions.

Social Media Manager - Volunteer Support

Role Description Join Lightup Impact as a volunteer and be part of a passionate team driving real change for young people and women across East Africa — where your creativity, voice, and ideas truly matter!

What you’ll do:

• Manage Lightup Impact’s social media platforms and create engaging content.
• Work closely with communications team, especially designers.
• Improve and update content strategy.
• Ensure that content is posted timely on all channels.
• Strengthen overall social media visibility and engagement.

Skills we’re looking for:

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience in social media management. 
• Experience in content creation for linkedin, instagram, facebook and twitter.
• Strong organization, project management and collaborative skills.
• Willingness to learn and a can-do changemaker attitude.

What you’ll gain:

• Be part of a creative, dynamic team.
• Contribute to positive change for young people and women across East Africa.
• Exposure to startup and impact-driven environments.
• Opportunity to network, develop new skills, and strengthen your professional profile.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Volunteering Opportunity

Administration Assistant

What You’ll Do

Support the Age UK Enfield team with general admin tasks that help our services run smoothly. You’ll help with email communication, data entry, and other simple office duties.

You will:

· Help respond to and send emails from shared inboxes (with support and supervision)

· Input volunteer, client, or service data into our CRM system (training provided)

· Update spreadsheets, mailing lists or booking systems

· Support with printing, scanning or filing where needed

· Maintain confidentiality and accuracy when handling information

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Basic IT and email skills (Outlook, Microsoft Office)

· Attention to detail and a methodical approach

· Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team

· Good written communication

Time Commitment

Flexible – ideally one regular half-day or full day per week
Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm

Location: Age UK Enfield office or remote
Reports to: Relevant team lead or manager, depending on the area of support

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 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!

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

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

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

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

What you’ll be doing 

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

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

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

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

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

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 passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Rugeley.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process