Social support work volunteer roles

Chair of Trustees – Hackney Playbus

Are you passionate about giving every child the best start in life?

Hackney Playbus has supported children and families across Hackney for more than 50 years through free, inclusive play sessions, family support and community outreach. We are now looking for an inspiring and collaborative Chair of Trustees to help lead the organisation into its next chapter.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside an experienced Board and Co-Directors to shape the strategic direction of a well-established local charity with a strong reputation and growing ambition.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, thoughtful decision-making and a clear focus on our charitable mission. You will support and challenge the Co-Directors, help build an engaged and diverse Board, and act as an ambassador for Hackney Playbus with partners, funders and the wider community.

We’re looking for someone with strategic leadership experience, excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. Previous Chair experience is welcome but not essential; we’d also love to hear from people with senior leadership, governance or committee experience who are ready to take on their first Chair role.

This is a voluntary position requiring approximately 1–2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, regular meetings with the Co-Directors and occasional attendance at events and partnership meetings.

Alongside recruiting our new Chair, we are also seeking trustees with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation
• Corporate partnerships and employee volunteering
• Communications and marketing
• Advocacy and influencing

By joining Hackney Playbus, you’ll help ensure that children can play, families feel supported, and communities continue to thrive.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences and are particularly keen to hear from people who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs. 

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Creating content for, promoting and moderating group social media channels 
• Writing and editing newsletters and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines 
• Updating group information resources 
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability   
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work 
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack 
• You’ll have an induction to your role 
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager 
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities 
• You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses while carrying out your role 

Could your fundraising expertise help save lives?

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is looking for a Trustee with senior fundraising, supporter engagement and income generation experience to join our Board.

This voluntary role is an opportunity to use your expertise to help shape the future of a life-saving charity. As a Trustee, you'll provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and specialist governance, helping to ensure we can continue delivering critical care to people across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

You won't be involved in delivering fundraising activity day to day. Instead, you'll work alongside fellow Trustees to scrutinise strategy, monitor performance, oversee risk and ensure our fundraising remains ethical, effective and aligned with our mission.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with senior experience in fundraising, development, external engagement or income generation within the charity, social enterprise, public benefit or purpose-led sectors.

You will bring experience in:

· Fundraising strategy and income diversification

· Donor stewardship, supporter journeys and campaign planning

· Fundraising governance, compliance and ethical practice

· Board-level thinking, constructive challenge and sound judgement

· Building relationships and acting as an ambassador for a mission-led organisation

You will also share our mission, values, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Time commitment

The Board meets at least four times a year, plus a strategy day. Trustees are encouraged to sit on two Board Committees, with additional contact usually taking place by email, telephone or Microsoft Teams.

Interested?

If you are passionate about using your fundraising expertise to make a meaningful difference, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 28th August 2026

Our Gardener Volunteers support our homes by helping to maintain their outdoor spaces through weeding, pruning and planting, so that the people we support can enjoy spending time in a beautiful environment. 

We are currently looking for volunteer gardeners for one of our services, who can support with the following tasks:

• Create planters

• Provide general maintenance of our gardens

• Watering, planting, weeding and pruning

• Maintaining flower beds

• Creating/improving/maintaining our sensory garden spaces

Skills required 

In order to become one of our gardener volunteers you will be:

• Knowledgeable about plants

• Confident using gardening equipment

• Punctual and reliable

• Friendly and approachable.

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

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Gardening is a great way to get out and about, stay fit and meet new people.

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.

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.

Job title: Social Media & Communications Intern / Events & Fundraising Intern

Contract: 3-6 months or longer

Location: Croydon, South London

Salary: Volunteer - expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Expenses Policy

 About African Child Trust (ACT)

ACT is a growing international development charity with a Christian ethos, dedicated to educating disadvantaged children and empowering widows in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1998, we’ve supported children from primary school through to university and equipped widows with income-generating skills to sustain their families. Working with our local partners, we implement projects in education, livelihoods, sanitation, and health across eight African countries: Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Internship Opportunities

We are looking for outgoing and self-motivated individuals who will fit easily into our team and are passionate about making a difference in the world. These roles are ideal for graduates wanting to gain experience in the international development and charity sectors. Gap year opportunities for students and current undergraduates will be considered.

The two roles available are:

▪ Social Media & Communications

▪ Events & Fundraising

These internships are ideal for at least three to six months or longer, to obtain the full benefit of your experience.

Please note that internships at ACT are voluntary. However, we will reimburse reasonable expenses in line with our expenses policy.

Qualities and attributes

Social Media & Communications

The ideal candidates will:

● Have excellent written communication skills;

● Be creative and inventive, and confident in putting forward and discussing new ideas;

● Have an eye for graphics and visual design;

● Have previous experience in social media; and

● Have a desire both to learn and to contribute to our work.

Events & Fundraising

The ideal candidates will:

● Have experience using Office suite (primarily Word and Excel);

● Exhibit strong research skills;

● Be highly organised and able to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively;

● Be proactive with a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills; and

● Have passion and empathy for the ethos of ACT.

Key responsibilities

Social Media & Communications

● Writing high-quality blogs and news articles and carrying out related research.

● Using Canva to create graphics for social media and scheduling posts via Buffer.

● Actively engaging with online supporters and followers.

● Promoting ACT’s events via social media platforms (Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn).

● Engaging with social media analytics and adapting social media presence accordingly.

Events & Fundraising

● Assisting our small team with research pertaining to grant-funding opportunities.

● Provide research on potential corporate and school partnerships.

● Engaging with supporters in relation to fundraising activities, events and campaigns.

● Providing administrative and clerical support to staff.

● Inputting information into our CRM system.

Hours: Flexible; the position can be done remotely, but ideally, the successful applicant would be willing to travel to our Croydon office one day a week.

Closing date: 14 August 2026 

Interview/Start date: Shortlisted candidates will be informed by 19 August 2026, and interview dates will be arranged thereafter.

The Admin Volunteer will support our home/service with general day-to-day, ad hoc, administrative tasks, such as:

• Organising files

• Archiving and scanning paperwork

• Collecting and inputting data

• Answering phone calls and welcoming visitors.

Skills required

• To be proficient in Microsoft Office software.

• Very good organisational skills and eye for detail.

• To be punctual and reliable.

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

• Very good telephone manners/skills.

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

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. 

Through this volunteer role, you can gain experience and develop your skill set. On top of this, SeeAbility provides training which could be added to your CV.

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.

Do you enjoy meeting new people and lending a helping hand?

Social & Activity Support Volunteer

Do you enjoy meeting new people and lending a helping hand?

As a Social & Activity Support Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in making our groups welcoming and fun for blind and partially sighted people. Whether it’s joining in a quiz, helping with crafts, pouring the tea, or simply having a friendly chat — your support helps turn every session into something special.

When & where?

Aylesbury (groups meet regularly — details provided on application).

What you will be doing:

·Assisting members during social activities such as quizzes, crafts, outings, or conversation

·Offering sighted guiding support when needed

·Helping serve refreshments and create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere

·Being a listening ear and helping members feel welcome and included

What skills and experience are needed?

·Friendly, approachable, and understanding

·Confident communicator and good listener

·Reliable and respectful attitude

·A sense of fun and willingness to join in

What will you gain from the role?

·The joy of making a positive difference in someone’s day

·Experience working with people with sight loss

·New friendships and community connections

·Improved confidence, wellbeing, and new skills

What support will be given?

·Induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

·Ongoing training and development opportunities

·Out-of-pocket expenses covered

·Support from your Volunteer Manager and local divisional volunteers

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS):

This role may require an Enhanced DBS check if combined with driving duties (working with adults at risk).

One25 is a Bristol-based charity, specialising in supporting women to break free from
street sex-work, addiction and other life-controlling issues and build new, independent
lives. We provide night outreach (7 sessions weekly), a Hub and Casework, giving personcentred
support and advocacy to around 240 women each year.

One25’s outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on
our fully equipped outreach van. Three volunteers, one an experienced team leader, go
out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing nutritious food, first
aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get
advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our
Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for volunteers to join our accelerated pathway to becoming a Van Team
Leader. Van Team Leaders are responsible for leading volunteers during shifts,
coordinating with One25 staff and external services, and making decisions in crisis
situations.

Becky’s Child Foundation is a dynamic non-profit organization  in Uganda committed to uplifting vulnerable communities across society. We work with children, women, youth, families, and marginalized groups through education, healthcare, livelihood support, protection services, and community empowerment programs. Our mission is to create lasting impact by restoring hope, dignity, and opportunities to those who need it most.

Role Overview

We are seeking a creative, passionate, and digitally savvy Social Media Volunteer to amplify our voice online. You will help tell powerful stories, build meaningful connections with supporters, and drive engagement that translates into real-world impact for vulnerable communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage engaging content (images, reels, carousels, stories, and short videos) across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X (Twitter).
• Grow our online presence, increase followers, and boost community engagement.
• Create monthly content calendars aligned with our programs and fundraising campaigns.
• Identify trending topics and opportunities to raise awareness about vulnerable groups.
• Collaborate with the team to produce authentic, impactful storytelling content (with full consent and safeguarding standards).
• Monitor performance analytics and provide simple monthly reports.
• Support fundraising drives and donor engagement initiatives.

Who We’re Looking For

• Deep passion for social impact and supporting vulnerable communities.
• Proven experience or strong skills in social media management and content creation.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (knowledge of other languages is an advantage).
• Proficiency with content tools such as Canva, CapCut, or similar apps.
• Self-motivated, creative, and able to deliver consistently with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of social media best practices, algorithms, and analytics.

Note: This is a volunteer role, but we provide:

• Official volunteer certificate and recommendation letter
• Professional experience and portfolio building
• The joy of making a tangible difference in people’s lives
• Pathway to future paid roles as the organization grows

How to ApplySend the following

• Your CV or Portfolio
• Links or samples of your previous social media work
• A brief note (maximum 200 words) explaining: Why you want to volunteer with Becky’s Child Foundation
• How many hours per week you can commit

Let’s use the power of social media to change lives.
Every story shared is a life touched.

Becky’s Child Foundation – Restoring Hope. Building Dignity. Creating Impact.

Volunteering Opportunity

Digital Champion

What You’ll Do

Support people aged 50+ to build confidence with their phones, tablets, or computers. You’ll help them learn basic digital skills so they can stay connected and independent.

You will:

• Provide one-to-one support at Digital sessions
• Help with everyday tasks like email, Zoom, downloading apps
• Guide people to feel confident using their own devices
• Answer questions and troubleshoot problems
• Record support sessions on Charity Log
• Identify common digital needs and refer to extra resources if needed

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

• Confident using smartphones, tablets, and laptops
• Friendly and patient teaching style
• Clear communication
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Good timekeeping and dependability

Time Commitment

Tuesdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (Dugdale Arts Centre)

Other weekdays between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Dugdale Centre, 39 London Rd, Enfield EN2 6DS

Possibly some community groups across Enfield
Reports to: Digital Inclusion Lead

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!

We are busy team delivering the Supported Internships programme in Stafford (ST18). The programme is based around employment and leisure for young adults with learning disabilities between age 16 and 25. We help people to develop skills for work in a employment setting and build their confidence.

We prepare them for work, and help them improve their Maths and English skills in a classroom setting, as well as:

• Improving their confidence and communication skills
• Building on their social skills with each other and out in the community
• Keeping them inspired and engaged

What You will be doing:

• You will support staff in the classroom with activities
• You will support learners to improve their Maths and English skills
• You will engage with learners, to improve their confidence and independence
• You will encourage learners to try new things and gain new skills
• Out in the community you will support staff to keep learners motivated and engaged

As a volunteer you will help Mencap staff deliver the classroom sessions assisting young adults to improve their skills, and be a support in the community.

**The classroom sessions run from 9am - 4.30pm. Monday and Tuesday. We require a volunteer to be able to commit to one day per week or fortnightly for the academic year. **

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

We are busy team delivering the Supported Internships programme in your area. The programme is based around employment and leisure for young adults with learning disabilities between age 16 and 25. We help people to develop skills for work in a employment setting and build their confidence.

We prepare them for work, and help them improve their Maths and English skills in a classroom setting, as well as:

• Improving their confidence and communication skills
• Building on their social skills with each other and out in the community
• Keeping them inspired and engaged

What You will be doing:

• You will support staff in the classroom with activities
• You will support learners to improve their Maths and English skills
• You will engage with learners, to improve their confidence and independence
• You will encourage learners to try new things and gain new skills
• Out in the community you will support staff to keep learners motivated and engaged

As a volunteer you will help Mencap staff deliver the classroom sessions assisting young adults to improve their skills, and be a support in the community.

**The classroom sessions run from 9am - 4.30pm. Monday to Friday. We require a volunteer to be able to commit to one day per week or fortnightly for the academic year. **

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Open your home for a night. Change a young person's future.

Every year, young people in our community face the frightening reality of having nowhere safe to stay. By becoming a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you can provide a warm welcome, a safe place to sleep, and the breathing space a young person needs while longer-term support is put in place.

About Us

Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediation works with young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build an independent and positive future.

Our services include:

• Safe, emergency accommodation through our Nightstop community hosting scheme.
• Family and school mediation to help prevent relationship breakdown.
• Homelessness prevention through education, life skills workshops and crisis support.

About Nightstop

Nightstop provides emergency accommodation in the homes of trained and approved volunteer hosts. Rather than spending the night on the streets or in unsafe situations, young people are offered a temporary, safe place to stay while our team works to find appropriate longer-term accommodation and support.

As a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you'll never be working alone. Our experienced team provides ongoing guidance and support throughout every placement.

What You'll Do

As a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Provide a clean, safe and private bedroom for a young person needing emergency overnight accommodation.
• Offer an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch.
• Give access to bathroom facilities and laundry if needed.
• Stay in regular contact with the Nightstop team before, during and after placements.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing a welcoming environment.

Placements are short-term and arranged around your availability.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous experience—what matters most is compassion, reliability and a willingness to help.

We're looking for people who:

• Want to support young people experiencing homelessness.
• Can offer a non-judgemental and respectful approach.
• Have a spare bedroom available at short notice.
• Are willing to complete training and work alongside our experienced team.
• Have an interest in making a real difference within their local community.

Training and Support

We'll make sure you feel confident before welcoming your first guest.

You'll receive:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Daily check-in calls throughout each hosting placement.
• Access to a 24-hour emergency on-call service.
• Regular supervision and support meetings.
• Opportunities to attend additional training delivered by the organisation.

Why Volunteer With Us?

By becoming a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Help prevent youth homelessness in your local community.
• Provide safety and hope at a critical moment in a young person's life.
• Develop valuable skills through high-quality training and support.
• Meet like-minded volunteers through appreciation and networking events.
• Receive reimbursement for all agreed out-of-pocket expenses.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive service and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We believe our volunteers should reflect the diversity of the people we support.

Recruitment Process

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, successful applicants will complete:

• An application form.
• An informal interview.
• Enhanced DBS and reference checks.
• Induction training.
• A home visit and health and safety assessment.

If you have a spare room and a desire to make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you. One night of kindness can be the first step towards a brighter future for a young person experiencing homelessness.