Social support work volunteer roles

Audit & Risk Committee Chair

Action for Children has been supporting children, young people and families across the UK for more than 150 years. Each year, we provide vital services that protect vulnerable children, strengthen families, and help young people thrive – from homelessness support and youth employability programmes to fostering, residential care, early years provision and specialist services for disabled children. Guided by our mission to ensure every child has a safe and happy childhood, we deliver life-changing support through 342 services nationwide, reaching more than 551,000 children, young people and families last year.

Our impact is built on a dedicated workforce and a strong culture of compassion, inclusion and advocacy. We step in when times are tough – offering protection, practical help and emotional support – while working tirelessly to create the long-term change needed so that those out of reach today are within reach tomorrow. Diversity and anti-racism sit at the heart of our work, and we are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the communities and families we serve.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as a Trustee – someone with the skills and experience to be the Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee.

We seek an individual who embodies our values and demonstrates integrity whilst at the same time providing strategic challenge, championing diversity and inclusion, and showing empathy for the pressures faced by vulnerable children and families. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The term of office is three years, renewable for up to two further terms.

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute your expertise to one of the UK’s most respected children’s charities, joining a committed and values-led Board dedicated to transforming childhoods and improving life chances for those who need us most.

Applications should be received by Friday 14 August.

About Circular Kitchens

Circular Kitchens is a social enterprise and membership platform designed to help restaurants, cafés, pubs, food stalls, and other catering businesses become fully circular: Plastic Free, Ecological, Local, and Zero Waste.

By working with the hospitality sector, we are helping regenerate local communities, strengthen regional food systems, and increase demand for ecological and regenerative agriculture in the UK. Our current focus is launching Circular Kitchens in Whitstable and supporting our first mover restaurants to achieve 3 Star Circular Kitchens certification. Based on learnings from this pilot, we are preparing to scale across the UK, growing our environmental and social impact.

Role Description

We are seeking a volunteer to support our marketing and communications efforts as Circular Kitchens continues to grow. This role offers the opportunity to contribute creatively across a range of activities with particular focus on social media, graphic design, and video production. 

Ideally, the volunteer will contribute to: 

• Creating and editing Instagram posts, with a focus on reels 

• Conducting video interviews with key stakeholders 

• Working in Canva to ensure communications materials (social media posts, newsletters, printed collatoral like flyers etc) all look fresh, professional, and consistent 

The role is intentionally flexible, and contributions can be shaped around the volunteer’s interests, skills, and availability. There are no set hours or fixed expectations, and the focus is on collaboration, learning, and creative contribution.

An Ideal Candidate Will Be:

• Interested in marketing, communications, or digital storytelling

• Comfortable working with social media platforms and creating short-form video content (reels)

• Comfortable working with graphic design tools such as Canva (integrating AI as needed)

• Creative, curious, and keen to offer new ideas!

• Interested in sustainability, food systems, or social impact

• Happy working in a flexible, early-stage environment

This is a voluntary role with no fixed time commitment, offering the chance to support a growing social enterprise, collaborate with a small and mission-driven team, and contribute creatively to work with real-world impact. As Circular Kitchens grows, there may be opportunities for the role to evolve into paid work.

To apply, please share your CV along with a short note outlining your interest, any relevant experience, and your desired time commitment.

Volunteering Opportunity

Social Media and Communications Assistant

What You’ll Do

Help promote Age UK Enfield’s work by creating engaging content for social media and supporting our communications. You’ll help us reach more older people, volunteers, and supporters through creative, informative posts and storytelling.

You will:

· Create social media posts using provided content or your own creative ideas

· Take photos or short videos at events

· Assist with newsletters, leaflets, and other communications

· Share insights or analytics to help improve our reach

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Creativity and written communication skills

· Social media content creation

· Basic digital design (e.g., using Canva – training can be provided)

· Attention to detail and tone of voice

· Awareness of inclusive and accessible communication

Time Commitment

2–4 hours per week (Flexible days)

Location: Age UK Office and some remote working
Reports to: Communications, Marketing & Volunteer 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!

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.
 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.
 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

Social Media Volunteer - London 

Do you want to use your social media skills to tackle the housing emergency? 

Information about the role 

You’ll be identifying topics to share, helping develop the communications and then using a range of social media platforms to promote our local services and increase engagement with local and national campaigns.

Location: Shelter Office, 88 Old Street, London

Suggested contribution: 5 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include: 

• Establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts for the Shelter London hub. 

• Helping to develop social media communication plans. 

• Creating and sharing content on social media platforms that raises awareness of Shelter’s campaigns and services and helps the local community. 

• Identifying topics to share through communicating with hub teams as well as researching housing related news and issues affecting people locally. 

• Being up to date with social media trends and using them to attract target audiences. 

• Attending events organised by the London hub to gather content to share on social media and/or live posting throughout.

• Monitoring reactions to our posts, including flagging any responses that do not align with our inclusion and Anti-Racism work.

This role fights the housing emergency by promoting awareness of Shelter’s campaigns and services. This means people who need help with housing or homelessness know where to go for support.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience 

We’re looking for someone who’s comfortable using various social media platforms. You don’t need to have professional experience in this area, using them for your personal accounts is just as relevant. Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who cares about social justice and fighting the housing emergency. 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available. 

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information. 

Social Media Volunteer

Location:Hybrid at our Yew Tree House, 10 Church Street St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 2BU Office (1-2 occasions per month) 

Timing: Fully flexible on time per week

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

We’re looking for a creative and motivated volunteer to support the service in increasing its social media presence. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys designing visuals, writing engaging posts, and helping amplify the voices and work of a service supporting people experiencing mental health challenges.

Tasks may include:

• Creating visual content using Canva for use on social media and internal communications
• Drafting and scheduling posts to promote service activities, awareness campaigns, and engagement
• Collaborating with staff to gather stories, updates, and creative ideas
• Helping develop a consistent online presence
• Supporting occasional campaigns or themed content (e.g. Alcohol Awareness Week, Youth Mental Health Day)

Skills/qualities we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good IT skills and confident using Canva or similar design tools
• Strong written communication and creativity
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn)
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Attention to detail
• Ability to keep a track of multiple tasks and report back on progress
• Reliable and consistent
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities:

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

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

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

· Assist service users to engage with formalised support

· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities:

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

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

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

· Assist service users to engage with formalised support

· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are seeking Volunteer Drivers, to provide transport in their own vehicle, bringing Friends (people who use our services) to and returning them home from an Archway supportive social group. Occasionally we organise Archway Fundraising activities or events where may be asked to provide transport to an Archway Fundraising activity or event.  Some Archway Friends (people who use our services) are unable to attend a supportive social group independently, mainly due to physical barriers to public transport. Transport delivered by volunteers enables Friends to access the supportive social group, in turn alleviating loneliness. The groups may be the only opportunity for Friends to meet with others. Each Friend is invited to one group per month either in Oxford or Abingdon so transport volunteers usually offer one trip per month or more if they like.

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

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.

About us 

Dons Local Action Group is a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to supporting people in crisis and creating meaningful impact through collective action. Through partnerships, volunteers and local initiatives, we work to provide practical support and strengthen our communities across food, technology and furniture. 

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and creative volunteer to join our Marketing team and help us grow our digital presence, engage supporters, and tell the stories that matter. 

What you'll do: 

• Manage and moderate our social media channels

• Support the creation of engaging content across platforms

• Help plan and schedule posts and campaigns

• Analyse channel performance and identify key insights

• Suggest ideas to improve engagement and evolve our communications

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Has an interest in marketing, social media or communications

• Is creative, organised and proactive

• Has strong written communication skills

• Enjoys working with data and spotting trends

• Wants to contribute to a meaningful cause

What you'll gain: 

• Hands-on marketing and social media experience

• Opportunities to develop content and analytics skills

• Flexible volunteering around your schedule

• The chance to make a real impact in the community

Interested? We'd love to hear from you. Tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to get involved. 

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

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 Coventry.

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