Social support work volunteer roles

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents, and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Employability Project
10am to 3pm, Monday and/or Friday during term-time

Our Employment & Life Skills Project (ELSP) helps adults with learning disabilities or autism to access further education, work experience and visits to mainstream community opportunities. 

What you’ll do
You’ll act as a mentor to the members of the group.  You’ll be helping the group(s) develop a range of life skills, things that many of us take for granted.  These include Maths and English skills, independent living, the use of public transport, social skills and even the sourcing of employment. 

For the people in these groups, these things can be very difficult to develop and achieve without regular support. Through regular support and meetings, members and volunteers develop greater trust, skills, and confidence together.

Come along and get involved!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 20.

How much time?
The project runs from 10am to 3pm, Mondays and/or Fridays during term-time.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come every week for at least a term as you'll build a close relationship with the members you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
ELSP represents a fantastic opportunity for you to share your knowledge and experience built up through a lifetime to a group that is continuing to develop and achieve their targets.

We’ll reimburse your travel expenses and will provide excellent training and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills: time-management, working within a team, problem-solving and adaptability.
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
• Increase your confidence.
• Meet like-minded people and make friends.
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community.
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself. 

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Autism
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Negotiation & Boundaries
   

When do I need to come?

Volunteers must attend training and complete a DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next.

Bath Area Play Project are passionate about every child's right to play and enabling children to thrive. We are looking for a Chair of our small Trustee Board to support our vision and ethos, enabling the continuation of our support services for children and families, leading strategic oversight and ensuring we are resilient for change.

Our volunteer Trustees meet early evening, every 6 - 8 weeks, alternating in person in Bath and online. They are responsible for ensuring we are compliant with operational management delegated to the Director and other staff, allowing them to focus on governance and strategic decision making. Trustees support the staff to be the most effective they can be in their various roles through good knowledge and understanding of regulatory and legal frameworks.

Perhaps you have or are involved at a senior level in a Charity, have skills such as Marketing, Business or Early Years which can be used to help BAPP develop services for children and families.

BAPP provide a range of services including an Ofsted registered Nursery & Pre-school, Ofsted registered Holiday Playschemes for disabled children and those with additional needs, Children & Family Support, Alternative Provision for children with SEND and our long standing Community based Family Playdays. More information is available on our website  

As we work with vulnerable children, Trustees are required to have an Enhanced DBS and to register as one of our Trustees as part of our Ofsted registration. There are 8 Trustee Meetings each year, alternating in person in Bath and online which includes our AGM. Other commitments in addition can include attending events, representing BAPP, supporting with recruitment/staffing and policy review. 

For further information or if you have any questions, please get in touch.

Inclusive Boards is pleased to be supporting Family Action in their search to appoint three new Trustees. 

About Family Action

Family Action supports people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Founded in 1869, the charity was providing services to children and families before the first aeroplane flew, before the first car was invented, even before it was first made compulsory for all primary age children to attend school. 

About the Trustee opportunities

Family Action is currently seeking three committed trustees to join the Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Digital Marketing
• Investment
• Health & Social Care

The ideal candidate will have experience of the sector. It would also be an advantage if you had an interest in the provision of services to vulnerable people. 

You will join an energetic and active board who take pride in their support of this over 150-year-old charity, with approximately 175 services nationally.

​​​​​For more information please download the Candidate Information Pack.

Service Delivery Volunteer

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

· Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.

· Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.

· Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.

· Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire

As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:

· Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.

· Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.

· Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.

· Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

· Be 18 years of age or over.

· Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.

· Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.

· Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.

· Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

· Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

· All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

· VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

· VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

· We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Hopscotch Women's Centre is seeking a new Chair of Trustees at an important and exciting moment in our journey.

We are a values-led organisation working at the intersection of violence against women and girls, gender justice and equity, and we are now looking for an experienced and dynamic Chair to support our next phase of development.

This role would suit someone who has previous experience as a Chair, or substantial senior governance leadership, and who is confident in providing strategic oversight, strong governance, and supportive challenge. The incoming Chair will line-manage a first-time CEO and work alongside a Board that includes several first-time Trustees—all of whom are deeply committed, passionate, and motivated to learn and lead well.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who:

• Bring a strong intersectional feminist lens to governance and leadership
• Understand the realities of trauma-informed practice within the VAWG sector
• Have lived experience of minoritisation and can bring this insight meaningfully into Board leadership
• Are attuned to the current political, funding and policy climate affecting specialist women’s organisations
• Lead with empathy, clarity and confidence, and enjoy supporting others to grow into their roles

This is a rewarding opportunity to shape the strategic direction of an organisation doing vital work, while nurturing a committed Board and leadership team at a formative stage.

Candidates can get in touch for an informal chat with the current Chair.

Please send us your CV and Cover Letter.

We are looking for volunteers who can join our Me Time groups on weekdays for a few hours to support with our activities.

Our Me Time service provides local people with a learning disability the chance to learn through activities - indoor and in the community - have fun, and make new friends during the week.

The role would involve supporting us with our activities during the day. We have lots of different activities, these could include:

• Gardening
• Arts and crafts
• Bowling
• Cooking
• Physical activity
• Technology skills sessions
• Poetry
• And lots more!

You don’t have to have experience in any or all of the sessions we run, just willing to keep an open mind and a friendly attitude.

When do I need to be available? The role is flexible, if you can only give us a few hours a week on certain weekdays we would really appreciate it. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

As a weekly activity support volunteer, you will need to provide us with two references and a DBS. By volunteering with us you will be helping local people with a learning disability have fun, learn new skills through activities, and you will be making a huge difference!

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.

Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling-related harm prevention by becoming the Chair of Trustees of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.

About Ygam

Ygam is a national charity with a clear mission: to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Our award-winning workshops are assured by City & Guilds and informed by psychologists, academics and health professionals alongside people with lived experience.

Founded in 2014, Ygam has evolved into the UK’s leading charity in this area, delivering impact-focused training and education across the UK to those in positions of influence over children and young people.

Over the past decade, Ygam has trained over 28,000 delegates and reached an estimated 4.3 million children and young people. With 95% of delegates recommending our training, we’re making real progress in safeguarding our digital generation.

The opportunity

We are in the third year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, and we will begin the process to appoint our new Chief Executive later this year. As our current Chair comes to the end of their term this year, we are looking for a visionary leader to join our board and help shape the future of harm prevention.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the board at a critical time when digital safeguarding has never been more important.

We seek a Chair who will play a pivotal role in leading our Board and guiding the development of our new strategy in the years to come. This position requires an individual with a track record of board experience and strategic acumen to help drive Ygam’s ambitious growth plans.

Who we are looking for

We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives are crucial to effective governance. The digital challenges facing young people today are complex and interconnected, requiring a broad perspective that can view issues through multiple lenses.

We are looking for a Chair with a track record of board appointments who can guide strategic discussions, collaborate with our board, build relationships that are both supportive and challenging, and serve as an ambassador for Ygam.

This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with a desire to lead a best practice board to ensure Ygam continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges.

Location: London

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at: 9 a.m. Monday 2nd March 2026

We are looking for a patient and chatty volunteer who can communicate with a clear and loud voice, to visit a lovely gentleman in his 70s in Woolwich. His love for music is something he would love to share with a visitor, enjoying the 50s, 60s and 70s through sound.

This gentleman is blind and communicates differently depending on the day. His engagement may fluctuate between quietly appreciating your company and loving a long chat. Your visit would be a gentle check-in — sharing a cuppa, a chat, and simply being present.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit:

• Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing

• You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit.

• Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit.  Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.                                                              

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

- Friendly and approachable

- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

- Reliable and patient

- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit

- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training

- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed

- Meet new people

- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

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.

Volunteers are needed to help out at our Parent Carer bereavement support groups on either a Saturday or a Sunday.  This will be in a group setting and you will be working alongside two fully trained adults. 

Duties and responsibilities:

Helping setting up the rooms and resources for activities;

Assist in providing food and drinks for attendees;

Join in group discussions as you feel able and supporting attendees with emotional issues;

Co-facilitate group activities;

Lead activities and provide information on grief to attendees as you feel able depending on experience;

Provide feedback in discussion with Facilitator to Clinical Lead.

You will be offered supervision after attending. 

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Summer Camp
Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th June

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to join us on our action-packed residential Summer Camp. On the camp you will be supporting one of our members with a disability to have a holiday they won’t forget.

What you'll do

On the camp you and a fellow co-volunteers will support one of our members with a learning disability or autism for the 5 days. You’ll support and encourage them to take part in lots of exciting activities such as campfires, treasure trails, swimming, games nights, day trips to the seaside and much more. You’ll also help our members with their day-to-day routines and preparing our meals.

Not only is it five days full of fun and games for you and our members, but you will also play a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment and of course, to enjoy a fantastic holiday!

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The Camp runs for five days, four nights. The dates are Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th June.

The camp starts and finishes in Tottenham, North London.

We can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses for your training days. All meals, transportation and accommodation are provided during the camp.
We'll also provide excellent training before the camp, and lots of helpful support throughout.

By volunteering on our camp, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
• Increase your confidence
• Meet new people and make friends
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend in-person training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?
We’ll be meeting individual volunteers online from mid-January.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London. Training starts from 15th February with other date options.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details. 

Job Summary
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate one to one Youth Mentors to support and guide young individuals in their personal and educational development. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children and youth, providing mentorship, and fostering a positive environment. This role is vital in helping young people navigate challenges, build self-esteem, and develop essential life skills.

Duties

• Provide one-on-one mentoring to youth, offering guidance and support tailored to individual needs.
• Meet with your young person once a week for up to 3 hours and go out into the community and do fun activities with them, from going for some food, a walk or a paid activity (expenses will be reimbursed to the volunteer).
• Foster a safe and supportive environment where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions and progress for reporting purposes.

Desirable Requirements

• Excellent communication skills to effectively engage with young people.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people in their development.

If you are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young individuals through mentoring, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position!

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As Treasurer at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board, CEO and Admin & Finance Manager to oversee the financial strategy of our organisation, ensuring sound financial governance and legal compliance. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

We’re looking for an experienced finance professional keen to undertake this rewarding voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Behind Closed Doors. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to general trustee roles, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position

Impact Initiatives is seeking a trustee with financial expertise to join our Board at an exciting time of growth and innovation.

This is an opportunity to support a values-driven charity working creatively to address complex social issues and to learn and work with a motivated committed team to make a positive difference to thousands of peoples lives each year. 

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute to long-term financial planning and resilience in a changing funding environment
• Ask the right questions at the right time, helping the Board understand risks, explore options, and make well-balanced decisions
• Support responsible innovation that aligns with Impact Initiatives’ values and risk appetite

Being an Impact trustee is a great way to:

• Support a cause you believe in
• Develop new skills,
• Enhance your CV
• Work with a wide range of people,
• Gain work experience
• Give yourself a new challenge
• Use skills for for purposes other than financial gain

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity and community space based in London, supporting young creatives, artists and local communities through art, culture and social projects. We are looking for volunteers to support our shop and community space, helping with daily activities, customer service, visual displays and the organisation of events, exhibitions and creative workshops. This is an ongoing volunteering opportunity with flexible shifts, ideal for students, creatives and anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in an arts and community-led environment. Details Volunteers will support different aspects of the NICOLA Arts space, including: welcoming visitors and assisting customers helping with shop organisation and visual presentation supporting events, exhibitions, jam sessions and workshops assisting the team with day-to-day activities No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability and an interest in arts and community work