444 Social welfare volunteer roles

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 18+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but weare flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Description

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

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.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Drama Class Volunteer to support our weekly Friday afternoon sessions (1.30-3.30), held at St Faith’s Community Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations). This position would begin in September 2026.

About The Role

We're looking for someone with a background in drama to support our tutor in delivering accessible and fun drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.

As a Drama Class Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
• Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
• Participate alongside learners where appropriate
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help cultivate a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves
• Offer creative input and feedback

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone with:

• A background or strong interest in drama, theatre, or performance
• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Could you help shape the future of our Charity?

We are recruiting new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the strategic direction, governance, and long-term success of ECI.

Trustees play a vital role in shaping how we deliver our services and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our communities.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not require previous Trustee experience — full support and induction will be provided.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in people with lived experience or skills in areas such as:

• Using ECI services or similar support services
• Moving to Exeter or building a sense of belonging in a new community
• Being part of a minority group within the community
• Disability access and inclusion
• Child safeguarding and/or adult safeguarding
• Human resources (especially employee relations or employment law)
• Legal services or law

We also welcome anyone with different lived experience, professional skills, or perspectives that could help us improve and develop our services.

What you’ll be doing

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape ECI’s strategic direction and priorities
• Contribute to the governance and long-term development of the charity
• Ensure ECI meets legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities
• Champion ECI’s work and its impact in the community
• Use your experience, skills or networks to support and strengthen the organisation

The Board meets every two months, in person and online (usually weekday evenings). Between meetings, you may be asked to support areas linked to your skills or interests.

Commitment

• Around 3–4 hours per month
• Bi-monthly Board meetings
• Flexible involvement outside meetings when needed
• Open to applicants aged 18+

What you’ll get

• Full induction and ongoing support
• Opportunity to influence and shape a local charity’s future
• Experience in charity governance and strategic decision-making
• A chance to use your skills and lived experience for community impact
• Travel and reasonable expenses reimbursed
• A welcoming and supportive Board and staff team

Sorting Room Volunteer

Do you enjoy organising, spotting quality items and bringing order to chaos? Join our behind-the-scenes sorting team!

We are looking for volunteers to help process donated items and prepare quality stock for our charity shop. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys sorting, organising and has a good eye for detail.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll play an important role in helping donated items reach the shop floor ready for sale.

Tasks may include:

• Sorting through donated clothing, books, toys and household items
• Checking quality and carrying out quality control
• Identifying valuable or desirable brands
• Pricing items ready for sale
• Organising stock in the sorting room
• Preparing donations for the shop floor
• Helping keep the sorting area tidy and efficient

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys organising and practical tasks
• Has good attention to detail
• Has an eye for quality and presentation
• Has brand awareness (desirable, but not essential)
• Is reliable and able to work independently
• Enjoys being part of a friendly team

Time commitment

• Shifts are usually 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm
• Regular weekly volunteering preferred, with some flexibility available

Wild We Stand is a fully volunteer-led collective and this is a volunteer opportunity. We are a flat collective where everyone belongs, a co-creation space where we get excited about your work, support your ideas, and want you to thrive with genuine freedom. We highly value our team’s time and expertise, and provide learning opportunities, perks, and a community for us all. While this is currently a volunteer role, as a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), our shared goal is to build a sustainable pathway to paid roles as the collective grows.

Time Commitment: We’re looking for long-term collective members and partners. We’re flexible on time commitment but it would be ideal if you were excited and available to dedicate 5 hours per week to Wild We Stand.

Location Policy: Fully Globally Remote. Must be available for 1-2 hours of meetings weekly within core UK hours to collaborate with the team.

What is the role?

As our Web & Digital Lead, you will look after our website and online presence to make sure everything runs smoothly and stays updated.

You will manage our Wix site, keep our shop and event listings running seamlessly, and upload new content and zines so our community can easily connect with our work.

This is a volunteer position. Your work in our purpose-driven collective will have a direct role in shaping the visual language of a justice-centred environmental movement.

What will you be responsible for?

1. Manage, update, and maintain the Wild We Stand website.

2. Set up and look after shop pages, digital downloads, and event ticketing.

3. Upload new graphics, zine PDFs, and content updates provided by the Visual and Editorial leads.

4. Fix any website glitches or tech issues to keep things running smoothly.

5. Commitment to a decolonised imagination that connects conservation to the intersections of wildlife and oppression.

6. An unwavering drive to confront the consequences of capitalism and systems of power with the urgency required for genuine change and justice.

What are we looking for?

1. Practical experience building and managing sites on Wix (or similar).

2. Comfort setting up simple online store features, digital downloads, and ticket links.

3. A practical, hands-on mindset to handle site updates independently.

4. Good organizational skills to keep pages updated and tidy.

5. Shared commitment to radical ecology and accessible digital spaces.

6. A collaborative, non-hierarchical mindset that thrives in a flat collective structure.

It would also be great if you had:

• Experience setting up community newsletter tools or membership pages.

Why Join Wild We Stand?

As a member of our Founding Collective, you will help lead an organisation dedicated to exploring the crucial intersections of conservation, wildlife, oppression, and the fight for justice and liberation. You will join a team focused on untangling these complexities through critical engagement and candid discussions to light the pathway for solving global challenges.

We are proud to offer:

• Belonging in a truly flat, supportive co-creation space where we hype your work and give you space to be your best self

• Membership in the Wild We Stand collective and access to all WWS programmes, events, and content

• Collective mentorship and peer solidarity to process systemic issues and sustain the drive for change

• The tools you and your team need to thrive

• Access to all WWS programmes, events, and content

• Team recognition, treats and physical & virtual get-togethers

• A pathway to paid positions as part of a collective roadmap

Online Sales Volunteer (Vinted & eBay)

Help turn donated treasures into vital funds for our charity!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and trustworthy volunteer to support our online sales through Vinted and eBay. If you enjoy spotting valuable items, researching prices, taking photos or have an interest in online selling, this could be a rewarding role for you.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll help us raise extra funds by preparing and listing donated items for sale online.

Tasks may include:

• Identifying suitable donated items for online sale
• Preparing and presenting items for listing
• Taking clear, appealing photographs
• Researching pricing and helping value items
• Creating listings on Vinted and eBay
• Monitoring and assisting with online sales activity
• Packing sold items ready for posting
• Taking parcels to local drop-off points
• Helping maximise income from donated goods

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is trustworthy, reliable and enthusiastic
• Has good attention to detail
• Is comfortable using online platforms or willing to learn
• Enjoys researching and practical tasks
• Has an interest in online selling and fundraising
• Can work independently and use initiative
• Has experience with Vinted, eBay or similar selling platforms (beneficial, but not essential)

Time commitment

• Shifts are usually 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm

Regular weekly volunteering preferred, with some flexibility available.

We are looking for a Volunteer Shop Assistants to assist in the running of WFRC’s retail shop to maximise sales of new and used goods that help us to generate vital funds to support the vital services that we provide for women and families. You will be providing invaluable help in the operation of our charity shop

Principal Responsibilities:
- To serve customers and record purchases on the cash register
- To work with staff and other volunteers to sort, steam, hang, ticket and size donated
clothing for sale in the shop
- To help keep the shop clean.
- To assist with shop displays.
- Provide information leaflets and signpost any enquiries for WFRC services
- Comply with WFRC relevant Policies and Procedures
- Wear personal identity badge whilst volunteering
- Represent the professional standards of the charity

Key Skills & Abilities
→ An interest in the shop, and an enthusiasm for raising money through its work.
→ The ability to work as part of a team.
→ A flexible approach
→ Able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers
→ Basic numeracy
→ A sense of humour
→ An understanding of the need for confidentiality
→ Good timekeeping
→ Reliability and trustworthiness
→ A willingness to undertake training required for role

Job Type -Traineeship
Job Time - Minimum 12 Hours Per Week (Flexible shifts between 9am-5pm)
Job Location - On-site

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 Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll provide much-needed help looking after fundraising relationships, and with fundraising activities and events. You’ll help us look after the supporters who are fundraising for us — to make sure they’re happy and feel part of what we do. You’ll also support us with planning and running events, including preparation and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

In this role you’ll develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

Why we want you

As one of our wonderful volunteers, you can get involved in:

• providing support and services to the MS community
• increasing awareness of, and delivering resources to, people affected by MS
• raising vital funds to help stop MS
• boosting our community voice by advocating for MS research and policy.

What you will be doing

• Raising vital funds as part of a team or fundraising group
• Assisting at fundraising events
• Promoting the group’s Enthuse fundraising page
• Contacting our fundraising supporters to keep them updated and involved
• Identifying and participating in local fundraising opportunities
• Following our health and safety guidance
• Coordinating and supporting other volunteers involved in fundraising
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities.

The skills you need

• Skills and/or experience in what you'll be doing
• Commitment to MS Society policies and procedures
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office, the internet and email will be required for some volunteer roles
• Compassion and sensitivity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required
• A willingness to support the work of MS Society and be a positive representative for the MS community.

What's in it for you:

• 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 related expenses while carrying out your role

Read Easy UK is a registered charity that works through affiliated local groups to provide one-to-one reading coaching to adults, using trained volunteers. By enabling people to tackle their reading difficulties, Read Easy also allows each individual to grow in confidence and self-esteem, become more independent, move on to other forms of education if they wish, and improve their employment opportunities. Each affiliated Read Easy group is run entirely by volunteers and aims to provide interesting and rewarding opportunities to all involved to help change lives for the better. 

What you would be doing:

• Developing the literacy skills of an adult Reader who has difficulty with reading
• Meeting with your Reader for two separate half hour sessions each week face to face in an approved venue or remotely on a video call or a combination of both
• Providing non-judgemental literacy support to your Reader
• Utilising your empathy and understanding to support your Reader
• Delivering the phonics based Turning Pages programme with guidance for coaches on every page and using other approved resources
• Keeping records of your meetings
• Liaising with your allocated Coordinator and Literacy Specialist.

Personal Qualities Required to be a Reading Coach:

• Confident reading skills
• Clear communicator
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding whilst maintaining boundaries
• Ability to talk and listen to the person you coach in a patient, positive, encouraging and purposeful way
• A non-judgemental attitude and a positive respect for others, regardless of abilities, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or age
• Ability to focus on your Reader and their needs
• Ability to work alone, seeking support when necessary

An exciting volunteer opportunity at Mind in Camden – we are seeking frontline volunteers to help run our busy admin Office and Reception.

We are looking for a friendly and organised person who is able to commit to volunteering for six months as a minimum, ideally for at least one full day a week. We also welcome applicants who wish to volunteer for more than one day a week or who would like to volunteer for longer than six months. Regretfully we cannot consider applications from volunteers who can only commit to half days.

You might be someone with existing administrative skills who is interested in supporting our cause as a mental health organisation or have experience supporting family or friends with mental health challenges or someone who would like to develop their skills and gain administrative experience in an office environment. We provide a range of training of all of our volunteers.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and are happy to discuss any adjustments you may need to the application or role to support any access needs. Please download the role description for a more detailed look at what the role includes and what you can expect.

Volunteer Ambassador

We are looking for conscientious and proactive Volunteer Ambassadors to help raise the profile of ECI and support fundraising within the community.

Despite being one of Exeter’s oldest charities, many people are still unaware of the work we do. As an Ambassador, you will help share our impact, connect with the community, and support fundraising activity so more people can benefit from our services.

By joining our fundraising and engagement team, you will play an important role in helping ECI continue its work across Exeter and beyond.

What you’ll be doing

• Attend occasional group meetings and community events
• Represent ECI at local events, stands and awareness activities
• Help promote and support fundraising activities and initiatives
• Share information about ECI services, impact and opportunities to get involved
• Support bucket collections, awareness stands and community outreach
• Help identify locations for posters, collection tins and promotional materials
• Encourage community members to get involved in fundraising or volunteering
• Research local opportunities to support ECI’s work
• Follow ECI policies, procedures and safeguarding guidance

Commitment

• Flexible, ad-hoc volunteering based on your availability
• Attendance at occasional meetings and events
• No requirement to attend everything — we work around your schedule
• Communication may take place via WhatsApp, email or Facebook group

Skills and experience

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, confident and approachable
• Good communicators with a positive and empathetic manner
• Reliable, honest and able to work as part of a team
• Comfortable working independently when needed
• Willing to collaborate and make group decisions
• Passionate about community, wellbeing and supporting others

A driving licence or access to a car may be useful for some activities but is not essential.

What you’ll get

Volunteering with ECI is a rewarding way to give back, build confidence and connect with your community.

• Full training and ongoing support from ECI staff
• Opportunity to represent a well-established local charity
• Experience in community engagement and fundraising
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• ECI T-shirt and ID badge
• Agreed expenses (if applicable)
• A sense of achievement from supporting local people and families
• Improved confidence, skills and wellbeing through volunteering

Jelly Shop Assistant Volunteer

Join our friendly Jelly team and help make a difference in your community!

We are looking for confident, capable volunteers to support our busy charity shop. If you enjoy meeting people, keeping busy, and being part of a welcoming team, this could be a great opportunity for you.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll help support the day-to-day running of the shop and create a positive experience for customers.

Tasks may include:

• Serving customers and operating the till
• Greeting and assisting shoppers
• Working independently on the shop floor
• Pricing and preparing donated clothes, toys and books for sale
• Replenishing stock and creating attractive displays
• Helping keep the shop tidy, organised and welcoming

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is friendly, reliable and confident working with the public
• Can work independently and use initiative
• Enjoys a practical, hands-on role
• Has good communication skills
• Has retail experience (a bonus, but not essential)
• Wants to support a local charity and be part of a team

Time commitment

• Shifts are usually 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm
• Regular weekly volunteering preferred, but we can be flexible

We are currently looking for a new Clinician Trustee who can use their expertise and strategic insight to support our growing charity at a critical time for cleft care and NHS reform.

The Clinician Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential clinical expertise to support and enhance our work.

We are seeking an experienced professional to help drive CLAPA’s clinical impact in line with its strategic priorities. We are particularly interested in hearing from clinicians with experience of strategic leadership within cleft services, specialised commissioning, workforce development or national clinical networks, who can help CLAPA navigate a period of significant change and reform across the NHS.

In this role, you will offer insight into the patient journey across the evolving cleft care pathway, strengthen relationships between CLAPA and clinical teams and provide clinical guidance to inform our campaigns and initiatives. You will bring a strong understanding of patient centred care and use your expertise to help shape and influence improvements in services and outcomes.

Ideally, you will also draw on safeguarding experience from your clinical role to support the charity’s safeguarding function and promote best practice across our work.

If you think you have the experience, passion and leadership to help us meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.