Social work volunteer roles

Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity which makes a positive difference to the everyday lives of others?

Then why not consider becoming a director with the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home?We are an Almshouse and provide 103 units of high-quality accommodation for people of limited financial means in Bedfont, Southwest London and have plans to create a further 31 new units.

Being a director for the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home is an exciting and challenging role, bringing with it opportunities for applying strategic thinking, planning, creativity, and stewardship which can help guide the Charity to achieve its goals in the management of its properties, a site re-development which is a significant milestone in the Charity’s history.

Our directors are responsible in law for managing the incorporated entity, and as we are a charitable organisation our directors are also trustees at law and have formal responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006.Our directors give their time voluntarily and the positions are unremunerated, but reasonable out of pocket expenses may be allowable.

As a director, you’ll work as part of a board alongside our other directors and will also have opportunities to work with the CEO, staff, and volunteers, adding to the range of knowledge, skills, and experience within the Charity’s team.  As well as bringing fresh ideas to current and future property management and development projects, the director role also has responsibilities for the governance of the Charity, regulatory compliance matters and the effective stewardship of our finances and resources.

We are looking to recruit new directors to the board. If you would like to become a director and have an interest in property and housing, then we’d be delighted to hear from you!The positions require the following commitments:

• Dedicating the necessary time to prepare for and attending scheduled meetings and other obligations.
• Understanding and accepting the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of directorship of the Charity.
• Respecting and upholding the Charity’s values, staff policies and processes and to applying the generally accepted principals of directorship, selflessness, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and personal leadership. 
• Think creatively and identify new directions, whilst preserving the overall purpose of the Charity.

We’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference to the housing sector we would love to hear from you if you’d like to contribute. Ideally, we are hoping to find volunteers with professional qualifications experience and knowledge in the following areas:

• Practical skills and knowledge of social housing and the housing sector and an understanding of the difficulties faced by individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Using financial data to run a team, function or organisation and to make financial decisions which optimises budgets and contributes to the smooth running of the operation.
• Understanding of a directors, legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.
• Familiarity with personal responsibilities and liabilities like that of a director and acting in the best interests of the team and organisation.
• Time management and decision-making skills.
• Management and mitigation of risk.
• Interacting with others and people skills, and a track record of being able to get along with, boards, employees, service users and the public.
• Working with and interpreting data and management information to develop plans and help make and support the making of informed decisions.
• An understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Time commitment: The full Board meets every 2 months and meetings last for about 2.5 hours. In addition, Board members are expected to be members of at least one sub committees. These meet when needed but typically monthly. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

As part of the Government led Gommunities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome. 

We are currently focussed on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee famiklies into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do. 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

Join our Board and help make it possible for people with myeloma to live longer and better lives.

Who we are

At Myeloma UK, we are making it possible to live longer and better lives with myeloma. Through research and treatments, we find new ways to a cure. As the only UK charity focused exclusively on myeloma and related conditions, we have transformed treatment and care over the past 27 years, helping to quadruple life expectancy for many patients. But we need to go further, faster – because people with myeloma can’t wait. We are uniquely placed as an organisation to improve the lives of people affected by myeloma by investing in innovative, life-changing research, advocating for patients to get access to new treatments on the NHS, and providing free information and support services to patients and their families.

About the role

As Treasurer, you’ll play a crucial role in leading Myeloma UK into the next stage of our development, providing strategic financial leadership during an exciting period of growth and change.

You’ll lead the Board’s duty to ensure financial resources are controlled, invested and economically spent while advising on the financial and risk management implications of our strategic plans.

Working closely with our Chair, Board and executive team, you’ll take an active role in our governance structure, including chairing the Finance and Audit Committee. You’ll build an effective relationship with our CEO and Director of Finance, providing both challenge and support as we pursue our ambitious goals.

Who we are looking for

Ideally, you will bring substantial experience in commercial and financial management at a senior, strategic level, either as a finance professional or a senior business leader with financial expertise. You’ll have experience chairing meetings and an excellent understanding of best practices in governance. Your personal and professional credibility will command confidence with the Board and stakeholders.

We’re looking for a clear and independent thinker with sound judgment and an appropriate approach to risk. Your excellent influencing and negotiation skills will be complemented by your solution-focused mindset and ability to see the big picture while remaining pragmatic. As an intellectually curious individual, you’ll be comfortable navigating complexity while building strong relationships through your high emotional and cultural intelligence.

Experience of serving on the executive leadership team of a growing organisation would be valuable, as would prior experience as a charity trustee. An appreciation of the wider health, social and political landscape, along with knowledge of charity fundraising practices, would be advantageous. There is no requirement to have a connection to Myeloma.

Most importantly, you’ll be collaborative and highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing different perspectives. You’ll know when to challenge constructively, when to hold back, and when to support while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

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 on Monday, 16th February.

Are you passionate about spirituality, creativity, and making a positive difference through the arts? The Spiritual Arts Foundation (SAF) is looking for a General Manager to help us coordinate, organise, and inspire our growing community of artists and volunteers.

The Spiritual Arts Foundation is the UK’s first arts organisation dedicated to exploring and promoting spirituality in the arts. Founded by musician and composer Clifford White, SAF now represents over 200 creative members — including artists, writers, filmmakers, performers, and musicians — each contributing their own unique perspective on spiritual creativity. Our website hosts hundreds of in-depth member articles, interviews, and features exploring the intersection between art, consciousness, and the human spirit.

We also run the Spiritual Creatives Meetup group, with more than 2,400 members, hosting events, talks, and creative gatherings both online and in person. Alongside this, we are developing exciting new projects including Spirit Songs, our upcoming record label, as well as plans for festivals, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate and inspire spiritual creativity.

The General Manager will work closely with the Founder to turn ideas into action. This is a communications-focused, hands-on role that involves supporting volunteer teams, managing projects, coordinating events, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. You’ll help oversee multiple initiatives — from fundraising and planning new creative ventures to maintaining communication between teams and keeping projects on track.

Key areas of involvement include:

• Coordinating volunteers and team communication

• Helping to plan and schedule events, particularly for our Spiritual Creatives community

• Supporting the launch of Spirit Songs, our new record label

• Assisting with fundraising and partnership development

• Maintaining our online presence (WordPress and social media)

• Supporting creative planning and strategy alongside the Founder

This is an unpaid volunteer role, but if we are successful in raising funding, it has the potential to become a paid position for the right person.

This role would suit someone who is organised, practical, calm, and creative, with an interest in spirituality, arts, and community development. Experience in any of the following areas would be helpful — arts management, events, marketing, communications, or project coordination — but we are open to all backgrounds if you’re passionate and willing to learn.

You’ll be part of a welcoming, imaginative, and purpose-driven community, helping to shape the next chapter of the Spiritual Arts Foundation’s journey. The role is flexible, remote, and collaborative, allowing you to contribute in ways that suit your skills and availability.

If you’re inspired by the idea of bringing people together to explore spirituality through art — and want to help an innovative organisation grow and flourish — we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

Ubuntu Pathways is seeking a proactive, organised, and mission-driven intern to join our close-knit London office to assist in organising and facilitating our upcoming office move. This role will report to the Fundraising & Operations Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to contribute meaningfully to Ubuntu’s impact in Gqeberha, South Africa, while gaining valuable experience in global fundraising and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting digitisation and organisation of donor files

• Preparing the office for relocation (clearing, packing, labelling)

• Conducting donor and grant prospect research

• Supporting marketing and social media activities

• Preparing and filing Gift Aid documentation

• Assisting with general office admin and supplies

• Helping with event prep — sponsorship and auction support

• General upkeep — inventory, shredding, basement tasks

What you’ll gain

• Experience in fundraising, donor research, and operations within a global non-profit

• Exposure to donor stewardship, event planning, and data systems

• Mentorship and support from a highly experienced UK team

• A chance to work for a purpose-led organisation where every task contributes to a meaningful mission

• £15 daily stipend to support travel and lunch costs 

What we’re looking for:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong commitment to Ubuntu Pathways’ mission and values

• Excellent administrative, organisational, and time management skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy in both data and written materials

• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.)

• Positive, adaptable, self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude

Desirable (but not required)

• Personal or professional connection to South Africa and an understanding of the local context

• Familiarity with Gift Aid regulations and UK fundraising compliance

• Knowledge of the UK and international development/charity sector

Please submit your CV and a cover letter no longer than 2 pages stating your availability, relevant experience and why you are the best person for the role. Closing date: 9 January 2026 but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible in order to be considered. Virtual interviews to take place in the week of 12 January. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the application process then please contact us.

We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime or addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

The Forward Enterprise Team is part of Forward’s employability service. The team supports enterprises and charities that create self employment opportunities for ex-offenders and people in recovery from addiction. Eligible applicants can benefit from a tailored mix of support to help grow their business and access investment.

As an Enterprise Mentor, you will be supporting clients of Forward’s Enterprise Support team to reach their full potential to start and build a successful business. Acting as a role model, you will use your personal experience and expertise to guide them with their personal goals and challenges. You will be matched to a mentee according to their aspirations and your personal expertise. You will meet with your mentees once to twice a month and will need to be able to commit to 4 to 6 hours a month to support your mentee . This is a just a recommendation and is flexible based on the Mentee's needs. Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering duties and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.

We recommend that the Mentor commits to volunteering to 4-6 hours a month for a period of 6 months. This is just a recommendation and can be flexible according to the needs of the Mentee.

Task description:

• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with your mentee
• Be a consistent ear to listen
• Support your mentee to formulate realistic and achievable goals
• Support your mentee with the barriers they encounter and provide guidance on how to overcome these
• Support your mentee by using your professional expertise and knowledge of the sector to guide them
• Listen to the mentees’ concerns and work with them to overcome these
• Listen to your mentee’s ideas and give honest feedback on them
• Be a positive role model to your mentee

Specific duties:

• Arrange and attend monthly meetings with your mentees
• Set targets at the meetings and encourage your mentee to work towards those
• Provide practical support to help your mentee with their concerns and barriers to enable them to overcome them
• Keep a record of your meetings by completing the relevant paperwork after each meeting
• Ensure that notes of meetings are sent to your placement supervisor
• Attend monthly mentor meetings to hear group feedback, raise any concerns and learn from other mentors’ experiences

Perks and Benefits:

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning:

o Induction to the Forward Trust
o Safeguarding
o Data Protection & GDPR
o Health and Safety
]

Additional internal training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement to support you with your personal development goals. This may include: group facilitation skills, 12 Steps awareness. External training requests will need to be agreed with placement supervisor and submitted to Head Office for approval prior to completing a course.
 

Skills You'll Need

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking from volunteer:

• If in Recovery from Addiction, to be 12 months abstinent from all mood altering substances. 
• To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.
• To have a clear understanding of confidentiality.
• To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
• To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.
• To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.
• To be committed to own learning and development
• To have experience of setting and managing your own business

Our emotional support volunteers offer vital emotional support to woman, girl and AFAB non-binary survivors of sexual violence and abuse by providing our helpline, email support and live chat services.

We are the only specialist service in Cambridgeshire providing dedicated support to woman survivors of rape and sexual violence.

These confidential and anonymous services would not exist without our amazing volunteers, who provide life-changing support to survivors in their local community.

Who are we looking for?

Women of all ages (18 years +) and backgrounds who are:

• Empathetic, non-judgemental and good listeners.
• Self-aware and emotionally resilient.
• Interested in discussing and learning about sexual violence and its impacts on women and girls.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and anonymity.
• Able to work independently using initiative and also be part of a team.
• Share CRCC’s survivor-focused ethos.
• Ideally able to commit to three shifts a month (shifts are Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings).
• Ideally able to commit to volunteering for at least 18 months.

We especially welcome enquiries from women from minoritised and under-represented groups and communities. This includes AFAB non-binary individuals who feel comfortable volunteering within a service run for women by women.

We can contribute to childcare costs and reasonable travel expenses to enable women to volunteer with us.

Comprehensive training and support will be provided for this role. Training starts on the 20 April 2026.

Details about the role

Location: CRCC's office in Cambridge and remotely (the latter only possible if volunteer has access to a private, confidential space to volunteer from that isn't their bedroom)

When: After the initial training period (starting 20 April 2026):

• Shifts: Wednesday 7-9.30pm and Sunday 10am-12.30pm
• Monthly reflective practice: Monday or Tuesday 6-7.30pm

Commitment: After the initial training period:

• 3 shifts per month on helpline/email/live chat (we operate a flexible rota)
• 1 reflective practice session per month
• Volunteer meetings once every 6 months
• Regular ongoing training
• Regular 121s

About Us

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a grassroots movement committed to confronting and eradicating Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) across the UK. We give survivors, families, and allies the power to speak out, heal, and educate communities through storytelling, outreach, and collective action. We work across all communities - Black, white, Asian, Caribbean, and African, ensuring no survivor feels alone or silencedOur CIC operates through a community-driven, volunteer-led structure, . built by people who believe in truth, justice, and love as law.

This Is Not a Marketing Role. It’s a System-Building Role.

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. exists to confront and expose the realities of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), centre survivor truth and accountability, support young people into economic empowerment, and build community-owned, open-source systems that serve people rather than capital.

We are:

• Values-led
• Anti-capitalist
• Community-driven
• Decentralised by design

We are not here to “optimise funnels” for profit alone. We are here to build ethical, scalable digital systems that mobilise people, protect the vulnerable, and sustain community-led change. The Founding Volunteer Digital Marketing Director plays a central role in making that possible.

About the role:

To design and maintain secure, usable digital systems that support operations, safeguarding and collaboration, enabling the CIC to function efficiently and scale responsibly.

The Purpose of This Role:
The Digital Marketing Director is responsible for designing, leading, and operationalising the CIC’s entire digital growth and outreach strategy during its founding phase.
This role exists to:

• Translate the CIC’s mission into measurable reach and engagement
• Build ethical digital pathways for donors, volunteers, ambassadors, and members
• Create infrastructure that allows the organisation to scale without losing its soul

You will not be inheriting a finished system. You will be helping to design it.

Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Design and own the organisation’s digital marketing strategy aligned to 2026 goals
• Define how digital channels support fundraising, membership, volunteering, and campaigns
• Set priorities across email, landing pages, CRM journeys, and paid campaigns

Operational Delivery

• Oversee digital marketing systems including:
  • Email marketing and automation
  • Landing pages and conversion journeys
  • CRM integration (e.g. CiviCRM or equivalent)
• Ensure campaigns are planned, executed, tracked, and reviewed
• Work closely with Social Media, Fundraising, Membership, and Digital Systems teams

Growth & Campaigns

• Lead digital campaigns for:
  • Donor acquisition
  • Volunteer and ambassador recruitment
  • Community engagement
  • Programme launches
  • Ensure all growth activity is ethical, trauma-aware, and values-aligned

Data, Learning & Improvement

• Monitor performance metrics and conversion data
• Use insights to refine systems and campaigns
• Contribute to organisational learning and long-term sustainability planning

Founding Responsibility

• Help design the future paid digital marketing department
• Document systems, workflows, and decision logic
• Act as a steward of ethical digital practice within the CIC

 
What This Role Requires
You must:

• Be aligned with the CIC’s mission, values, and anti-capitalist stance
• Be willing to commit at a founding level during the unpaid build phase
• Be able to work with incomplete systems and help build structure
• Be comfortable collaborating across multiple teams

You should bring experience in some of the following (placeholders for HR to refine):

• Digital marketing strategy and execution
• Email marketing and automation systems
• CRM-based journeys and segmentation
• Campaign planning and optimisation
• Working with limited budgets in non-profit or purpose-led settings

Formal qualifications are not required.
Equivalent professional or lived experience is acceptable.
 
What You Will Gain

• A founding leadership role in a national CIC
• The opportunity to design ethical digital systems from the ground up
• Significant leadership and systems-building experience
• Personal transformation through meaningful, purpose-driven work
• A pathway to shaping future paid roles as the organisation scales

We do not promise certainty or immediate compensation.
We offer responsibility, influence, and the chance to build something that matters.
 
This Role Is Not for You If:

• You are looking for quick pay or low commitment
• You prioritise growth at any cost
• You are uncomfortable working within safeguarding and ethical constraints
• You want to “plug in” rather than build from scratch
• You are not ready to take collective responsibility for long-term impact

A Final Word
The digital world shapes how people understand truth, power, and possibility.
If you believe digital systems can serve communities rather than extract from them and you are ready to help build that reality from the ground up - this role may be for you.

Become a Trustee at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Newcastle Theatre Royal is one of the best loved and most recognised large scale, regional theatres in the UK creating moments of magic both on and off-stage. Our iconic Grade I listed building sits in the heart of Newcastle city centre and presents a diverse programme showcasing world class musicals, dance, opera and drama as well as our annual show-stopping pantomime, entertaining people of all ages from across the region.

Committed to creating a love of theatre for everyone, that lasts a lifetime, our wide-ranging Creative Engagement programme is central to our creative and artistic programme and provides pathways and opportunities to access, explore and enjoy creative activities for people of all ages, and support talent development in Newcastle and across the North East.

As an independent charity which receives no regular funding, ensuring financial resilience by broadening our income streams is key to our long-term future. Our Executive and staff team are supported by a committed and ambitious Board of Trustees.

We seek new Trustees to join our board – individuals who bring skills and lived experience to broaden the range of voices and perspectives in our leadership. We are looking to appoint a number of Trustees across a range of skill sets to complement the make up of our current board members, but in this round of recruitment, we are specifically looking for trustees with experience in:

• HR and overseeing People & Culture Strategies
• Creative, artistic or engagement experience in large scale cultural venues
• Catering and retail
• Capital Projects and Fundraising (related to listed buildings or cultural venues)

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference and support our aim to be a theatre for everyone. We encourage and welcome interest from candidates who will bring different lived experiences and perspectives to the Trust.

Start the New Year by Making a Real Difference

Volunteer as a Family Mentor in Southend-on-Sea

As a new year begins, many families in Southend-on-Sea are facing ongoing challenges — from isolation and mental health struggles to financial pressures. With a little time and consistency, you can help make this year a turning point for them.

By volunteering as a Family Mentor, you’ll offer practical and emotional support that helps families stay strong, connected and hopeful — one visit at a time.

What you’ll do

As a Family Mentor, you’ll:

• Visit a family in their home once a week for at least six months
• Listen without judgement and offer encouragement
• Help parents build confidence and develop positive parenting skills
• Support families with everyday challenges
• Reduce isolation by connecting families to local community support

You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteering journey. We’ll carefully match you with a family and provide full training, regular supervision and ongoing guidance.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience — just warmth, reliability and a genuine desire to help.

You’ll need to be:

• Aged 18 or over and based in or near Southend-on-Sea
• Able to commit to weekly visits for six months
• Willing to complete a DBS check and provide references
• Patient, empathetic and happy to stand alongside families through challenging times

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Your life experience could make a meaningful difference to a family in your community.

What you’ll gain

Volunteering as a Family Mentor is rewarding for both you and the families you support. You’ll:

• Gain valuable skills and experience for work or study
• Build confidence, empathy and listening skills
• Join a supportive and welcoming volunteer community
• Receive full training and ongoing support
• Be reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses

“When I started, I didn’t think I had much to offer. Six months later, I saw a mum smiling more, feeling less alone — and I realised how powerful simply showing up can be.”
— Sarah, Volunteer Mentor

Why it matters

Families in Southend-on-Sea are under real pressure right now. By offering your time and kindness, you can help parents cope, reduce family breakdown, and give children the stability they need to thrive.

How to get started

• Register your interest online with Volunteering Matters
• Have an informal chat with our team
• Complete training and checks
• Be matched with a family — and start making a difference

Training for this role will take place on 4th and 5th February. You’ll need to be available on both days.

Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

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:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

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:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.