Social work volunteer volunteer roles

Learn to Love to Read offers one-to-one support to children who find learning to read challenging, in schools and online via Zoom.Our In-school volunteers are asked to commit 90 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 1-3 pm.
Our virtual volunteers are asked to commit 30-60 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 4-6 pm.

Full training and ongoing support is provided for all volunteers to provide them with a framework which supports children's reading skills, while also building their self-esteem, confidence and love of reading. Our volunteers support the same children each week, providing 20 minutes of one-to-one support for the whole academic year. This ensures a consistent and rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the children.

In Wandsworth, post-COVID, 20% of Key Stage 1 and 25% of Key Stage 2 children did not reach the expected standard of reading in summer 2025. Low literacy is linked to poverty and social exclusion, limiting options in life. Early literacy intervention is crucial to break this cycle. School closures due to COVID-19 have been tough for children from disadvantaged families.
 

Please note we only work with schools in the London borough of Wandsworth and all our volunteers need to live in or within easy reach of that borough. 

In line with Safer Recruitment, all applicants are asked to complete an application form, provide references, take part in a face-to-face interview and ID check, and attend online training which includes safeguarding. All volunteers must have an enhanced DBS check which we arrange on your behalf. You will also be required to obtain checks from any country in which you've lived for more than three months from the age of 16 in line with Wandsworth's guidance. Once you have registered, we’ll send you a link to the application form.

Learn to Love to Read is committed to working without bias and offering equal opportunities for our volunteers. We are committed to valuing diversity and working inclusively across all our activities. Our aim is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Become a fundraising volunteer team leader!

Help make a difference to cats and people.

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising 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:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

What Our Young People and Volunteers Say

·“I look forward to my monthly visits, its time just for me, I choose my activity and we have fun together.”

·“I like how my Independent Visitor isn’t anything to do with social services and is here to support me, not to judge.”

·“They have boosted my confidence. Now I feel like when I go places I can just relax and have fun.”

·“My young person always looks forward to me coming. They have had such a disjointed life; I am a stable figure in their life and this has to be important for them as everything else changes around them a lot.”

We Need A Volunteers in:  FOREST GATE

Could You Be the Difference?

·Have fun on outings –Coffee and a chat, zoo, museums, bowling, trampoline park………..

·Share hobbies or interests – Arts and crafts, football, animals, theatre………..

·Be a positive role model

·Listen, support, and help build confidence

What We Provide

·Full training

·Ongoing support

·Expenses reimbursed (to an agreed limit)

No special qualifications needed. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life who are reliable, caring, and committed.

Do you believe that every person has a right to a full life, with friendship, belonging and chances to contribute their gifts? Do you want to support a global movement that shares the struggle of people with learning disabilities for voice, rights and community? If so, you could make a profound contribution to L’Arche through joining our Board of Trustees.

This is a pivotal time for L’Arche as, after 50 years in the UK, we work to deliver our 2030 Strategy for Beautiful Community, Brilliant Care and Effective Organisation. We are now looking for three to four new Trustees who can bring a depth of professional and personal experience to diversify the voices and expertise on our Board, in support of our vision to show that everyone belongs.

In particular, we would welcome people who can bring expertise in Fundraising, PR and Marketing, in Learning Disability Services and Commissioning, in Housing and Health & Safety, or Legal Expertise. We also want to strengthen the representation on the Board of people, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, lived experience of disability, gender and LGBTQ representation.

L’Arche in the UK is part of a worldwide movement of people with and without learning disabilities building community together. We aim to be a beacon for our society - of what social care can be, what life with learning disabilities can be, and what a more human society can be.

Our 11 Communities in England, Scotland and Wales offer a varied mix of adult supported living, registered care, and day services. We focus on building mutual relationships and going beyond traditional care models to celebrate the value of every individual.

L’Arche was first founded on Christian principles. These principles mean we stand for radical inclusion, and for the right of every person to flourish in their spirituality, whatever their background. To find out more about spirituality in L’Arche, have a look at our website to see what people said in our Big Conversation on Spirituality.

For further information about the role and context, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the supporting documents section below. Application is by submission of CV and cover letter via email to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search (please see Appointment Details Pack for contact details).

The closing date for applications is Monday 11th May 2026.

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

In preparation for our International Biodiversity Arts Exhibtion, we are seeking volunteer support from a reliable and trustworthy person who wishes to gain experience working for an environmental arts social enterprise. 

This is a remote role for a UK based person who is able to populate application information from spreadsheets into our online gallery inventory within a programme called Kunstmatrix.

The volunteer will also be able to prepare word documents of name and artwork labels to feature in our physical gallery.

The work required should take the volunteer between 5 - 15 hours, depending upon how quickly they can work. Prior to starting work, the volunteer will be able to meet for a video call at a time convenient to them and Insecta Collective director Elizabeth.

The work can be undertaken at any time of day, on any day of the week, providing it is completed within the specified deadline given when the volunteer meeting takes place.

In return for volunteer hours, the volunteer can enter their artwork into our open call exhibition for free. They will also recieve a certificate for their time and dedication.

Community Engagement Volunteer

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

· Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community

· Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities

· Helping at events

· Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through

· SSAFA’s speaker programme

· Event administration

· Social media marketing

The skills you need

· Friendly and approachable

· Happy to help

· Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

· Support in your role from the team at SSAFA

· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Volunteer Ice Cream Bike Operator

About The Role

We’re looking for positive minded individuals who can bring joy and some theatre to Ice Cream sales whilst on the move on our electric trike at Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Become the face (and wheels!) of Martin Mere Wetland Centre – a mobile, bike‑powered ice‑cream experience that pops up where the crowds are. You’ll steer one of our fully‑equipped electric bikes, to delight customers with ice cold refreshments and Ice-Creams. Use your entrepreneurial flair to maximise daily sales. Expect plenty of sunshine, spontaneous dance‑offs with kids, and the buzz of being on the move. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 
 
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don’t wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and leave a message with your name and number. 

About You

Skills & Experience:

• Customer-facing experience: Previous experience in retail, hospitality, or customer service is highly beneficial. 
• Communication skills: Ability to interact confidently with customers and promote the business. 
• Physical fitness: Ability to cycle a loaded ice cream bike for several hours and handle the physical demands of the role. 
• Numeracy and basic tech skills: Comfortable with handling cash, using card readers, and potentially using POS apps. 
• Independence and reliability: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and ensure the business runs smoothly. 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife – talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake…
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Time commitment?Flexible over peak periods e.g. summer holidays and at weekends.

How to Apply

For more information on this fun and important role, and others, and to apply please visit our website. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Graphic Designer (MINDSET Charity) - VOLUNTEER ROLE

Remote | Very Flexible 

Help shape the visual identity of a national movement for men’s wellbeing

MINDSET is building a bold new movement for men’s mental wellbeing and personal growth in the UK — rooted in action, challenge, brotherhood, and real‑world transformation. To bring this mission to life, we urgently need a talented Graphic Designer who can help us create powerful, professional visuals that will put MINDSET firmly on the map.

This is a role for someone who wants their creativity to matter — someone who wants to design work that directly supports men across the UK.

Why This Role Matters

Our programmes, campaigns, and recruitment efforts rely on clear, compelling, and consistent design. Your work will help us:

• Reach men who need support

• Build trust with partners and communities

• Strengthen our national identity

• Communicate our mission with clarity and dignity

Every banner, post, booklet, and graphic you create will help us change lives.

What You’ll Design

We urgently need a designer who can create a range of high‑impact digital and print materials, including:

• Roller Banners for events, outreach, and public visibility

• Social Media Posts for campaigns, recruitment, and programme promotion

• Print Materials such as flyers, leaflets, and business stationery

• Digital Assets for our website, online programmes, and volunteer recruitment

• Guide Booklets for our 12‑week Self‑Improvement Programme and other initiatives

You’ll be helping to build a cohesive, professional visual identity for a charity that is growing fast.

What You’ll Do

As our Graphic Designer, you will:

• Create clean, modern, impactful designs that reflect MINDSET’s mission

• Work with the Head of Marketing & Communications to deliver campaign visuals

• Produce both digital and print‑ready artwork

• Ensure brand consistency across all materials

• Bring creativity, clarity, and emotional resonance to every design

• Help shape the visual identity of a national movement

This role is remote, flexible, and ideal for someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution in just a few hours each week.

Who This Role Is Perfect For

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Skilled in graphic design (Canva, Adobe, or similar tools)

• Able to produce polished, professional designs quickly and reliably

• Passionate about men’s wellbeing, personal growth, and community

• Someone who enjoys turning ideas into visuals that inspire action

• Excited by the idea of helping build a national charity from the ground up

You do not need charity experience. You do not need formal qualifications. You simply need creativity, initiative, and a desire to help men live fuller, healthier lives.

If you want your design skills to make a real difference…

We’d love to hear from you. Join us and help build the visual identity of MINDSET.

​

Orpheus is seeking a creative professional to join Level Up, our mentoring programme for young disabled adults beginning their journey in the creative industries.

This role is an opportunity to support an emerging artist to build confidence, develop their creative practice, and navigate the industry. We welcome mentors from all creative backgrounds, including design, fashion, film, animation, theatre, writing, music, dance, and more.  On this occasion we are seeking someone with experience in fashion, retail, styling, and voice performance, particularly those specialising in character driven performances for animation, gaming, audio dramas, and related media.

About the role

You’ll work one‑to‑one with a participant, offering guidance, industry insight, and practical support. You’ll help them set goals, explore opportunities, grow their networks, and develop their creative portfolio. We are looking for someone who understands and values the social model of disability and is committed to inclusive practice.

Who we’re looking for

• Experience working within a creative discipline
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• An interest in mentoring and supporting disabled artists
• Experience of portfolio development and/or networking within the creative industries
• Previous mentoring or teaching experience is welcome but not essential

What you’ll gain

• The chance to support new and underrepresented voices
• Opportunities to develop your mentoring skills
• Flexible working
• The chance to contribute to a more inclusive creative sector

We are looking for a friendly, patient befriending volunteer to visit a lovely gentleman in New Southgate. He is keen to find an attentive listener who will show an interest in hearing his imaginative stories and will giggle at his jokes. He would love for someone to accompany him to McDonalds for a treat, to join him in a bit of music trivia, or sometimes for just a cup of tea and a chit chat.

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 to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

- Sitting and having a chat

- Checking in on their well- being

- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink

- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.

- Enjoying a walk

- A craft activity at home

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.

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