Social work volunteer volunteer roles

Volunteer Cook

 About the Role

We are looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Cooks to support people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss by helping to prepare and cook nutritious, enjoyable meals. This rewarding role provides an opportunity to share your passion for food, encourage independence, and help create positive social experiences through cooking and shared mealtimes.

 The Difference You Will Make

As a Volunteer Cook, you will help people develop practical cooking skills, build confidence, and enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals. Your support can promote independence, social inclusion, and wellbeing while creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, and enjoy new experiences.

 What You Will Do

• Support people to prepare and cook simple meals and snacks.
• Encourage participation in food preparation and kitchen activities.
• Promote safe food handling and good kitchen hygiene practices.
• Assist with meal planning and shopping lists where appropriate.
• Help create a welcoming and enjoyable cooking environment.
• Support individuals to develop confidence and independence in the kitchen.
• Work alongside staff to ensure activities are safe, enjoyable, and inclusive.
• Assist with clearing up and maintaining a clean kitchen area after sessions.

 What We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. You do not need to be a professional chef—just someone who enjoys cooking and supporting others.

We are looking for people who are:

• Friendly, patient, and reliable.
• Passionate about cooking and healthy eating.
• Good communicators and supportive team players.
• Respectful of diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiastic about helping people learn new skills.
• Able to encourage and motivate others in a positive way.

 Requirements

Successful volunteers will be required to:

• Complete an enhanced DBS check.
• Provide two satisfactory references.
• Complete some online training
• Follow SeeAbility's policies and procedures, including safeguarding, food hygiene, and health and safety requirements.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a specialist charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious lives. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals, develop independence, and be part of their community.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us provide meaningful opportunities, develop life skills, and support the people we work with to achieve their aspirations.

Fundraising volunteer

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

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

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

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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

Fundraising volunteer

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

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

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

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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

Do you enjoy organising? Would you like to play a key role in making sure things get done!

Our volunteer administrators are instrumental to all the work that we do across Hestia. You will have the opportunity to support staff with a wide range of desk-based and administrative tasks. These behind-the-scenes roles provide essential support in ensuring that those who we work with access the support they require to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

What you will be doing

• To support with administration, texting and emailing information to service users, volunteers, and staff
• Support with updating and inputting data into spreadsheets
• Support with making phone calls to follow up and gather needed information.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Good organisation and administrative skills
• Able to maintain good working relationships
• Basic IT skills, comfortable using spreadsheets and emailing

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Do you want to help disabled and neurodivergent children and their families who may be struggling to live their lives to their full potential? You can help us by providing support in your local community.

What will you be doing?

• Gathering information about family needs in person at local family hubs
• Supporting families in accessing useful information and connecting them with services.
• Researching and maintaining a directory of local community support services and groups.
• Identifying and attending community outreach/family engagement events to raise awareness of services in the local area.
• Providing emotional support to families

What skills would be useful?

• Good interpersonal skills
• A good level of written and verbal communication
• A good level of computer literacy
• A good eye for detail
• Experience supporting disabled or neurodivergent children
• Experience supporting families in health and social care sector

What’s in it for you?

• Relevant training, mentoring and support will be provided
• Gain experience to add on to your CV
• Utilise your skills and learn new ones
• Social opportunities
• Access to wellbeing support
• Out of pocket travel expenses can be reimbursed
• We strive to make reasonable adjustments and improve accessibility

Location:

Maryhill Family Hub in Kidsgrove, Gloucester Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DJ

Age limit:

18

Schedule / How much time are you expected to give and when?:

For the role to be mutually beneficial, we hope for volunteers to volunteer for 6 months.

The Kidsgrove sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Friday morning of the month.

Volunteer Role: Peer Mentor

Location: 25 Victoria Street, Rochester, ME1 1XJ and other locations in the surrounding community. Unfortunately, this service does not have step-free access. 

Do you...

• Have lived experience of substance misuse, supported living, or rough sleeping?
• Found ways to overcome challenges in your life that you could share with others?
• Have experience accessing treatment or support services?
• Been free from illicit drug use or problematic alcohol use for the past 3-6 months?

If you’ve said yes to all of the above, there are people going through a similar experience that need your help in their recovery. You will be fully trained and supported by our Peer Outreach Coordinator throughout your time with the project.

About the Role

Our Peer Mentors support clients to engage with treatment services through supporting access to these services in a variety of ways including, through taking people to appointments, sharing of their own experiences, making referrals into drug and alcohol treatment services and proactively encouraging clients to access harm reduction interventions and treatment services.

The clients that you will be working with will either be experiencing rough sleeping or who are at risk of experiencing rough-sleeping.

What is the Commitment?

We are looking for volunteers who can commit to giving 1-5 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Volunteering at our service usually takes place Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm. We are very flexible and happy to work around your availability where we can.

What You Can Expect From Us

A mandatory training course will be provided which will cover all aspects of Peer Mentoring including covering boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality and personal safety. This course will be undertaken in partnership with the NHS peer mentor training scheme. Ongoing supervision and support will be provided throughout the whole process by the Pathways Peer Outreach Coordinator.

You can expect that we will:

• Work with you to find a volunteering arrangement that works for you and for the service. We will be as flexible as we can!
• Reimburse you for agreed expenses relating to your volunteering.
• Welcome you warmly into our team and support you to get the most from your experience.
• Recognise and celebrate your contribution to the team! We can provide references to confirm your achievements and contributions upon request.
• Provide regular supervision and opportunities to provide feedback on your experience.
• You will be eligible to register with Blue Light Discount Card. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

This role may close early, for a better chance to be considered, we recommend applying as soon as possible as we screen on an ongoing basis. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds

Do you want to help disabled and neurodivergent children and their families who may be struggling to live their lives to their full potential?

You can help us by providing family support in your local community 

What will you be doing?

• Gathering information about family needs in person at local family hubs
• Supporting families in accessing useful information and connecting them with services.
• Researching and maintaining a directory of local community support services and groups.
• Identifying and attending community outreach/family engagement events to raise awareness of services in the local area.
• Providing emotional support to families

What skills would be useful?

• Good interpersonal skills
• A good level of written and verbal communication
• A good level of computer literacy
• A good eye for detail
• Experience supporting disabled or neurodivergent children
• Experience supporting families in health and social care sector

What’s in it for you?

• Relevant training, mentoring and support will be provided
• Gain experience to add on to your CV
• Utilise your skills and learn new ones
• Social opportunities
• Access to wellbeing support
• Out of pocket travel expenses can be reimbursed
• We strive to make reasonable adjustments and improve accessibility

Location:

Stafford Family Hub Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ

Age limit:

18

Schedule / How much time are you expected to give and when?:

For the role to be mutually beneficial, we hope for volunteers to volunteer for 6 months.

The 2nd and 4th Monday of the month 1pm-3pm (possibility of weekly sessions tbc)

Are you a fluent Farsi speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills.

What you will be doing

• To support people who are not confident with spoken English to develop these skills through conversational English sessions through 1:1 or in small groups.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.

The skills you need

• Hold a TEFL qualification, or equivalent qualification to support individuals
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Farsi and English

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will provide friendly, face-to-face support to people in East Hertfordshire who are experiencing mental health challenges. Your role will involve building positive, supportive relationships, encouraging confidence, and helping people feel more connected to their community. 

You may be asked to travel within the local area to meet with service users. Ideally, you will be able to offer at least 1 hour per week. 

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role. 

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will: 

Meet with service users at times and places that suit their needs.
Offer emotional support by drawing on your own lived experience.
Encourage and support people to build social connections and take part in community activities.
Act as a “community connector” by signposting people to local services and opportunities. 

About the service

Our service works with adults (18+) who are known to mental health services and living with a mental health condition. We provide befriending support to people in the Hertfordshire towns of: Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Cuffley, and Waltham Cross. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?

Good communication and listening skills.
A flexible, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach. 

It's not essential, but you may also bring: 

Knowledge of local services and community resources, including voluntary organisations.
Familiarity with the local area.
A commitment to supporting people in their recovery journey. 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Across the UK, we deliver vital services and support for people affected by MS. We connect people to information andresources, and to others in the MS community — helping build a sense of belonging, shared experience and unity. Living with MS can be challenging and isolating. Sometimes the most powerful support comes from someone who understands it personally.

As a Peer Support Volunteer, you’ll use your own experiences and knowledge of being affected by MS to help others feel understood, informed and empowered. You’ll offer a listening ear, emotional support, and signposting to services and resources that can make a difference. In this role, you’ll develop your listening, communication and people skills, as well as your knowledge of MS and local services. Most importantly, you’ll support people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Offering support by sharing your own experiences of MS 
• Keeping up to date with what services and support are available for people to access nationally, regionally and locally
• Helping people access services and support, including from our MS Helpline, Living Well virtual support, NHS services, local support and online tools 
• Connecting with people to understand their needs and goals   
• Supporting people to improve their wellbeing, reduce isolation and grow their confidence   
• Meeting people regularly (online or via telephone) to check in and continue support   • Listening to feedback and helping us understand what works and where we can improve

What you’ll get in return:

• 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 

Befriender Volunteers play a key role in supporting individuals as they move on from our services and begin to live more independently. This role helps individuals stay connected, build stability, and feel confident in their next steps. Volunteers provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to help people achieve their personal goals and stay engaged with their community.

What you will be doing

• Carry out regular check-ins—via phone, online, or in person—to help service users feel supported after leaving the service. Provide friendly visits where appropriate, offering a listening ear and encouragement during the transition to independent living
• Support individuals to build links within their local community, such as identifying clubs, social groups, local activities, or places of interest based on their personal goals.
• Encourage service users to take part in community events and build social connections that promote long-term wellbeing.
• Accompany service users to view potential properties where needed. Provide assistance exploring practical items or resources they may need after moving on, such as furniture options, budgeting tools, or local amenities.
• support service users to attend GP or other health appointments, helping reduce anxiety and build confidence in navigating services.
• Help individuals develop social skills, communication skills, and confidence through positive interactions and gentle encouragement. Providing motivation and reassurance as they work towards independent living goals.
• Support service users to access and participate in our online activities, helping them build digital confidence and stay connected. Assist with basic digital navigation, where needed (e.g., joining online groups, using communication platforms, accessing resources).

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Friendly and calm nature
• Mental health experience who feels strong enough to help others
• Willingness to listen to people with a genuine enthusiasm to support others
• Confident, sympathetic and can inspire trust and able to maintain boundaries in a non-judgemental way
• Warm, friendly, and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience and empathy
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Reliability and consistency

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Open your home for a night. Change a young person's future.

Every year, young people in our community face the frightening reality of having nowhere safe to stay. By becoming a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you can provide a warm welcome, a safe place to sleep, and the breathing space a young person needs while longer-term support is put in place.

About Us

Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediation works with young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build an independent and positive future.

Our services include:

• Safe, emergency accommodation through our Nightstop community hosting scheme.
• Family and school mediation to help prevent relationship breakdown.
• Homelessness prevention through education, life skills workshops and crisis support.

About Nightstop

Nightstop provides emergency accommodation in the homes of trained and approved volunteer hosts. Rather than spending the night on the streets or in unsafe situations, young people are offered a temporary, safe place to stay while our team works to find appropriate longer-term accommodation and support.

As a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you'll never be working alone. Our experienced team provides ongoing guidance and support throughout every placement.

What You'll Do

As a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Provide a clean, safe and private bedroom for a young person needing emergency overnight accommodation.
• Offer an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch.
• Give access to bathroom facilities and laundry if needed.
• Stay in regular contact with the Nightstop team before, during and after placements.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing a welcoming environment.

Placements are short-term and arranged around your availability.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous experience—what matters most is compassion, reliability and a willingness to help.

We're looking for people who:

• Want to support young people experiencing homelessness.
• Can offer a non-judgemental and respectful approach.
• Have a spare bedroom available at short notice.
• Are willing to complete training and work alongside our experienced team.
• Have an interest in making a real difference within their local community.

Training and Support

We'll make sure you feel confident before welcoming your first guest.

You'll receive:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Daily check-in calls throughout each hosting placement.
• Access to a 24-hour emergency on-call service.
• Regular supervision and support meetings.
• Opportunities to attend additional training delivered by the organisation.

Why Volunteer With Us?

By becoming a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Help prevent youth homelessness in your local community.
• Provide safety and hope at a critical moment in a young person's life.
• Develop valuable skills through high-quality training and support.
• Meet like-minded volunteers through appreciation and networking events.
• Receive reimbursement for all agreed out-of-pocket expenses.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive service and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We believe our volunteers should reflect the diversity of the people we support.

Recruitment Process

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, successful applicants will complete:

• An application form.
• An informal interview.
• Enhanced DBS and reference checks.
• Induction training.
• A home visit and health and safety assessment.

If you have a spare room and a desire to make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you. One night of kindness can be the first step towards a brighter future for a young person experiencing homelessness.

Within CPSL Mind's serives, our trainined Peer Mentor "walk alongside" individuals on thier recovery journey as they work towards specific personal goals through 1:1 work or group support. This service is offered Monday to Friday between office hours. 

Aims of the service is to:

• Reduce loneliness and social isolation among adults
• Improve mental wellbeing and confidence through regualar social contact
• Encourage informal physical activity, including walking, gentle exercise and community particiaption 
• Strengthen resilience by supporting individuals to access public services, groups and wider community provision
• Reduce reliance on statutory support 

Are You Creative, Organised, and Passionate About Making a Difference?

Turn your ideas into meaningful experiences as an Activity Coordinator Volunteer. You'll help plan and deliver fun, engaging activities that promote wellbeing, build confidence, and bring people together.

From arts and crafts and games to wellbeing sessions, themed events, and community outings, every activity you support will help create connections, inspire smiles, and make a positive impact on people's lives.

What you will be doing

• Support the planning and delivery of activities based on the interests of service users
• Help facilitate social groups such as coffee mornings, walking groups, and activity workshops.
• Encourage participation and help create a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Build positive relationships with service users and support them to develop confidence and social connections.
• Work alongside staff to identify new activity ideas and opportunities.
• Assist with setting up and tidying away activities where required
• Provide occasional one-to-one support, such as accompanying service users to appointments, shopping trips, or community activities.

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and a good listener
• Organised and dependable.
• Confident engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Creative and interested in helping others try new activities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Able to work as part of a team.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.