Student engagement manager volunteer roles

Role Overview

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate volunteers to join our new monthly drop in group in that take place in Redbridge Sports & Leisure, Forest Road, Barkingside, Ilford Essex, IG63HD, every 3rd Thursday of the month 10.30-12.30 starting on 20th November.

This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience. Is perfect for SLT students, retired health professionals and individuals looking at becoming speech and language therapists.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable but not essential (training will be given)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

About Us

Focus Surrey runs a Saturday Club for autistic children aged 3 to 16. We provide a fun, supportive and child-centred environment where children develop communication, social interaction and early learning skills through play, guided by the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Sessions are led by experienced practitioners, including Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs).

We are recruiting volunteers to join our Saturday Club and support autistic children through play-based activities. This is a great work experience opportunity for students and individuals who are interested in developing their understanding of children with disabilities and gaining meaningful experience in psychology, SEN, education, therapy or related fields. The role supports early career development by offering practical experience in a structured and supportive setting where volunteers can build foundational skills confidence and understanding

The Role

As a Volunteer Play Assistant, you will support autistic children during structured and creative play activities, helping them build communication, social interaction and confidence in a positive and inclusive environment. You will work with qualified practitioners, gaining direct experience using evidence-based approaches such as ABA in practice, while receiving ongoing support and guidance throughout the sessions.

Volunteers are allocated a specific child based on their experience and interests, allowing you to build consistency and rapport over time. The role involves active engagement with children, responding to individual needs, and contributing positively to a collaborative and supportive team environment.

What You’ll Gain

· Hands-on experience supporting autistic children in a real-world SEN setting

· Practical exposure to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in practice

· Experience working alongside qualified practitioners and gaining support and guidance

· Development of transferable skills including communication, teamwork and behaviour support

· Increased confidence working with children with diverse needs

· Enhanced DBS check provided

Commitment and Timing

The club will run for 12 Saturdays between February 21st to May 23rd, 2026, from 9am to 4pm each day. Volunteers are encouraged to commit to the majority of the term to ensure consistency for the children and to gain the most from the experience.

Location

The club is based at Merton College in Morden. The venue is a five-minute walk from Morden South Station and is also accessible by bus routes 80, 93, and 154.

URGENTLY HIRING FOR A SHORT TERM ROLE IN DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION SUITABLE FOR THOSE REQUIRING REFERENCES FOR FUTURE ROLES.

M2 SPED Awareness is seeking 2 digital illustrators to use their experience of creating original  2d Vector art images using either Adobe Illustrator/Affinity Designer/Krita to design original images to replace our placeholder canva images for our upcoming Self-published Guidebook on Neurodiversity Awareness.

Your Artwork will contribute a lasting legacy for Neurodiversity Youth Advocates, Educators, and Healthcare professionals who would access the guidebook scheduled for release on 1st September 2026. 

This book will be free to Neurodiversity Youth Advocates and 100% of royalties made from public sale will be used to fund our CPD courses and Neurodiveristy Youth Advocate Programmes.

What we offer

After completion of the role, you can request for references from the co-founder of the charity for any future job appliciations.

Your illustrations will also be labelled with your name and a bio of your profile and contributions will be documented in the first chapter of the book to recognise your contributions.

What you will do?

work with the organisation on a remote monthly basis to complete tasks (with assistance from our Projects and Mentoring Lead with task delegation and organising) which could include the following:

(i) Training: Attend induction training on Neurodiversity and the charity during May

(ii) Backgrounds & Contributions Profile write up: Write a short profile about yourself and contributions to the guidebook which will be place in Chapter 1 of the Guidebook for recognition in May.

(iii) Illustration Work: Create ORIGINAL 2d Vector art style images to replace the place holder Canva Images for allocated book cover/chapters during May-July.

Month by Month breakdown seen in job description.

What you’ll bring

You will be an experienced Digital Illustrator with available software to create your original 2d vector artwork.

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in Digital Illustration Skills
• Experience with either Adobe Illustrator OR Affinity Designer OR Krita
• Experience creating original artwork in Modern 2D Vector artstyle.
• Right to Work in the UK (Be it via Citizenship/Right to Remain/Vias- This charity cannot offer sponsorship)

Key details

Hours: part-time (3.5 hours per week): Days and hours of choice are flexible to the employee.

Location: Remote working

Contract type: fixed-term, until July 15th 2026.

Next steps

Closing date for applications: Late evening (11pm), Friday 24 April 2026. Please note we aim to review all applications within 24 hours and may close the advert early if we have the desired number of applicants. We encourage you to apply promptly to not face dissapointment. 

Notification of interview: shortlisted applicants will be notified no later than 24 hours after their application. When applying we recommend you attach a portfolio of your work which would influence discussions during the interview call.

Interviews: will be held remotely between Wednesday 22nd April - Wednesday 29th April. The interview will be 30 minutes duration.

The food system is unsustainable and unjust, and it’s damaging the health of a generation. We are a youth activist movement set up to challenge a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. We're looking for a new Chair who shares our passion for empowering youth leadership and transforming our food system