Support volunteer roles

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Acorns charity shops. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between!

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Acocks Green shop is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

We are currently unable to accept any Duke of Edinburgh participants or individuals under the age of 18 at this time.

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides support to women, mostly on licence from prison, who have a range of complex needs. Through our work, we help women to begin to address the issues they face, improve their lives and reduce the likelihood of further involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides a 25-bed Approved Premises in Reading, enabling women to access accommodation, support, and monitoring.

As the Charity continues to grow and develop its services, we are seeking to strengthen our Board by recruiting a Trustee with experience in property, estates, or facilities management.

Our future plans include the acquisition, adaptation and ongoing maintenance of additional properties, as well as renovation and improvement of existing premises. We are therefore particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Experience in property acquisition, development, or refurbishment
• Knowledge of building maintenance and compliance requirements
• Expertise in estates or facilities management
• Strategic insight into managing property assets within a charitable or regulated environment

Trustees, both individually and acting together as the Board, use their skills, knowledge, expertise, and contacts to govern the Charity, safeguard its assets and apply them as efficiently and effectively as possible to further its charitable objectives.

In this role, the Trustee with property expertise will support the Board and Senior Management Team in shaping and delivering our property strategy, ensuring that our accommodation is safe, sustainable, and fit for purpose as we expand.

We are interested in hearing from anyone who is passionate about the work we do and feels they can contribute to the success of the Charity.

The Board of Trustees meets five times annually at Elizabeth Fry House in Reading. Trustees are invited to participate in either our Finance or People and Safeguarding Committee, both of which meet four times a year. Additionally, Trustees conduct scheduled visits to the Approved Premises throughout the year.

Heartwood House is a unique organisation, working to support and empower young people to engage with education and achieve their potential, free from mainstream system constraints. We are a small, values-driven community, and our trustees play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of what we do.

At Heartwood House, we deliver full-time education for students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Our, methodology places wellbeing at the core of students' education, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and positive social interactions alongside academic instruction.

Students have an inherent right to respectful and caring treatment, independent of behaviour or academic performance. As a trustee, you will help uphold and champion our policy of unconditional positive regard, the principle that everyone (staff or student) should always be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the situation.

Education takes place in small groups, with lessons tailored to each student's individual needs and interests. As a trustee, you will gain insight into a genuinely distinctive educational model, and your governance will directly support the staff who build meaningful relationships with every young person in our care.

All staff are invested in and actively participate in student wellbeing, integrating mental health support and personal growth throughout the day, not just in designated sessions. Trustees share responsibility for ensuring this holistic approach is protected and resourced appropriately.

We offer academic instruction from Entry Level to GCSE in subjects aligned with students' interests and future plans. Almost all students study English, Maths, Science, and Art at a minimum, with most pursuing additional subjects at the centre or online. As a trustee, you will help ensure the organisation remains financially and strategically positioned to continue delivering this flexible, student-centred curriculum.

We are recruiting a Badger Sett Leader for East Lancashire Badger Sett. 

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

Interviews - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Training - Date, Times and Location to be advised

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

If you are an existing SJA volunteer or employee, please apply here:

If you are external to SJA, please apply below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

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.

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

Closing date for this advert is 06/09/2026

Interviews - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

Training - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

If you are an existing SJA volunteer or employee, please apply here:

If you are external to SJA, please apply below:

White Lodge Centre provides services that enable those with a range of disabilities, their families and carers to lead fulfilling lives. Supporting over 2,500 people across Surrey, the charity delivers a range of specialist services that help people build independence, confidence and meaningful connections at every stage of life.

Following a significant period of modernisation, White Lodge is entering an exciting new chapter. With strong governance, modern infrastructure and a clear strategic direction, the charity is well positioned to build on its foundations. The Active Plan 2025–30 (linked in the Application Resources section at the bottom of this advert) sets out an ambitious vision to strengthen its community reach, champion the voices of people with disabilities and help create a more inclusive Surrey where everyone can thrive.

The charity is now seeking a Chair of the Board of Trustees to help bring that vision to life. This is an opportunity to join a well-established, values-led charity at a pivotal point in its journey to provide strategic leadership, bring fresh perspectives and work alongside the Board and Chief Executive to shape White Lodge’s next chapter.

Role Overview

Alongside your duties as a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, accountability and oversight of White Lodge. 

Working closely with fellow Trustees and the Chief Executive, you will ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable purpose, legal obligations and strategic ambitions while responding to new opportunities and challenges.

You will champion ethical leadership, encourage robust debate, and ensure decisions are principled, well-governed and strategically sound. 

The Chair plays a key role in fostering an effective, collaborative Board and building strong relationships with Trustees, senior leaders and external stakeholders to support White Lodge’s long-term success and strategic ambitions. 

The initial term for this position is 3 years, with the possibility of extending for another 3 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and uphold high standards of governance, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and relevant legislation. 

• Chair Trustee Board meetings, setting agendas that prioritise strategy, risk, performance and impact. 

• Model ethical, values-led leadership and act at all times in the best interests of White Lodge. 

• Work in close partnership with the Chief Executive to ensure governance aligns with delivery of the Strategic Plan, while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and operational management.

• Ensure effective oversight of financial stewardship, safeguarding, risk management and organisational performance. 

• Ensure risk and assurance processes are embedded across Board and committee work.

• Oversee Board effectiveness, including annual evaluations, Trustee development and succession planning. 

• Lead regular review of Board composition, skills and diversity. 

• Support Trustees to understand and discharge their duties as Charity Trustees and Company Directors. 

• Work closely with Committee Chairs to ensure effective reporting, escalation of risk and alignment with Board priorities. 

• Represent White Lodge externally where appropriate, acting as an ambassador for the charity and helping to strengthen its reputation, build strategic relationships and develop partnerships that support White Lodge’s long-term ambitions.

• Maintain up-to-date awareness of charity governance practice, regulatory developments and sector expectations. 

• Participate in Board committees if appropriate, recognising that committee responsibilities may evolve over time to reflect the needs of the organisation.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role. The typical time commitment includes:

• Quarterly Trustee Board meetings (evenings; in person)

• Annual Board Away Day / strategic planning session (full day; in person)

• Attendance at bi-annual committee meetings if appropriate, to be agreed with the Board

• Regular liaison with the Chief Executive and Committee Chairs (hybrid)

• Preparation time and occasional external representation (hybrid)

Experience & Person Specification

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience, with experience of governance, Board leadership or working alongside Boards. This experience may have been gained within the charity, public or private sectors.

• A strong understanding of strategic leadership, sound governance and organisational oversight, or the ability to develop knowledge of charity governance quickly.

• Experience contributing to organisational performance, strategic planning, risk management and effective decision-making.

• The ability to chair meetings, facilitate constructive discussion and build consensus across a diverse group of stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent White Lodge externally and develop strong partnerships. 

• Sound judgement, integrity and a collaborative, values-led leadership style. 

• A genuine commitment to White Lodge’s vision, mission and values, and a passion for creating inclusive opportunities for children, adults and families. 

We welcome applications from individuals who bring diverse perspectives and lived experience relevant to White Lodge’s mission. We recognise that exceptional Chairs come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and encourage applications from people who share White Lodge’s vision, values and commitment to creating an inclusive society. 

How to Apply

To express your interest in becoming the next Chair of Trustees at White Lodge, please complete the form linked within the “Redirect to recruiter” button.

As part of the form, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Your personal and contact details

• Information relating to your eligibility to act as a charity trustee, including any conflicts of interest

• Declarations relating to safeguarding, DBS checks and the accuracy of the information you provide

• Your CV

• A cover letter

Your cover letter should explain:

• Why you are interested in becoming Chair of Trustees at White Lodge

• How your skills, experience and leadership approach align with the role

• What you would bring to the organisation as Chair, with reference to the person specification where appropriate

We encourage you to keep your cover letter to no more than two pages of A4.

The deadline for applications is 9pm on Sunday 20th September 2026, although applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and first stage conversations may take place before the deadline. We will not conduct final stage interviews until after the deadline has passed to ensure we consider all applications.

The recruitment for this position is being exclusively managed by Radiate Hiring. If you have any questions, need to request adjustments for the application process or would like to discuss the position further then you can do so via the "Redirect to recruiter" button.

Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!

Volunteering in our charity shops is a great way to look after your wellbeing, build confidence, and make a real impact.

You’ll be part of a friendly team, learning new skills while helping raise vital funds to support children with life‑shortening conditions and their families across Wales.

How your role makes a difference

•Raise vital funds to support children and families
•Create a welcoming shop environment for customers
•Support sustainability by giving donated items a second chance
•Make a positive impact in your local community.

What you could get involved in

•Helping on the shop floor and serving customers
•Sorting and preparing donated items
•Pricing and displaying stock
•  Creating eye-catching shop displays

You’ll be supported by the shop team and can take on tasks that suit your confidence and interests.

Got a particular interest?

Whether you love fashion, books, jewellery, or have an eye for vintage or collectibles, you can bring your interests into your role and help us make the most of donations.

Till & Customer Service Volunteer Role Description
Stockroom Volunteer Role Description

Considerations:

Age requirement: 16+

Location: Unit 3, 34 High St, Lampeter, SA48 7BG

Commitment:  Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.

Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.

Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.

Expenses: Reasonable mileage or public transport costs can be claimed for this role in line with Tŷ Hafan’s volunteer expenses guidance. Volunteers who wish to claim expenses must follow the agreed process and let the Volunteer Team know in advance. Receipts or proof of purchase must be provided when submitting claims.

We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments. Please let us know in your application form if you require any adjustments for this role.

This can be a great, no‑pressure way to meet the team, see the shop in action, and get a feel for the role before deciding.

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Description

You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:

• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.

What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.

We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Action

Key requirements

• One reference 

• Additional location information

  • Home and local area.

Love Music? Make a Difference.

Could your passion for music help someone find their voice?

Music has the power to lift moods, reduce stress, build confidence, and support mental wellbeing. As a volunteer, you'll help create a welcoming space where people can express their emotions, relax, and experience the joy of making music together.

If you'd like to inspire others through the power of music, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

• To prepare music sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their musical skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of Music either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan a music group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
• Ability to handle individuals with complex needs and work with a person-centred approach

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

Action Tutoring is a national education charity that offers free maths and English tutoring to pupils facing disadvantage. 

By volunteering as a tutor at a local school or online, you'll be supporting children to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future.

What will I be doing?

• Tutoring 1-3 pupils in Year 5 or 6, or Year 7, 10 or 11.

• Commit to one hour a week, for up to 20 weeks. You choose the day and time to sign up to.

• Use our tutor workbooks to guide your pupils through activities that will boost their confidence and grades.

What you'll gain:

• Receive induction training, tutor workbooks and ongoing support.

• Develop skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Meet like-minded people in our volunteer community.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

This volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.

• Seek valuable experience working with children and are eager to hone essential skills such as communication, mentorship, and leadership – all highly valued in any career path.

• Have a busy schedule but are keen to contribute to your community, as this flexible role requires just one hour a week, either in-person or conveniently online.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes, so if your qualifications differ from those mentioned - we still encourage you to apply! Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: this is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

· Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time

· Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances

· Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance

· Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support

· Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

· Friendly and approachable

· Great written and verbal communication skills

· Non-judgemental

· Reliable

· Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

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

· Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team

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

· Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.