1,244 Support work volunteer roles

Walk side by side with those who have a vision impairment. Losing your sight or having no vision can be isolating. We are the charity in Cheshire, North Wales, and Halton that brings support to adults who are going through this, and we want to provide meaningful social opportunties.

Why volunteer for us?

• We offer full training on being a sighted guide
• You get to attend nice events like forest bathing, cinema, golf, and swiming
• We offer travel expenses for those who are local (approx 20 miles)
• It's an active role and you get to support someone socially.

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
• To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
• To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
• To assist in the delivery of essential services 
• To assist in our soup kitchen projects

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

ABOUT US 

Central and North West London (CNWL) Trust has almost 7,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. 

Arts in Health (AiH) is a step-down service from the Community Mental Health Hubs (CMHH), offering a programme of regular creative activities to support adults with lived experiences of mental health difficulties.

Our programme consists of weekly sessions on a Thursday – taking place at an art studio in W9 and cultural visits to museums and galleries across Central London. 

Participants can attend Arts in Health for roughly 8 months. Therefore, we request that volunteers commit to 8 months (1 term) or the whole year (2 terms) if possible. 

Term 1 runs from Sept 2026 – March 2027 and Term 2 runs from April 2027 – Dec 2027.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We are looking for a local volunteer ‘travel buddy’ to accompany and support a participant from home to the Arts in Health session locations, every Thursday. This would best suit someone living close to Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea due to travel time, but we are open to further afield. 

Participants may need support because they feel anxious travelling alone, going to a new place, taking public transport, have fluctuations in their mental health, or need the accountability of having a travel buddy.

You won’t be attending the 2 hour sessions (2-4pm) of the project, but you will be free to spend those two hours looking at shops, museums, reading, or going to a cafe.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION 

You will need to be available on Thursday afternoons, from late September, to provide weekly support - arriving with your participant at the selected venue by 1.45pm and picking up just after 4pm. This means you'll approximately be needed from late morning until early evening, depending on travel times. 

Travel buddies will have an online induction with the Arts in Health team before the project starts to share more about the project, learn about safeguarding within the team and to answer any questions. 

Programme dates and locations for 2026-27 confirmed once in post. 

Locations 

1. Art Studio -Maida Vale area W9

1. Cultural visit to a museum / gallery* - various locations across central London

*There may be slight changes to time on occasion according to the venue 

KEY TASKS 

• Travel to the participant’s home or a mutually agreed location nearby; meet them outside 

• Supporting a participant to travel to and from the venue, from their home, using public transport, to ensure they get to the session with time to settle before it starts

• Plan the journey from where you greet participant, to the session location in advance 

• Wait patiently for two hours without attending the session, and then travel back to their home location at the designated time

• Encourage the regular attendance of participants 

• Report any issues or concerns to the AiH team 

• Read and follow our policies & procedures - designed to keep you safe, including guidance around confidentiality 

KEY TRAITS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A kind, caring and supportive nature, with an ability to relate positively with both staff and clients 

• Be organised, with the ability to plan travel routes and travel confidently using public transport 

• Empathetic, compassionate, patient, tolerant and considerate 

• Good communication skills, including responding to emails and calls in a timely manner 

• An interest in working with mental health, adults with complex needs and learning more about using the arts for wellbeing and self expression. 

• An understanding of individual patients’ needs taking into consideration cultural and religious requirements 

• Reliability: to be someone we can rely on 

• Committed: to be consistent and dependable

• The ability to work independently whilst staying within the role’s boundaries, recognising what should and shouldn’t be done, when to seek advice or report concerns. 

• Committed to the values and policies of the Trust, including Data Protection and Equal Opportunities

WHAT IS IN THERE FOR YOU? 

• The opportunity to gain experience and develop knowledge and skills of working with adults with experiences of mental health issues 

• Provide a supportive and empathetic service 

• Learn about safeguarding adults 

• Learn more about the ethos and work of Arts in Health 

• Experience and insight into working within the NHS and healthcare sector, and working within a community environment

• Full support and a range of relevant training, including local induction and orientation 

• Access to the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme to support you enter careers in the NHS through volunteering once 30 hours of volunteering have been completed 

• A reference for future volunteering or employment, following completion of at least 60 hours of volunteering 

• Following our expenses policy, reimbursement of agreed expenses

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Are you full of energy, like meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in your community? Join us as a Fundraising Event Support Volunteer and help bring our amazing fundraising events to life.

Whether you're cheering on runners from the side-lines, helping to run a tombola or collecting vital funds – there’s a role for everyone.

You'll be part of a passionate team, supporting our Fundraising and Events Team to create memorable experiences that raise vital funds for St Barnabas, Chestnut Tree House, and Martlets.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Opportunities across Hertfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire and Solihull

Make a real difference to the life of a child or young person

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is a leading children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering children, young people and care leavers.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Independent Visitor and Side by Side services, helping children and young people build confidence, reduce isolation and achieve positive outcomes.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience and becoming part of a supportive volunteer community.

Which volunteering opportunity is right for you?

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Children and young people in care deserve the opportunity to build trusted, positive relationships with adults who can offer consistency, encouragement and support.

As an Independent Visitor, you'll spend quality one-to-one time with a child or young person, taking part in activities, sharing experiences and building a meaningful friendship.

Young Person Quote:

"It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do."

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of two years.

Side by Side Volunteer

Many care leavers face adulthood without the support network that many young people rely on. Leaving care can be an exciting but challenging time, with some young people experiencing loneliness, isolation and uncertainty about the future.

As a Side by Side Volunteer, you will provide practical and emotional support to a care leaver, helping them build confidence, develop independence and navigate life's challenges.

Whether it's helping them access services, supporting them in achieving their goals, or simply being someone they can trust and talk to, your support can make a lasting difference.

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of 12 months.

What you'll do

Depending on the role, you could:

• Build a trusted, positive relationship with a child, young person or care leaver.
• Meet regularly for activities, outings and conversations.
• Offer emotional support and encouragement.
• Support young people to build confidence and independence.
• Help young people access opportunities, services and support.
• Promote their rights, wellbeing and aspirations.
• Maintain brief records of meetings and activities. You don't need specific qualifications or previous experience.

We're looking for people who are:

• Good communicators.
• Compassionate, reliable and non-judgemental.
• Committed to supporting children and young people.
• Able to respect and value individual wishes and feelings.
• Comfortable completing basic online records and reports.
• Willing to participate in training and ongoing support.

What you'll receive

• Full training and ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator.
• Regular supervision and volunteer support meetings.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and activity expenses.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the life of a vulnerable child or young person.

Requirements

• Based in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• References and Digital Risk Assessment.
• Completion of relevant training.
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports.

Applicants for Side by Side must be aged 25+.

Volunteer Quote

"Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation. Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals."

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help ensure that children, young people and care leavers have someone by their side when they need it most.

Volunteer Workshop Support

What you’ll be doing

Workshop Support Volunteer

• Welcome and support participants during workshops
• Help with activities, discussions and group participation
• Assist staff with setting up resources and workshop materials
• Support a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment
• Help gather feedback and pack away after sessions
• Support online sessions where needed

or Workshop Co-Facilitator Support

You may also support workshop delivery by:

• Assisting the lead facilitator during sessions
• Helping guide discussions and group activities
• Supporting positive group dynamics and equal participation
• Encouraging confidence, engagement and peer support
• Helping participants feel comfortable contributing and sharing ideas
• Assisting with online facilitation tools such as breakout rooms and chat functions

What we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience — just the right attitude:

• Friendly, reliable and approachable
• Good listener and communicator
• Empathetic and non-judgemental
• Comfortable working with people from different backgrounds
• Positive, organised and supportive
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

Experience in group work, coaching, mentoring or wellbeing support is helpful but not essential.

What you’ll get

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience in workshop facilitation and community support
• Opportunity to build confidence and develop new skills
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• The chance to make a real difference in your local community

Time commitment

• Around 3 hours per week during workshop courses
• Opportunity to support multiple courses over time

The role in a nutshell:

We are a local, independent charity working for a fairer later life in Oxfordshire. We challenge ageism, tackle inequality, ensure older people and unpaid carers are seen, heard, included & valued.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you'll build a trusting relationship with an individual aged 50+ through regular face-to-face visits, committing 2–3 hours per week over 24 weeks. You'll listen without judgement, offering reassurance and support while helping them identify and work towards personal goals. You’ll support someone to:

• Set a goal and identify something they’d like to achieve.

• Make a plan and break their goal into smaller, realistic steps.

• Try new activities, attend local groups or access services.

• Build confidence and promote independence.

How would you be supported in this role?

Regardless of the role you choose, you would be supported by a Volunteer Coordinator whom will provide you with ongoing guidance and support throughout your service.

We provide an induction and relevant training for your service to enable you to gain confidence in delivering your role within the community. 

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

At Women for Refugee Women, we support refugee and asylum-seeking women who have fled persecution to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

We have an overarching vision that women who come to the UK in search of safety experience a fair and compassionate asylum system and are supported to feel free, welcome and able to rebuild their lives. We currently work in three main areas:  

Power: To support women who have sought asylum to reclaim their power through opportunities to develop new and existing skills, access information and advice, and build confidence and connections. 

Influence: To amplify the voices of women who have sought asylum to wide audiences through research, events, creative projects, the arts, social media, print and digital media and other means of communication. 

Change: To support women who have sought asylum to influence public perceptions of refugees, and to challenge and change the UK’s asylum system so that it is fair and supportive. 

Role Description 

Time commitment 

• 2-hour quarterly Board meetings - plus pre-reading of Board papers.

• Annual strategy planning meeting (full day).

• 1.5-hour quarterly Finance & HR Committee meetings - plus pre-reading of papers 

• Ad hoc events (including launches, networking events). 

• Periodic support where needed (such as interviewing for senior candidates, offering advice to staff, etc.) 

Term 

An initial term of 3 years, renewable once up to a maximum of 6 years. 

Salary 

Trustee roles are voluntary. They are unpaid, though expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed.

Role Purpose 

• To support Women for Refugee Women in delivering its vision, mission and values, ensuring strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability 

• To ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities in relation to financial oversight and governance 

• To provide strategic financial insight to support long-term planning and decision-making 

• To contribute financial and fundraising expertise to Board discussions and decision-making 

• To act as an ambassador for the charity 

Responsibilities 

• Ensure WRW operates in line with its governing document and all relevant legal and regulatory requirements 

• Fulfil the responsibilities of a trustee and company director, acting at all times in the best interests of the organisation 

• Contribute to the Board’s role in setting strategic direction, priorities and goals, and reviewing organisational performance 

• Work collaboratively with trustees and Co-Directors to support and guide the organisation’s work 

• Play an active role in Board and Finance & HR Committee discussions, bringing financial and fundraising expertise to support informed decision-making 

• Support strong financial oversight, ensuring the organisation’s sustainability and responsible stewardship of its resources 

• Work closely with the Co-Directors and relevant staff to review budgets, management accounts and financial forecasts, offering appropriate support and challenge 

• Help ensure strong and proportionate financial controls, systems and processes are in place and operating effectively 

• Support the Board in overseeing financial risk, reserves and long-term sustainability 

• Contribute insight into and, where appropriate, support the development of fundraising strategy and income generation 

• Support building financial understanding and confidence across the Board 

• Safeguard WRW’s values, reputation and commitment to the women it works alongside 

• Contribute to wider Board responsibilities, including subcommittees, recruitment and ambassadorial support ​

Person Specification 

Personal Qualities 

• Personal integrity and sound judgement 

• Commitment to WRW’s vision, mission and values, and to the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking women 

• A thoughtful and analytical approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to engage with complex information 

• Collaborative approach, with the confidence to contribute, ask questions and offer constructive challenge 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and respectful relationships 

Knowledge and Skills 

• Strong understanding of charity finance and financial oversight (gained through senior professional experience or equivalent) 

• Ability to interpret and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences 

• Understanding of fundraising and income generation, ideally with an appreciation of ethical and values-led approaches 

• Awareness of financial sustainability, risk and funding landscapes 

• Understanding of investment principles and oversight (including endowments or reserves), or willingness to engage with this area 

• Understanding of governance and the respective roles of trustees and senior staff 

• Awareness of data, digital and cybersecurity risks, and the role of trustees in supporting effective oversight (desirable) 

Experience 

• A background in financial planning, budgeting or oversight 

• Familiarity with financial governance, controls and reporting 

• Experience contributing to fundraising strategy or income generation 

• Experience of working with finance teams, staff or committees 

• A track record of working collaboratively to achieve shared goals 

• Sound judgement and the ability to make balanced, well-informed decisions 

• Lived experience of seeking asylum (desirable) 

Application Process 

We welcome applications from individuals who are excited by our work and feel they can contribute meaningfully to the Board. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement (maximum 2 pages), via CharityJob, outlining:

• Which role you are applying for

• Why you are interested in joining WRW 

• What you would bring to the role, including any specific skills, experience or perspectives 

We would love for you to join our Information & Advice Service as a Community Outreach Volunteer.

This is a rewarding opportunity to meet new people, support your local community, and help individuals access the information and services they need. As part of our friendly team, you will attend local groups and community activities, offering information, guidance, and signposting to relevant services, support organisations, and community groups.

You may also help people complete a range of forms, including Attendance Allowance applications and other benefit-related paperwork, giving them the confidence and support they need to access available help.

In this role, you could be:

• Providing a warm, friendly, and welcoming experience for members of your local community.

• Signposting people to relevant local services, activities, and sources of support.

• Assisting individuals with completing forms, including Attendance Allowance and other benefit applications.

• Offering straightforward information and guidance where appropriate.

We're looking for people who enjoy working as part of a team, meeting new people, and making a positive difference in their community.

You'll be a good listener with strong communication skills, a caring and empathetic approach, and a willingness to help others. Basic IT skills and record-keeping experience are helpful, and experience using the internet and Microsoft 365 would be an advantage. Don't worry if you're still learning though, as training and support will be provided.

We reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while volunteering.

Getting started is easy. If you're aged 18 or over, simply click "Apply" and complete the application form. We'd love to hear from you and welcome you to our team.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Worcester.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application formas fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Derby.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process