1,242 Support work volunteer roles

The role in a nutshell:

Short Term befriending role

What will you be doing?

• Visit an older person in their own home on a regular basis for up to 6 months.

• Provide Telephone support for up to 6 months. 

• Provide a client centred approach.

• Provide company to alleviate isolation.

• Assist clients to learn about other activities that can alleviate isolation.

• Alert Age UK North Cumbria Line Managers of any issues and problems the Client may need assistance with.

• Participating in catch-ups and support sessions as required. 

• Carrying out tasks according to our Policies and Procedures (particularly Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding)

• Working as part of a team and with other Age UK North Cumbria staff and volunteers

How would you be supported in this role?

Training will be provided for this role as necessary and may include:

• Induction  

• Health and Safety Awareness 

• Safeguarding vulnerable adults and Dementia awareness e-learning 

• Basic First Aid

• Lone working policy

The role in a nutshell:

To support the provision of short-term, structured befriending support for older people across Northumberland, to support individuals to achieve defined personal goals.

What will you be doing?

•Working To Targets: Sit down with your match during week one to figure out what they want to achieve (e.g., walking to the local shop alone, learning to use video calls, or joining a nearby art class).

•Building a Plan: Break that big goal down into small, weekly steps that feel safe and manageable.

•Growing Confidence: Go along with them to new places or groups until they feel confident enough to go by themselves.

•Cheering Progress: Keep track of the small wins each week and remind them of how far they have come.

•Planning the Graduation: Celebrate their success at the end of the 24 weeks having helped them transition smoothly to doing things completely on their own.

How would you be supported in this role?

You will be fully supported throughout your volunteering. This will include a clear induction, training to help you feel confident in the role, and ongoing guidance from a named member of staff. You will also have regular check-ins, opportunities to ask questions, and support with any concerns that come up. The aim is to make sure you feel prepared, valued and able to provide safe, friendly and meaningful support to older people across Northumberland. 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply. 

Volunteering in the shopCandidates must be over 16 to apply. Candidates must be over 16 to apply. 

Our Belfast Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).  

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply. 

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 Telford.

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 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply. 

Volunteering in the shop

Our Bournemouth Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.  

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

This role is working therapeutically alongside a child/young person on one of our bereavement support programmes in a group setting.  Ideally you will have experience in working with children.

You will be working therapeutically with your allocated child.  You will have a group leader who will guide you through the structure of each day. There is also a program manager who will oversee and facilitate the whole weekend program.

You will also be expected to attend a debrief at the end of the weekend and also complete detailed documentation on the child/ young person you have been working with.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided during a weekend.  We will pay 45 pence per mile to cover your travel expenses. We will provide training (Safeguarding Children, Volunteer Induction Day and other specialist training days).

You will also have the opportunity to observe a weekend programme in action before you work with a child / young person. We will pay for your DBS check and provide you with a t-shirt with our logo on.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18. 

Volunteering in the shop

Our Bearsden Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18. 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Our Retford Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply 

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children. We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions.

We offer short term home visits, counselling sessions, practical & emotional one to one support, domestic violence groups, awareness raising workshops and drop in or chat groups to help women facing crisises or challenging situations.

Purpose

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator, you will play an important role in supporting group sessions and workshops. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable environment where everyone feels valued and able to participate.

Your responsibilities may include engaging with group members through conversation, welcoming participants as they arrive, and supporting the smooth running of sessions by helping with set-up and clear-up tasks. You may also assist with taking attendance at the start of each session.

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

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

• Welcome participants and help create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment

What will make you a great fit for this role

• Able to demonstrate strong active listening skills and the ability to build rapport
• Able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and remain non-judgemental
• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Reliable and punctual

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

•  Previous experience working in group settings  

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

The aim of face-to-face Individual Support is to provide in-person supportive social contact for people who are hurt by loneliness.

Volunteers support Friends (people who use our services) on a one-to-one basis. After completing training, volunteers will be linked with a Friend who they will phone for around one hour every two weeks. This is arranged at a mutually convenient time. 

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage or costs for coffee out with Archway Friend).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

The role in a nutshell:

As a Community Connector Volunteer, you will help Age UK Barnet reduce loneliness and isolation by building a short-term but meaningful relationship with an older person.

What will you be doing?

You will meet an older person you’ve been matched with once a week over a six-month period to support them in working towards their goals. Depending on their needs, you may:
•Visit them at home
•Go for a walk
•Meet in a local community space, such as a library or a café
•Help them access local groups or services
•Encourage them to build positive and sustainable connections
•To support with digital inclusion.
• Assist with planning and arranging journeys using public transport, helping to overcome barriers to travel and independence 
•Accompany clients to social, recreational, or community-based activities

You will keep track of their progress and share updates with the Enabling Connections coordinator.

As a Community Connector Volunteer, we ask you to:

•Attend an induction session
•Complete essential training, including goal‑setting and safeguarding
•Have access to one‑to‑one check in calls. 

Receive support from a dedicated project coordinator

You may need to travel locally to meet the older person or accompany them to services, and any travelling expenses can be reimbursed.

You will also be asked to take brief notes after each session and share them with your project coordinator.

How would you be supported in this role?

In addition to providing you any relevant training for the role, we will also provide you with check-ins, a key contact or other functions to ensure you are best supported as a volunteer.

As a maintenance (handyman) volunteer at SeeAbility, you will support the facility in maintaining a safe, functional, and pleasant environment for people we support and our teams.

This position requires a reliable, skilled, and proactive individual who can carry out general maintenance tasks and assist with small repairs around the property. Your efforts will directly contribute to the well-being of the people we support and ensure that the home remains a comfortable and secure place for all.

Skills Required 

• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to the building and facilities, including but not limited to:  carpentry, painting, decorating and repairing

• Assist with the installation of furniture, fixtures, or equipment, ensuring they meet safety standards.

• Ensure that all tools and materials are properly maintained and stored safely.

• Help identify potential maintenance issues before they become problems.

• Report more complex repairs or safety concerns to the Facility Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.

• Support the care home during renovation or redecoration projects.

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to ensure the upkeep of the home.

• Would not be asked to carry out and electrical or plumping works

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring all tasks are completed with care and in compliance with regulations

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours

Benefits

Being a maintenance (handyman) volunteer provides a key service by helping to keep our homes in good condition. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others.

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply. 

Volunteering in the shop

The Chester Shop is a beautiful community hub with two floors of creativity and vintage treasures!

Our Chester Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply 

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply. 

The role in a nutshell:

You will meet an older person you’ve been matched with once a week up to a maximum period of 6 months to support them in working towards their goals.

What will you be doing?

 Depending on their needs, you may:

• Visit them at home

• Go for a walk

• Meet in a local community space, such as a library or a café

• Help them access local groups or services

• Encourage them to build positive and sustainable connections

You will keep track of their progress and share updates with your Volunteer Lead.

How would you be supported in this role?

As a Friendship Companion, you will:

• Attend an induction session

• Complete essential online training, including goal setting and safeguarding

• Receive support from a dedicated Volunteer Lead

• Have agreed out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed.