Training volunteer roles

Project overview: 

Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people in Kingston. We provide services such as Hot Lunch delivery, Shopping, and Laundry delivered into people’s homes, with our aim to support older people to remain independent in their own homes. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements. 

Main purpose of the role: 

• Support and assist the Lunch Delivery. 

• Deliver the Hot Lunches into people’s homes. 

• Report any observations or concerns about service users’ wellbeing to the supervisor.

Tasks will include: 

• Supporting the Driver on the Lunch Delivery. 

• Carrying Hot Meals into Service Users Homes. 

• Using Key Safes to open doors where necessary. 

• Delivering Laundry and Shopping to some Service Users. 

• Provide a point of contact for Service Users. 

• Reporting on changes in Service Users well-being. 

• Reporting back any safeguarding concerns immediately to the supervisor. 

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

What you will receive in return: 

• Training in Safeguarding. 

• Training in Food Handling. 

• Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

• *Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults. 

Deaf Role Models share their lived experience of deafness with deaf children and their families, showing what is possible. This volunteering will take place at different types of events and activities, either in-person or online. More than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who might know very little about deafness. Being able to meet deaf adults can give them a deeper understanding of the different choices and possibilities for their child.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over

• Lived experience of deafness – it doesn’t matter what level of deafness you have, or how you communicate

• Willing to share your personal experiences of deafness with a range of audiences including families of deaf children and young people in different community venues

• Prepared to answer questions that families and/or children may have about your experiences

What you will do

• You may talk about topics such as your family life, initial diagnosis, communication, education, interests and hobbies, career and challenges

• Some assignments may include additional tasks; for example, leading an ice breaker

• Create and adapt your talk to meet the needs of the audience or family

• Be a positive role model and present us in a positive way

• Be responsible for the quality of your volunteering and for yourself as part of a team

• Help families to think about the different choices and possibilities for their child, recognising that there isn’t going to be one ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ approach for all deaf children

When & Where

• Event locations and times will vary. You can choose events that suit your availability.
• Currently looking for volunteers in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Edinburgh, Central Scotland, and Manchester.

What will you gain from the role? 

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:  

• Increased confidence and new skills   

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families  

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference 

Support and Training:

You will be provided with:

• Training to support you in your role, including Equality Diversity and Inclusion, safeguarding, informed choice, presentation skills and deaf awareness

• Feedback on your contribution and the resulting outcomes

• A named point of contact

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you’re worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS check, complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable A-Level History tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"Over time I have become much more confident in tutoring and in essence this is making the sessions much more enjoyable for me. I like preparing new slides every week and discussing new content with my student." - Volunteer A-Level Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to A-Level History

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of A-Level History concepts and specifications.

2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided

2. Safeguarding Level One Training

3. Skill Development opportunities

4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

VSO – Uzbekistan Education Project

International Volunteering Opportunity: English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher (Aug 2026 – June 2027)

About VSO: 

VSO is a global development organisation that uses the power of volunteering to tackle poverty and inequality. Rather than providing aid, VSO works in partnership with governments and local institutions to strengthen skills and systems so that sustainable change continues long after a project ends. Volunteers are placed at the centre of community-led development to empower the most marginalised people.  

Project Summary

The Government of Uzbekistan is prioritising improved English language learning across the education system as part of national development reforms. In partnership with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, VSO will place experienced and passionate volunteer teachers in public secondary schools to strengthen English language teaching and learning outcomes.  

Why this opportunity is unique?  

This is more than a teaching role — it is an opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful and lasting impact on education reform

• Gain valuable international experience in a multicultural environment.

• Be part of a global movement for positive change

• By supporting teachers and students to reach their full potential, you will leave a legacy that continues long after your placement ends.

Role Summary – EFL Teacher (English Language-Teacher)

Location: Public secondary schools in Uzbekistan Duration: 10–11 months (August 2026 – June 2027)  

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering interactive English classes to students aged 11–16

• Mentoring and coaching local teachers

• Leading extracurricular language activities and English clubs

• Integrating technology and modern teaching methodologies in the classroom  

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduate in Education / TESOL / Linguistics or related fields

• Final-year undergraduate or master’s student (who completes the course by July 2026)

• Fluent in English language (minimum C1 level)

• CELTA / TEFL / TESOL / DELTA preferred

Allowance, Costs & Support

There are no programme fees for volunteers. Fully funded project, all cost covered by VSO, including:

• Monthly living allowance equivalent to a local teacher’s salary

• Private accommodation near the workplace

• Return international flights, Visa, vaccinations & DBS -onboarding costs

• Comprehensive medical insurance and 24/7 mental health support

• Access to VSO’s global learning platform and continuous professional development

• In-country support from VSO for the full duration of the placement  

VSO has zero tolerance of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. We will expect all our employees/ volunteers to commit to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm and abide by our safeguarding policy.

All successful candidates will have enhanced criminal background check done during onboarding 

Application Closing Date: 7th June 2026

Role summary

As a Volunteer Community Connector, you will play an important role in the Compassionate Communities programme by helping to normalise conversations around death and dying, grief and loss. We believe that breaking down these taboos and getting people talking is key in helping communities support each other.

Your role will involve:

• Supporting and facilitating ‘compassionate conversations’ about death and dying, grief and loss in the community - promoting social connectedness. This may include signposting to relevant community support or care provision.

• Offering an informal, empathetic listening ear around topics such as life limiting illness, caregiving, dying and bereavement.

• Offering your support for informal sessions or larger events that may be held in community groups, charities, cafes or other organisations.

Main duties of this role:

• Attend and support public-facing events focused on compassionate conversations and awareness-raising (how to have difficult conversations).

• Offer a welcoming, supportive presence and engage people in meaningful conversations in a non-judgmental manner.

• Sensitively listen to people’s experiences, stories or questions related to serious illness, loss and caregiving - answering questions where able; or signposting or referring to your line manager where unable to respond.

• Help to promote Compassionate Communities principles and the work of St Helena in a positive, accessible way.

• Connect with St Helena staff and partners before and after events to give feedback and receive support.

• Assist with basic event logistics such as setting up spaces, offering refreshments, distributing materials, and collecting informal feedback.

• Work flexibly across community venues.

• Establish contacts within the community and build relationships

• Understand and adhere to confidentiality and data protection regulations at all times. 

Training and Supervision:

• Online mandatory training relevant to the role

• Compassionate Conversations training – online/in person

• Dedicated line manager for training and support with regular meetings 

Experience and Qualifications required:

• Experience in a role involving interaction with the public, especially in a supportive or listening capacity

• Understanding of the importance of compassion and empathy when discussing sensitive topics

• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries

• Comfortable speaking with people from a wide range of backgrounds 

Become a Helpline & Text Service Volunteer in Bristol 

Sift has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years. Our wonderful team of Listening Service Volunteers provide valuable, non-judgemental support that makes an important impact on the lives of those who contact us. 

We’re currently recruiting Bristol-based volunteers for our helpline and text service, to attend shifts at our office and to become part of our friendly, like-minded community. 

Our next training block will take place at our Bristol office over four days: 11th & 12th June and 18th & 19th June between 10am and 4pm each day. Please note that attendance on all four dates is required to complete the training.

Visit our website and fill in the short form to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

Why volunteer?  

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-harm, trauma, mental health, and other related areas.  

• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at our quarterly Volunteer Days where you'll receive additional relevant training.  

• Access support from our coordinators and volunteer team through supervision and reflective practice. 

• Develop a gentle, transformative approach to mental health that can be applied elsewhere in life. 

• Change the lives of an often overlooked and misunderstood community. 

What's it like being a volunteer?  

When you join our team, you’ll take part in our four-day in-person training course. The training is an opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work.  

Working on the service, you’ll answer calls, texts and/or emails from people impacted by self-harm and offer them confidential, emotional support to understand their own experiences and make decisions that are right for them. 

Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers to discuss volunteering and have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work. 

Who can volunteer?  

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-harm or mental health challenges or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences.  

You don’t need previous listening or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn.  

We're looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, and can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is unique. We're keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable, and open to new learning experiences.  

What happens now?  

After you submit the form, we'll get in touch to arrange a chat if we feel you'd be the right fit for our services. We have limited training spaces available and may only be able to respond if your application is successful. If you don’t hear back from us this time, we recommend following us on LinkedIn or checking our website periodically to look out for training opportunities later in the year. 

Practical details:  

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role, which will be paid for by Sift.  

• We ask that volunteers commit to a year on the service after completion of training. If you're looking for a shorter commitment, this may not be the role for you. 

• You must be available on the training dates mentioned above, and available for one evening shift per week on Mondays and/or Thursdays.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact our team. Please note that only applications through our online form will be considered and we are not accepting CVs via email.

Role summary

Community Bereavement Cafés are welcoming and open spaces for people to talk about their grief.  Facilitators help run and facilitate the cafes.

A standard DBS check will be required for this role.

Main duties of this role may include any of the following:

· Help prepare the venue for the café set up – positioning chairs, preparing refreshments, making the seating welcoming and conducive to a positive experience.

· Welcome people as they arrive.

· Provide name labels to ensure people are known by name.

· Identify newcomers and assist them to settle in – making introductions and offering a helping hand to begin with. Being sure to withdraw yourself from the group when it feels right to allow peer support to take over and blossom.

· Offer and make drinks, clear cups etc.

· Facilitate a session in the Cafe after receiving bereavement training.

· Give notice before the café is due to end so that people can draw their conversations to a close.

· Occasionally, at the end, distribute feedback forms to participants to complete anonymously.

· When everyone has left, put the room back to how it was before the café started.

· Escalate any concerns or worries about attendees to the Cafe lead.

·Uphold strict confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Training & supervision

· Training provided in understanding grief and bereavement, communication and active listening skills, facilitating group spaces, safeguarding, boundaries, referral pathways, cafe operations and practical logistics.

· Monthly supervision/support.

· Ongoing training as required.

Experience & qualifications required

· Having excellent communication and listening skills.

· Ability to join in conversation and contribute appropriately.

· Happy chatting in a group or individually.

· Allowing others to speak and give them space to do that.

· Being comfortable discussing bereavement, death, dying and loss.

· Ability to judge the correct moment to leave a conversation, and have the confidence and skills to do that.

· Ability to effectively facilitate groups – creating a supportive environment in which everyone feels able and welcome to contribute, and in which no one person dominates to the detriment of others.

· Friendly and approachable.

· Empathic · Calm · Non-judgemental.

· Flexible in approach · Emotional intelligence, and alertness while facilitating.

· Being able to read situations and act appropriately.

· Reliable and punctual.

· Understand, and maintain the boundaries of your role.

· Well-developed coping strategies and resilience in discussing difficult feelings and bereavement.

· Able to respect, and maintain, people’s confidentiality.

· Able to ask for help and advice when situations arise that are beyond your own knowledge, capabilities, or comfort levels.

· To be self-reflective and make full use of supervision.

Could you use your mechanical skills to support your local community?

Join the team at our Bristol-based Hub! You’ll work on our award-winning environmental and social initiative, Bikes Beyond Bars.

About the role

As a volunteer at Life Cycle’s community bike shop, you’ll be part of a friendly, hands-on team that refurbishes donated bicycles and supports sustainable cycling in the local community.

You’ll work alongside professional mechanics and fellow volunteers to:

• Refurbish bikes ready for sale and reuse
• Strip bikes for parts or scrap
• Support Hub staff with bike sales to the public
• Help with online sales (eBay) and general Hub activities
• (Optional) Work alongside people on release from prison to support them with bike repairs

This role is a great opportunity for people who enjoy practical work, love bikes, and want to make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability and community impact.

About Bikes Beyond Bars

Life Cycle is a Bristol-based charity that transforms lives and the environment through cycling.

At Bikes Beyond Bars, we take donations of unwanted bikes to our prison workshops across the UK, where their workshop tutors teach men how to refurbish them. Prisoners earn a bike mechanics qualification, gain employable skills, and find a new sense of purpose and hope.

Bikes leave the prison workshop and are taken to our Bristol Hub. There, Life Cycle’s mechanics and team of volunteers check, tweak, and prepare them for sale.

"Life Cycle helped me massively in prison, keeping me occupied and out of the celI. I felt respected and treated as a valued member of society, not just an ex-con." – Jon (name changed).

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Practical, positive and ready to get stuck in
• Has good mechanical skills – if you’re unsure, get in touch!
• Enthusiastic about Life Cycle’s mission, vision and values
• Believes in the possibility of change for those who have been involved in the criminal justice system.    

Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?

As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.

Could your love of cycling inspire and support young people?

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Youth Project sessions in Bristol!

About this role

As a Youth Project Volunteer, you’ll work alongside our friendly staff and playworkers at local adventure playgrounds, supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment.

You’ll get involved in a range of cycling activities, including:

• Showing young people how to look after their bikes
• Encouraging children to try cycling skills and group rides
• Helping young people explore green spaces and their local area by bike
• Joining in with games and creative activities

No two sessions are the same, but each session is a great way to make a real difference in your community while having fun alongside young people.

About the Youth Project

Our Youth Project engages young people through imaginative and inspiring cycle-related activity sessions.

Sessions run after school and during school holidays at three adventure playgrounds. We’re currently looking for support at Southmead Adventure Playground (the Ranch) and Lockleaze Adventure Playground (the Vench).

About you

We’re looking for volunteers who:

• Are warm, friendly and enjoy working with children and young people (aged 11 – 16).
• Communicate clearly and patiently with young people, parents and playground staff
• Have an interest in cycling and/or a willingness to learn basic bike repair skills
• Are able to commit to a regular weekly session (2–3 hours per week during term time)

A valid enhanced DBS check is required (or willingness to apply).

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.  Our Youth Project is part of our work to support inclusion and community well-being through cycling. 

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.

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.

Role summary

The “Friends of St Helena Hospice” is our well known Collection Pot scheme that runs across the local area. Yearly the donations from the pots bring in over £20,000 for the hospice, which helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. We are looking for Volunteer Pot Collectors in local communities to assist in the collection and distribution of St Helena collection pots to local businesses in and around their own local area.

Due to the nature of this role and the requirements to visit licenced premises, we cannot accept applications from anyone aged 18 and under.

Main duties of the role

• To issue and collect St Helena Collection pots to businesses in the local community in your specific dedicated area.

• Maintain own records relating to those pots and to be always aware which pots are being given out and which are due for collection.

• Build a relationship with businesses that host a pot and liaise with the community team to ensure supply of new pots.

• Look for new pot locations across the area you cover and liaise with the community team to let them know the new locations.

  Training & supervision

Full training and support will be provided in addition to an induction and Health and Safety training. You will also have a line manager who you can report to when needed. 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Organised with a methodical approach

• Confident to approach new and existing businesses to establish a relationship

• Excellent communication skills

• Car driver and access to own vehicle (essential)

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

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.

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.

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.

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 of 2 court days per month attendance requiured. 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.