Training volunteer volunteer roles

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

Do you enjoy greeting people and making them feel welcome? Recently retired and want to give a few hours for a good cause? Or perhaps you’re starting out on your employment journey but need experience to help you land a future job? Becoming a Volunteer Retail Assistant is the perfect opportunity for you!

As one of our valued Volunteer Retail Assistants in our Acomb shop, you will be at the heart of our retail experience, welcoming members of the public and serving at the till. It will be a varied role with no two shifts being the same. From helping someone find a perfect gift or finishing touch to an outfit, to putting through cash and card sales at the till, we’d love you to come and join our busy, friendly shop.

Volunteer Retail Assistants will be located primarily on the shop floor, dealing with queries, pricing items, using the till, and ensuring our shops are the best on the high street. Without you, we couldn't provide needed support to the York Animal Home, so we want to ensure you feel welcomed and supported. You will receive full training in all retail areas, with continued development available in your volunteer journey. If you’re looking to gain confidence to get back into work, or simply want to find somewhere to make connections, we have a role for you.

Every single penny raised in our charity shop goes directly to the York Animal Home and gives vital funds to ensure they can continue helping animals in need. Without your help our shops could not run; volunteers are what make us special and we would love to have you join our team.

Your duties:

These may involve (on any given day):

• Giving a warm and friendly welcome as people enter our shop
• Helping with queries about items
• Putting cash and card sales through our till
• Engaging visitors about our charity and promoting the York Animal Home and our links to it
• Processing Gift Aid donations
• Restocking our shelves and making them look eye-catching

And much more…

If you’re interested please don’t hesitate to hit the apply button. Alternatively if you’d like to find out more, please email our Acomb manager, Kleo, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

We operate a volunteer led scheme, where our minimum requirement is 2 hours a week, and the maximum is whatever you would like it to be! If you are looking to add experience to your CV we ask that you commit to six months with us.

Due to insurance restrictions we are sorry that we cannot accept anyone under the age of 16.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces?  You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English.  If so, this could be the role for you.

Our Branch provides lifelong support to anyone who has ever served, in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and their dependants. We also give support to those who has been in the Merchant Navy, Seafarers, Fishermen and their dependants, and British Airways staff past and present. Our main role is seeking welfare benevolent grants on behalf of clients who reside in the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland. They can arrange anything from household goods, funeral costs, mobility aids or other general needs. Legal fees are not considered. We would advise clients to seek state and local benefits by signposting them to the relevant agencies.

What is a caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need, this might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit.  Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.  Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service.  We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. Our volunteers are based at home with a yearly AGM invite.

What does this role involve?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time

• Meeting clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances

• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice

• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability

• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients

• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser

• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the

Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background and their dependents

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

• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support will you receive?

• On-line or face to face instructor led training and e-learning modules, to prepare you for your voluntary role.

• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.

• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact. •

• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What skills or experience do you need?

• Good listening and communication skills including written and spoken English

• Respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills.  Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role  

• Ability to make enquires on behalf of clients by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms

• If required, willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the caseworker training course)

• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice

• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability 

• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients

• Friendly and approachable with some experience of coordinating people and admin

•       Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies. 

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18  

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a criminal record check required?  Yes, Garda Vetting, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer.

Volunteer Opportunity – Volunteer Coordinator

Lyonic Scots Society

Help Build and Support Our Volunteer Community

Neart, Dìlseachd, agus Urram
Strength, Loyalty, and Honour

The Lyonic Scots Society is seeking a passionate and organised Volunteer Coordinator to help recruit, support, and develop volunteers across our growing international community.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in building the volunteer team that will help preserve Scottish heritage, strengthen our community, organise events, and support the development of the Lyonic Scots Society.

As Volunteer Coordinator, you will be at the heart of our organisation, ensuring volunteers feel welcomed, valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their skills and time.

About the Role

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for helping the Society attract, recruit, engage, and retain volunteers across a wide range of roles.

You will work closely with the Chair, Committee members, and volunteers to create a positive and rewarding volunteer experience while helping the Society grow its capacity and impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Recruitment

• Develop and promote volunteer opportunities.
• Create and manage volunteer recruitment campaigns.
• Respond to volunteer enquiries.
• Arrange informal volunteer conversations and onboarding.
• Help match volunteers to suitable roles based on their interests and skills.

2. Volunteer Support

• Welcome and support new volunteers.
• Act as a key point of contact for volunteers.
• Help ensure volunteers feel included, informed, and appreciated.
• Support volunteers with any questions or concerns.
• Encourage volunteer wellbeing and engagement.

3. Volunteer Development

• Help identify training and development opportunities.
• Support volunteers to gain confidence and experience.
• Encourage progression into leadership and committee roles where appropriate.
• Help build a positive and supportive volunteer culture.

4. Volunteer Administration

• Maintain volunteer records and contact information.
• Track volunteer numbers and participation.
• Assist with volunteer communications.
• Support the organisation of volunteer meetings and events.

5. Community Building

• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Promote the Society’s values and mission.
• Encourage collaboration between volunteers across different projects and locations.
• Celebrate volunteer achievements and contributions.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has

• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Good organisational abilities.
• A friendly, approachable, and supportive attitude.
• The ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Reliability and commitment.
• An interest in Scottish heritage, community development, or volunteering.

Previous experience coordinating volunteers, managing teams, or working within community organisations is welcome but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

By volunteering as our Volunteer Coordinator, you will:

• Gain valuable leadership and management experience.
• Develop skills in recruitment, people management, and community engagement.
• Build experience within a growing cultural organisation.
• Enhance your CV and professional development.
• Meet people from diverse backgrounds and locations.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the Lyonic Scots Society.

Time Commitment

Flexible and home-based.

We anticipate approximately 4–8 hours per MONTH, although this can vary depending on recruitment campaigns and Society activities.

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by our motto:

Neart, Dìlseachd, agus Urram

Strength, Loyalty, and Honour

We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community where volunteers can thrive and make a meaningful contribution.

Apply Today

If you enjoy working with people and would like to help build a thriving volunteer community, we would love to hear from you. Apply via Charity Job site with your CV and a Cover Letter on why you wish to volunteer with the Lyonic Scots.

Join the Lyonic Scots Society and help us preserve our heritage, strengthen our community, and build a legacy for future generations.

Neart, Dìlseachd, agus Urram
Strength, Loyalty, and Honour

Sea Cadets Leith, based in Prince of Wales Docks, is currently looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our committee team. Whether you chair the committee, run our social media, or help us fundraise on an ad-hoc basis, you’ll be supporting young people to access opportunities to create life-long memories and friendships.

At Leith we aim to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. We offer a range of different activities from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating - to rock climbing, camping, and music - plus, so much more!

Leith is a long-established Sea Cadet Unit that has provided life-changing opportunities for many young people. We currently have 24 cadets who come from all over the area. Our cadets come from all walks of life, with some experiencing adverse childhood events, and limited access to social youth groups. Without support from volunteers like you, our charity cannot provide the adventure, community, and opportunities that young people experience through the Sea Cadets.

The primary purpose of the CFAV is to assist in the development of young people as
Individuals and active citizens by providing safe and rewarding training, direction and guidance.
The secondary purposes of a CFAV are:
- Maintain the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) values
- Assist the Unit Training Officer (UTO) to plan a varied training programme.
- Safely and securely maintain the unit’s resources and equipment.

We will support you to understand your role, how to do it and the difference you make to the SCC
- Understand the skills and experience you have, as well as your aspirations for volunteering
- Provide you with an induction, ongoing support and training to undertake your volunteer role
- Provide regular updates about any developments in the charity that are relevant to you
- Value your contributions and providing you with potential opportunities to progress

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Community Café Volunteers

The Bridge Community Hut, N15 6SE

 Love cooking? Enjoy meeting people?

Join our friendly community café team!

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to help create a welcoming space where local residents can enjoy good food and great company.

�� Open 3 days per week (including Saturdays), 9:00am – 5:00pm

 What you’ll do

• Help prepare simple, nutritious meals
• Serve food and drinks with a smile
• Keep the kitchen and café clean and organised

 What we’re looking for

• Friendly, positive, and team-oriented
• Interest in cooking or community work
• Willingness to learn (no experience needed!)  

What you’ll gain

• Valuable café and teamwork experience
• New skills (with training available)
• A pathway into employment
• Meet new people and be part of your community

Immediate start

Role summary

To be the first point of contact for patients, clients and visitors to St Helena, maintaining a professional approach while being warm and welcoming, responding to general enquiries as part of the reception team.

Provide telephonist and reception services to St Helena Hospice.

Welcome and direct clients arriving for counselling or therapy sessions and maintain a presentable and welcoming venue.

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

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

· Be the first point of contact for patients, clients and visitors to St Helena, maintaining a professional approach while being warm and welcoming and responding to general enquiries where possible.

· Ensure visitors sign in on arrival and follow current directions for sanitising hands and PPE where required.

· Inform staff members promptly of clients arriving for counselling or therapy sessions offering and providing refreshments.

· Receive and transfer telephone calls through the main switchboard relaying messages via email, written message or hand delivery ensuring they are directed to the right person.

· Direct couriers to the main reception for deliveries and collections.

· Ensure all information is kept secure and maintain confidentiality under data protection regulations at all times regarding all patients, clients, staff and other volunteers.

· Open and close up reception area at start or end of each shift.

· Maintain a clean and presentable reception area.

· Check counselling rooms before and after sessions to ensure they are presentable for use, tidying where necessary.

· Check the kitchen remains tidy and restock with tea, coffee, and milk as required.

· Take payments for purchase of goods, using card payment system or cash handling, documenting record of sales following relevant guidance.

Training & supervision

· All volunteers are required to complete mandatory online training relevant to the area of their voluntary role; this will include safeguarding.

· First day induction with line manager.

· Attend any reception meetings as required, to remain up to date with organisational changes.

· Supervision and regular updates with dedicated line manager.

· Enhanced DBS check.

Experience & qualifications required

· Experience of working on reception desirable but not essential as training will be given.

· Experience in a customer or patient facing role.

· Able to demonstrate good organisation and attention to detail.

· Reliable, organised, honest and punctual.

· Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.

· To undertake any other tasks as requested/deemed appropriate with the nature of the role.

· Be able to remain calm in difficult situations.

· Sensitivity and understanding.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

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 Crewe.

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