Travel volunteer roles

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Volunteer positions currently available in Bedfordshire

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 

• Raise concerns

• Keep detailed notes and records 

• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

This role entails weekly visits to either Townsend Court and Poplar Wards (Luton) on Fridays 1-4 or Fountains Court (Bedford) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities 

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most 

• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met 

• help people to make complaints and use local services 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Do you want to make a difference? Can you spare 2 hours a week?

We are currently looking for Befriender Volunteers in East Sussex.

(Telephone Based work from home, but can lead to face-to-face befriending)

Please get in touch and come and join our amazing Befriending team.

Older persons are at risk of becoming isolated and losing their community connections. As a mainly Telephone Befriender Volunteer, you'll work flexibly from the comfort of your own home and contact older persons to understand their service needs. If you love talking to others, are polite and empathetic, and have access to a phone, we'd love to hear from you. There may also be the opportunity for a physical meeting, but only if relevant and where it is something you want to do.

Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
Commitment: Approx. 10–12 meetings per year preparation
Type: Voluntary position (reasonable travel expenses reimbursed)

Make a lasting difference as a Trustee at their organisation

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact? Do you have strong financial expertise and a desire to use your skills to support a charity with a 120-year legacy of transforming lives?

Our client is looking for a committed and values-driven Trustee (Finance) to join their Board and play a vital role in shaping their future. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership of a specialist organisation supporting children, young people and adults with epilepsy and a wide range of complex needs.

Set within 60 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, our client includes a non-maintained Special Education School, seven registered Children’s Homes, a Sixth Form, a specialist Further Education College, Supported Living services, adult learning and Day Opportunities, and 24-hour health provision delivered by expert nurses and therapists.

As they continue to grow and evolve, your insight and expertise will help them ensure their services remain safe, sustainable, and outstanding.

What will you be doing?

As a Trustee, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight and help drive their long-term vision.
• Use your financial skills to support our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, and Investment Committee
• Offer constructive challenge and strong governance.
• Help monitor performance, risk, investment decisions, and financial sustainability.
• Champion their values of Joyful, Aspirational, Compassionate and Collaborative
• Act as an ambassador for their mission and Catholic ethos.

This is a rewarding role where you will work alongside talented Trustees and leaders who are deeply committed to improving outcomes for the people they support.

What they're looking for

They welcome applications from individuals who can bring:

• Senior-level experience in finance, accounting, audit, banking, or investment
• Strong strategic thinking, independence of mind and sound judgement
• A commitment to good governance and ethical leadership
• The ability to collaborate, support, question, and influence at Board level.
• A willingness to embrace and support their Catholic ethos.
• Time and dedication to prepare for and attend meetings.

Professional finance qualifications (e.g., accountant or auditor) are highly desirable, particularly for the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.

Your commitment

• Around 5 Board meetings per year (4 half-day, 1 full day)
• Membership of at least one Board committee (4–6 meetings annually)
• Occasional monitoring visits to site
• Preparation time for reading papers and training.
• Meetings are normally held in Much Hadham, with remote attendance available where necessary

This is a voluntary role, and they reimburse reasonable travel expenses.

Why join them?

By becoming a Trustee, you’ll be part of an organisation with deep roots, strong values, and an unwavering commitment to enabling people with complex needs to thrive. Your contribution will directly support the sustainability, quality, and impact of their services — and help shape the next chapter of a remarkable charity.

Interested in joining them?

They would love to hear from you. Apply now!

#INDVOL
 
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Description

Sooty, the nation’s much-loved bear and a true national treasure, has featured on RNIB’s collection boxes for over 50 years. Thanks to generous public support, these iconic boxes have raised more than £13 million in donations.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join our network of Sooty Box collectors. In this flexible role, you’ll help place new boxes and collect and bank donations from Sooty Boxes in local shops, cafés and other businesses in your area. Whether you volunteer on your own, with a friend or as part of a group, you’ll be making a real difference in your community.

You can give as much or as little time as you like and fit the role around your other commitments.

Please note: Volunteers are expected to use their own transport and ideally should have access to a car. Mileage or public transport costs will be reimbursed.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• Requires 2 references

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Good organisational skills • Trustworthy, enthusiastic and self-motivated • Willing to travel in and around your local area • Comfortable working independently • Able to send and receive emails

Volunteers are an essential part of our team, making sure that clients are able to  access the right service. Our Reception Volunteer will welcome clients and visitors at our office in Deptford. You will also deal with basic enquiries (in person, over the phone or by email), assess what support clients need and help them access the right service.

Our Volunteer team is integral to the smooth running of LRMN. Without them our advisors wouldn’t be able to provide life changing support to the people who access our services. 

Our Volunteer Receptionist will be the first person that clients will talk to so it is essential that we offer a  safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space and give them the right information about the services we offer. Given the demand that we face, volunteers help us do that. 

What activities will you be involved in? 

As part of our volunteer team, you will work with staff and fellow volunteers to: 

• Welcome clients to our office and Advocacy Drop-In Service, speaking with them to understand their needs in a professional and compassionate manner
   

• Respond to queries from clients and members of the public via phone and email
   

• Support clients to complete our online referral form
   

• Help clients and referrers understand the services we offer and how to access them
   

• Respond to new referrals and upload them onto our case management system
   

• Contact clients to book appointments and follow up on referrals
   

• Take messages for staff and volunteers and ensure they are passed on promptly
   

• Log incoming mail and post outgoing mail for staff and volunteers
   

• Help gather feedback from clients to support service improvement
   

• Undertake other administrative tasks as required

As you become more experienced, you may be involved in giving basic advice, providing  support letters and other duties. 

What can you gain from this opportunity? 

By volunteering with LRMN, you will: 

• Make a difference to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in south-east London 

• Be part of a diverse, knowledgeable and proactive team in an organisation that has  been running for over 25 years 

• Gain experience of admin work in an office environment 

• Gain an understanding of the issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants 

• Have regular support and supervision from the Business and Operations Officer 

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (if volunteering 4+ hours) &  up to £15 travel expenses (when volunteering in the office for 4+ hours) 

Is there induction and training? 

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and  responsibilities, safeguarding, record keeping and use of our client management system  (Advice Pro).

You will be provided with the training needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team.

Who are LRMN looking for? 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 

• Friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries 

• Excellent at communicating 

• Proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Organised and methodical in their work 

• Respectful of client confidentiality 

• Experienced in working with multicultural communities 

• Able to use their digital skills to make referrals and manage online systems 

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team  with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum  and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support or adjustments to apply or volunteer,  please contact us. 

What commitment do you need to make? 

We ask volunteers to commit to volunteering at least 4 hours (9.30am -1.30pm) for at least six months.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision:

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

Site managers are responsible for establishing partnerships with University Muslim Student Associations (MSAs) and Islamic Societies (ISocs), and maintaining positive relationships with these sites.

Key tasks

• Actively establish and maintain positive relationships with the MSA/ISoc committees and Student Ambassadors to ensure an exceptional onsite experience for students and promote retention of sites 

• Be responsible for overseeing all onsite logistics through liaison with the Student Ambassador to ensure that onsite logistics including advertising of the class and other required tasks are taken care of by the MSA/ISoc 

• Be the point of contact for ISocs: answer questions from the MSA/ ISoc committees and Student Ambassadors to the best of your ability and engage them on a 1-1 basis, listen to their needs and concerns and addressing these accordingly 

• Collect ideas and best-practices from how different MSAs/ISocs are delivering their class 

• Participate in onboarding current and new sites prior to the start of the academic year 

• Be the point of contact internally for any queries or updates related to assigned MSAs/ISocs 

• Regularly brainstorm with MSA/ISoc committees to identify ways Roots can better serve their specific needs, support their goals, and strengthen collaboration.

What we’re looking for

• An understanding of the Muslim university scene and how university MSAs/ISocs operate. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability and keenness to make and maintain genuine connections with people. 

• Ability to travel regionally for face-to-face meetings with MSA/ISoc committees, at least once per month.

• Willingness to conduct a weekly virtual touch base with the Student Ambassador to ensure MSA/ISoc sites are running smoothly and to offer support as needed.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to join us every Tuesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm to support our vibrant daytime activity sessions for people with a learning disability at Mencap. Every Tuesday brings something new: you could be getting involved in gardening, arts and crafts, cooking and so much more. As a volunteer, you’ll help set up activities, chat with attendees, encourage people to take part and create a warm welcoming atmosphere. If you enjoy meeting new people, trying new things and making a positive difference, we’d love to hear from you!

You don’t have to have experience in any or all of the sessions we run, just willing to keep an open mind and a friendly attitude.

The Skills you will need:

• Friendly and approachable
• Able to take instructions
• Reliable and patient
• Able to work as part of a team

What's in it for you:

• Full volunteer induction and training
• Agree out of pocket expenses to be paid (eg. travel)
• Meet new people and be part of a team
• Learn new skills
• Feel supported, appreciated and valued

As a weekly activity support volunteer, you will need to provide us with two references and a DBS. By volunteering with us you will be helping local people with a learning disability have fun, learn new skills through activities, and you will be making a huge difference!

This is a rewarding opportunity to empower local residents to access the services and opportunities they need and make a meaningful impact on their lives.  We are seeking volunteers to support digitally excluded residents with using mobile phones, tablets and computers, to help them build confidence with getting online, accessing apps, essential services, and stay safe in the digital world.

You would be delivering one-to-one support as well as small group workshops at various venues within the London Borough of Enfield including Vincent House (EN3), Enfield Town Library and Palmers Green Library and other community sites. We reimburse travel expenses within the boundaries of Enfield.

You would develop teaching, communication and community engagement skills with training and ongoing support.

You will need:

• Good digital skills (including phones, apps and internet usage)
• Be able to explain technical information in simple terms
• Be patient, approachable and supportive
• Have an awareness of online safety and common scams (training can be provided)
• Be reliable, and able to regularly commit to at least 1 regular day per week
• Be able to develop a basic understanding of the services available to support residents in Enfield
• Be able to work in accordance with our policies and procedures

Volunteer Assistant Basketball Coach Opportunity

Join Skills Development Training as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for Free Basketball Sessions!

We're seeking a reliable Volunteer Assistant Coach for every Saturday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at 1 Selby Road, White Hart Lane, London - Haringey N17 8JL. Support our free basketball training for boys and girls aged 11-18, helping them develop skills, make friends, and stay active in a fun, supportive environment!

What you'll do:

• Assist with drills, skill-building activities, and small-sided games during the full 2-hour sessions every Saturday.

• Support a positive vibe for all abilities – no coaching experience needed, just energy and passion for basketball!

• Help manage equipment and ensure smooth delivery alongside the lead coach.

What we offer:

• Travel expenses paid (public transport receipts required).

• Hands-on experience, training provided, DBS support, and strong CV reference.

• Ongoing weekly commitment during term time.

Who we're looking for:

• Love of basketball and working with youth (11-18).

• Reliable, patient, team player available every Saturday 1-3pm.

• DBS check required (we'll help arrange).

Apply now: Email [your email] with "Assistant Basketball Coach - Every Saturday" in the subject line. Share a short intro about yourself, basketball interest, and Saturday availability confirmation.

Are you passionate about young people and ensuring everyone has equitable access to opportunities? Do you have a vibrant energy and experience to bring to our families and children? Then we could be looking for you to join our team of volunteers supportung families and young people in the North Kensington community.

As we ease out of lockdown, we are looking for volunteers to help on day trips in and around London to support families in getting back to normality again.

Trips will include anything from horse riding through to the beach, farms and Kew Gardens. This is an opportunity to help families in our community while gaining experience of working with a small, friendly and supportive charity.

Volunteers will help the group leader to accompany groups of parents/guardians and their children on a variety of cultural/fun trips, helping to make them feel welcome. 

Suitable volunteers will be reliable and sociable and enjoy working with children. Volunteers must be available for day trips during school holidays, as this is when most of the trips take place.

Volunteers receive a full induction, and support from the Children and Young People Coordinator. Travel expenses on the outings and any entrance fees are covered, and some further expenses can also be claimed.

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Do you have a passion for fashion and a creative eye for detail? 

Can you help us keep our windows and in store displays looking great for a few hours a week in our Keswick shop? 

We need help for between 2 and 4 hours on any day of the week that suits you. Join our friendly volunteer team and help make a real difference to children's lives. 

What will I be doing?  

• Designing and making great window displays to attract customers into the shop 

• Creating attractive displays in store 

• Identifying and selecting desirable items for displays 

• Restocking the shop floor to make it look interesting 

• Upholding the inclusive values of The Children’s Society 

What will I get? 

• Full training - no previous experience required 

• Free tea, coffee and biscuits 

• A reference

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

• Free confidential counselling helpline available 

You don't need any previous experience to volunteer in our shops, but you will need to be: 

• Supportive, polite and helpful to customers, other volunteers and staff 

• Reliable and punctual 

• Able to volunteer as part of a team 

• Able to follow pricing guidelines and health and safety practice (training will be provided)

• Willing to support the work and policies of The Children’s Society and its values

What's next? 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in our shops, we will ask you to take part in a trial shift so you can find out more about the role and we can find out more about you.

We will then ask we will ask for you to complete a short information form, including providing at least two references covering the last two years. 

Do you enjoy playing games and engaging with people? Are you interested in boosting people’s socialising abilities and cater a safe and cheerful experience? If so, we are recruiting for a volunteer to facilitate weekly games and chat sessions at our Service.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and set up a weekly games and chat group
• Create a safe space for individuals to express themselves
• Teach people how to play new card and board games
• In the sessions encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through playing cards, board games and holding conversations

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm, patient, friendly and welcoming
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from advice, visits, legal support, education, assistance finding employment and even helping secure free bus passes.

We currently have a strong and capable Board with a wide-ranging skill set and we are seeking a Chairperson who can provide strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking a new Chair with a range of skills and experience. In particular, we are looking for people who can demonstrate :

· Experience of leadership

· Commitment to the aims and values of Asylum Welcome

· Tact and diplomacy

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Good facilitation skills

· Impartiality, fairness and discretion

· Empathy with the challenges of running a highly diverse. largely volunteer-based organisation in a subject area which is both topical and challenging.

As Chair you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in the Oxfordshire area, empowering them to rebuild their lives here in safety.  This role offers a valuable opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and a job share arrangement would be considered. The role is currently shared by two Trustees as Co-Chairs who are retiring as Trustees after many years of service.

The Chair position is not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Teams and in-person) 6 - 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Asylum Welcome and a fantastic opportunity to influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity.

For more information see the full role description.

Can you help deliver great customer service for a few hours a week in our Keswick shop? 

We need help for between 2 and 4 hours on any day of the week (excluding Sundays) that suits you. Join our friendly volunteer team and help make a real difference to children's lives. 

What will I be doing?  

• Serving customers in a helpful and friendly way 

• Using the till to make sales 

• Telling customers about gift aid to help us raise more funds 

• Restocking the shelves and making the shop floor look attractive and inviting 

• Upholding the inclusive values of The Children’s Society 

What will I get? 

• Full training - no previous experience required 

• Free tea, coffee and biscuits 

• A reference

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

• Free confidential counselling helpline available 

You don't need any previous experience to volunteer in our shops, but you will need to be: 

• Supportive, polite and helpful to customers, other volunteers and staff 

• Reliable and punctual 

• Able to volunteer as part of a team 

• Able to follow pricing guidelines and health and safety practice (training will be provided)

• Willing to support the work and policies of The Children’s Society and its values

What's next? 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in our shops, we will ask you to take part in a trial shift so you can find out more about the role and we can find out more about you.

We will then ask we will ask for you to complete a short information form, including providing at least two references covering the last two years.