Travel volunteer roles

Role Title: Volunteer Befriender
Location: Various locations in Ealing
Time Commitment: 1–4 hours per week (flexible)
Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator/Service Lead
Duration: Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
Expenses: Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

Purpose of the Role:
To reduce social isolation and improve emotional wellbeing by offering regular companionship and support to individuals in the community. The role also provides an opportunity for unpaid carers to have a short break or period of respite while their loved one is engaged and supported.

Key Responsibilities:
• Offer friendly conversation and a listening ear through regular visits or phone calls
• Build and maintain a respectful, trusting relationship
• Encourage social confidence and community engagement
• Report any concerns or relevant information to the project lead
• Attend initial training and ongoing support sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding procedures

Ideal Qualities and Skills:
• A good listener with strong communication skills
• Kind, patient, and empathetic
• Dependable and consistent
• Respectful of boundaries and confidentiality
• Open-minded and inclusive

What You’ll Gain:
• A rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference
• Experience in a supportive and meaningful volunteer role
• Ongoing training and support
• Development of interpersonal skills
• Being part of a valued community team

Additional Information:
This role requires two references and a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Full training is provided.

Are you passionate about working with children and looking for an opportunity to make a difference? We are recruiting for a volunteer to support with engaging and keeping children entertained while mums participate in our workshops and events. By providing this support, you will be allowing women to participate in events to develop their skills, confidence and build on their aspirations.

What you will be doing

• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Entertaining children with provided toys and small activities such as colouring or puzzles etc..
• Ensuring the children are kept safe

The skills you need

• Calm and patient approach
• Experience in childcare preferred
• Working knowledge of child safeguarding preferred
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills
• Paediatric First Aider - Desired

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 - 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.

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service. As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

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 and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Help support inspiring trekkers as they take on 13 or 26 miles to raise vital funds for dementia.

Trekking a marathon or half-marathon is no mean feat so we need volunteers just like you, to help give our trekkers as much support as possible on the day. This could be a cup of tea at one of our rest stops, a friendly word of encouragement on the route, or a triumphant cheer across the finish line.

As part of our volunteer crew, you’ll help give trekkers the encouragement and all important boost they need to keep going strong. We can guarantee that it means the world to our trekkers.

No experience needed, just bring your energy and enthusiasm! There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event hub, rest stops and along the route.

What’s involved

· Cheering trekkers and offering encouragement

· Directing trekkers along the route

· Supporting with selling merchandise

· Handing out well-deserved medals and glasses of fizz

What you'll receive

· A fun, feel-good, and rewarding experience

· The chance to make a real impact in just a few hours

· A full role briefing and volunteer manager to support you

· Travel expenses (up to 50miles)

Ready to join our amazing volunteer team? Sign up today and help change the lives of people living with dementia right now and in the future!

Volunteers over the age of 14 are welcome, but if you are under 16 you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• Describing items for online listings.
• Preparing items for postage and dispatch .
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information: - We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments. - We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Barber or Hairdresser Needed – Make a Difference in Westminster

We are looking for a volunteer barber or hairdresser to support residents at a hostel in Westminster, London. The hostel is part of the Single Homeless Project charity and is home to up to 68 residents.

Something as simple as a haircut can have a hugely positive impact on a person’s confidence, self-esteem, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

As part of our upcoming Wellbeing Day, we will be hosting a range of activities for residents, and one of the key things we would love to offer is free haircuts from a volunteer barber or hairdresser.

If you have the time and capacity, there is also scope for regular visits to the hostel beyond the wellbeing day, although this is entirely optional.

You will be fully supported by our staff team throughout the session, and a member of staff will always be available to assist and provide support where needed.

We are also happy to cover any travel cost within London, and if you would like like to find out more about the chairty and the work we do, please type in Single Homeless Project into your search engine. 

If you would like to use your skills to make a real difference in someone’s day, we would love to hear from you.

Please send us a message if you are interested.

Thank you,

Jassen

Do you live within 10 miles of Antrim Area Hospital?

We’re currently looking for Companion Volunteers at Antrim Area Hospital. You don’t need medical experience or all the answers, just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a little time to give. Be there when it matters most and make a real difference by supporting patients who may simply need someone by their side.

Availability: Up to 3 hours per week - flexible to suit

Time: Mornings, afternoons or evenings

Criteria: Minimum 18 years or older

What you’ll do: 

• Visit different patients at Antrim Area Hospital, Bush Road, Antrim BT41 2RL
• Each visit may be with a different person, offering variety and new conversations
• Share a cup of tea, a chat, or simply quiet companionship to patients who are anxious or offer a break for families
• Be there when family members cannot, outside of normal visiting hours

You’d be a great fit if you’re:

• Caring and compassionate nature
• Patience and good listening skills
• Comfortable with sensitive topics, such as death, dying and bereavement
• Comfortable with email and completing a brief visit report
• Respectful of boundaries and confidentiality

What you’ll gain:

• A sense of meaning and purpose
• Thorough training and continued support
• A friendly network of volunteers
• Recognition for your time
• Travel expenses covered

Kindness doesn’t have to be big to be life changing.

Community and Fundraising Volunteers play a vital role in raising funds and awareness to support mums experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. This is a friendly, hands-on role where you’ll help plan, prepare, and deliver fundraising and community engagement activities. From supporting events and running stalls to chatting with supporters and sharing information about MumsAid’s services, you’ll be an important part of a welcoming and supportive team. 

No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine desire to support mums and their families. 

What will you be doing? 

• Supporting the planning and delivery of fundraising and community events, such as charity stalls, coffee mornings, sponsored activities, and awareness days. 

• Helping to create a lively, positive, and welcoming atmosphere at MumsAid events. 

• Engaging with members of the public, supporters, and participants, celebrating their involvement and encouraging donations. 

• Talking to people about MumsAid’s work and signposting to support where appropriate. 

• Assisting with event set-up and pack-down to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

• Handling cash and card donations responsibly, in line with MumsAid procedures. 

• Helping to raise awareness of perinatal mental health and the importance of early support. 

• Being part of a team that helps make MumsAid events inspiring, inclusive, and memorable. 

• Following MumsAid’s policies and procedures, including health and safety and safeguarding, to ensure events run smoothly. 

What skills and qualities can you bring? 

• Warm, welcoming, and friendly personality. 

• Enthusiastic and positive, with a willingness to get involved and encourage others. 

• Comfortable chatting with people from a range of backgrounds. 

• Able to work as part of a team and follow guidance from staff. 

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to agreed volunteer shifts. 

• Comfortable being outdoors in all weathers when required. 

• Able to stand for several hours or bring something to sit on if needed. 

• Able to travel independently to event locations. 

• Supportive of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and respectful of confidentiality and boundaries. 

What is in it for me? 

• Join a friendly, welcoming, and supportive volunteer team. 

• Be part of a community-focused charity making a real difference for mums and families. 

• Access to guidance and any relevant training to help you feel confident in your role. 

• Gain experience in volunteering, events, and fundraising. 

• Receive clear communication and support from the MumsAid fundraising and events team, including event details and meeting points. 

• Volunteer t-shirt and any event materials provided. 

• Reimbursement of pre-agreed travel expenses (with receipts). 

Bring your energy, positivity, and enthusiasm to MumsAid’s Community and Fundraising Team and help make a meaningful difference for mums and families in your community. Your support truly matters.

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

The Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT) is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board and help shape the future of the Ocean Estate in Stepney. As a legacy successor for the NDC regeneration of the area, we work hand-in-hand with residents and stakeholders to ensure the social, economic, and physical regeneration of our vibrant community. 

About the Roles

We are currently recruiting for two types of Board Members:

Independent/Specialist Members: Professionals who do not live on the estate but bring specific expertise to strengthen our governance.

Community Members: Local residents living within the Ocean Regeneration Trust core area who want to represent their neighbours and guide local improvements.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those with experience in:

Financial Management & Accounting.

Legal Advice & Governance.

Human Resources & Organisational Management.

Neighbourhood Renewal / Management.

Enterprise & Business Development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Help deliver ORT’s vision to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Stepney and the Ocean Estate in Tower Hamlets. 

Community Impact: Support 10 year objectives i.e. the implementation of NHS/Public Health initiatives such as neighbourhood health and wellbeing, capacity building for the local Voluntary and Community sector, employment and skills and strategic expertise in housing and welfare changes.

Governance: Attend Board meetings (at least 4–5 times per year) and contribute constructively to decision-making.

Time Commitment & Location

Meetings: Held at the Harford Street Multicentre, E1 or online (hybrid) 

Duration: Meetings typically last 1–2 hours and preparatory reading. 

Remuneration: These are voluntary positions; however, legitimate expenses (such as travel) will be reimbursed

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

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

Would you like to support disabled children in accessing fun activity sessions? Could you provide admin support in the office to help facilitate sessions for our Children’s Activity Club team.

What will you be doing?

• Supporting the Childrens Activity Club managed with a range of administration tasks

. • Helping with data entry tasks, such as updating our in-house database with registers, session attendance, feedback, and uploading support plans.

• Telephoning parents to go through initial risk assessments/ supports plans on how best we can support their child at a session understanding their communication, sensory and support needs.

• Helping to research required resources for sessions.

What skills would be useful?

• A good level of computer literacy

• A good eye for detail

• Confident using a telephone

• Previous experience with data entry tasks

• Previous experience supporting SEN children

What’s in it for you?

• Relevant training, mentoring and support will be provided

• Gain experience to add on to your CV

• Utilise your skills and learn new ones.

• Social opportunities

• Access to wellbeing support

• Out of pocket travel expenses can be reimbursed

• We strive to make reasonable adjustments and improve accessibility

How much time are you expected to give and when?

For the role to be mutually beneficial, we hope for volunteers to give 3 to 4 hours a week for 4 months. The team is looking for volunteers who are available on Wednesday afternoons or Thursday afternoons.

Where is the role located? At our Caudwell Children Centre on Innovation way, Keele University Campus, ST5 5NT. Minimum age for this role: 18

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service.

As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

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 and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun