Volunteer volunteer roles

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. 

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes

• Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
• Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-12:00
• Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
• St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
• Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00

The role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
• Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
• Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
• Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
• Reliability.
• Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.

Be a hero to a young person in care!

Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person’s life?

If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.

What is an Independent Visitor?

An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you’ll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them.

This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to at least two years to help build a strong, stable relationship.

We are currently prioritising and seeking applications from volunteers based in the Croydon or Kent area where we have a greater need for volunteers to support childen and young people. 

Why it matters

Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing.

“My IV is the one person who’s always there for me. They make me feel like I matter.” Young Person in Care.

Who can volunteer?

You don’t need previous experience - just the right values and commitment. We’re looking for caring people who are:

• Friendly and approachable
• Patient, empathetic and consistent
• A good listener
• Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years
• Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks

We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.

What will you be doing?

As an Independent Visitor, you’ll:

• Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat
• Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests
• Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they’d like)
• Occasionally join in on group events
• Create meaningful, lasting memories

Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.

Training & ongoing support

Before you start, we’ll provide:

• Full initial training
• Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision
• Access to additional training through Southwark’s volunteer resources

Recruitment timeline

• Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis.
• Interviews: To be confirmed.

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re looking for a rewarding, long-term volunteering opportunity where you can support a young person one to one and help them thrive, we’d love to receive an application from you today!

Guardian Light Foundation & Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd

Location: Remote / Online
Commitment: Approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Founder / Safeguarding Lead

�� About Us

Guardian Light Foundation is a mission-driven organisation supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, trauma, and financial hardship.

Our counselling services operate in three tiers:

Tier 1 – Guardian Light Foundation
Free emotional support for vulnerable individuals.

Tier 2 & Tier 3 – Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd
Low-cost and paid counselling services that help fund our charitable programmes and expand access to professional mental health support.

To maintain the highest ethical and professional standards, we are seeking a Volunteer Clinical Supervisor to support our counselling team.

�� Purpose of the Role

The Volunteer Clinical Supervisor will ensure that all counselling delivered through Guardian Light Foundation and Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd is:

• Ethical

• Safe

• Trauma-informed

• Professionally supported

• Aligned with recognised counselling standards (e.g. BACP / UKCP frameworks)

You will provide clinical supervision, safeguarding oversight, and professional guidance to our counsellors and trainee counsellors.

�� Key Responsibilities

Clinical Supervision

• Provide supervision for volunteer and trainee counsellors

• Facilitate monthly or bi-monthly group supervision sessions

• Offer guidance on complex or high-risk cases

• Support counsellors with professional development

Safeguarding Oversight

• Support decision-making where safeguarding concerns arise

• Ensure appropriate boundaries and ethical practice

• Assist with risk assessments where needed

Professional Standards

• Help maintain high clinical standards across services

• Ensure alignment with recognised ethical frameworks

• Provide guidance on confidentiality, consent, and record keeping

Support for Tier Structure

Provide supervision for counsellors working across:

Tier 1 – Charity Counselling

• Crisis support

• Emotional wellbeing support

• Early intervention

Tier 2 – Low-Cost Counselling

• Structured therapeutic support

Tier 3 – Professional Counselling

• Longer-term therapeutic work

Programme Development

• Advise on counselling frameworks and policies

• Support development of safe referral pathways

• Provide input on improving service delivery

��️ Safeguarding Requirements

Because this role involves oversight of services supporting vulnerable individuals:

• Enhanced DBS Check (Volunteer) required

• Must follow Guardian Light safeguarding policies

• Work closely with the Safeguarding Lead when concerns arise

DBS checks will be conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden).

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Qualified Clinical Supervisor

• Accredited or registered with a recognised body such as:

  • BACP

  • UKCP

  • NCPS

  • BABCP (or equivalent)

• Experience supervising counsellors or trainee therapists

• Strong understanding of trauma, safeguarding, and ethical practice

• Ability to support practitioners working with complex cases

Desirable

• Experience working with:

  • Young people

  • Domestic abuse survivors

  • Trauma

  • Vulnerable families

• Experience supporting trainee counsellors

• Experience working within charities or social enterprises

�� Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate and emotionally intelligent

• Ethical and professional

• Passionate about protecting vulnerable people

• Supportive but able to challenge constructively

• Committed to social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

Approximate commitment:

20 hours per month

This may include:

• Group supervision sessions

• Case consultation

• Safeguarding guidance when required

Flexible scheduling.

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to shape a growing counselling service from the beginning

• Meaningful impact on vulnerable lives

• Recognition as a key professional advisor to the organisation

• Networking with therapists, legal professionals, and social care specialists

• Opportunity to join the Advisory Board or Board of Directors

• Professional contribution toward social change

�� Structure of Services

Guardian Light Foundation

• Tier 1: Free counselling for vulnerable individuals

Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd

• Tier 2: Affordable counselling

• Tier 3: Professional counselling services that help fund the charity

This structure allows us to sustain our mission while expanding access to mental health support.

As a Tigrinya Interpreter Volunteer, you will be supporting women who speak little to no English and helping them to communicate with others in society. This role is necessary for our service user to feel included as well as supported. This would be a great opportunity for you to meet someone new and make a difference in their time at Hestia!

What you will be doing

• To maintain strict confidentiality and good working relationships
• To be able to meet with client when required for appointments and other professional meetings when needed
• Speech translating along with translating written documents from English to Tigrinya

The skills you need

• Fluent in Tigrinya
• Be understanding and patient, as well as sensitive to service user’s emotions
• A good communicator who is able to create a relaxing and nurturing environment

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.

Time Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year (two in person, two remote).
• Additional flexible, primarily remote support to trustees and museum staff.

Term: Up to four years.

Help Shape the Future of a Nationally Significant Regimental Museum

HorsePower, The Museum of The King’s Royal Hussars, is entering a pivotal and exciting new chapter. With a bold five-year strategy underway, the Museum is reimagining how over 300 years of regimental history is interpreted and shared, creating a “Museum of the Future” that is engaging, relevant and accessible to new and diverse audiences.

To support this transformation, we are seeking a Brand and Communications Trustee with the vision, experience and creativity to help elevate the Museum’s profile, sharpen its voice and strengthen its impact.

This is a high-impact voluntary role at board level, offering the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a distinctive heritage organisation at a moment of real change.

About HorsePower

Located at Peninsula Barracks in Winchester, HorsePower tells the story of The King’s Royal Hussars from 1715 to the present day, spanning India, Waterloo, the World Wars and modern conflict. The Museum cares for a rich and nationally important collection, including unique archives, uniforms, medals and personal stories.

As part of its new strategic plan, the Museum is focused on increasing relevance, reach and resilience, broadening audiences, strengthening income streams and establishing itself as one of the most vibrant and accessible small military museums in the South of England.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees are the custodians of the Regiment’s heritage and the long-term stewards of the Museum. All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and bring a wide range of senior-level experience, including strategic leadership, operations, finance, HR, legal, commercial and military expertise.

As the Museum moves into its next phase, the Board recognises that strategic brand and communications leadership is essential to delivering its ambitions, and this is where you come in.

The Role

This is a newly created role with real scope to influence both strategy and delivery. Working closely with the Chair, the Strategy Working Group and the Assistant Curator (Marketing and Communications), you will help shape how the Museum presents itself to the world. Key areas of focus include:

• Developing clear and inspiring brand guidelines that bring coherence and confidence to the Museum’s identity, rooted in its values and regimental heritage
• Identifying and articulating the Museum’s unique differentiators, ensuring it stands out in a competitive cultural and heritage landscape
• Leading the development of a Strategic Communications Plan, with a compelling narrative that supports audience growth, partnerships and fundraising
• Supporting the creation and delivery of a Marketing and Communications Plan to raise profile, increase footfall and broaden engagement
• Acting as a trusted advisor to trustees and staff on communications, messaging and brand-related decision-making

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building something of lasting value and making a tangible difference in a small, ambitious organisation.

About You

Essential:

• Proven experience in branding, marketing or communications at a strategic level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear. persuasive narratives
• Confidence working collaboratively with trustees, senior stakeholders and professional staff.

Desirable:

• Experience in museums, heritage, culture or the not-for-profit sector.
• An interest in military history or storytelling.
• A creative, entrepreneurial mindset, particularly in relation to audience development and income generation.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate relevant transferable skills gained through professional or life experience.

Why Join Us?

• A rare opportunity to help shape a museum redevelopment from the ground up.
• A meaningful trustee role where your expertise will have visible, lasting impact.
• The chance to work with a committed Board and passionate staff team.
• The satisfaction of contributing your skills to a nationally significant heritage cause.

Closing date: 25 March 2026
Interviews: Late March/early April 2026

HorsePower is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. 

Hello there, we're Unlock YOUR Potential a micro/small social mobility charitable organisation providing employability services to adults across the UK.

We're in need of a volunteer who can give up some time to help us out by creating a logo and brand guide for our new social mobility charity, helping us raise our profile and reach more people who need our help and support.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we believe an “accident of birth” should never determine a person’s destination. We are a new UK‑based social mobility charity committed to breaking cycles of deprivation through holistic employability, wellbeing, and mentoring programmes that empower adults to thrive.

We are prioritising delivery in areas that rank among the top 10 most deprived areas nationally for employment and skills. The need here is real. The talent is abundant. The opportunity for impact is extraordinary.

We are looking for a creative, thoughtful, and mission‑driven volunteer designer who can craft a logo that:

• Captures our purpose — breaking down barriers and unlocking potential

• Communicates growth and transformation

• Feels modern, bold, and full of possibility

• Resonates with adults from working‑class and underserved communities

• Works across digital, print, and social platforms

Your design will become the visual foundation of our charity — a symbol of hope, ambition, and opportunity for the communities we serve.

You will work closely with the Founder to design a modern, meaningful, and impactful logo that reflects our mission of growth, development, empowerment, and change.

Do you love a good chat, enjoy meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in someone’s life? Come and be part of something special!

We’re looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers to help at our monthly social group meetings. These gatherings are a lifeline for many of our members living with combined sight and hearing loss — offering connection, laughter, and a safe space to make new friends.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Group Volunteer, you’ll be the welcoming face that makes our members feel at home. Your role might include:

• Greeting members with a warm smile

• Helping with lunch and refreshments

• Spending time chatting and socialising

• Supporting members with mobility or guiding, if needed

Our Newham group meets every fourth Thurday of the month from 1pm to 3pm — just two hours to brighten someone’s day!

Got a Talent? Share It!

Whether you’re a quiz master, a crafty creator, a musical marvel, or have a few magic tricks up your sleeve — we’d love to see what you can bring! Your unique skills could add that extra sparkle to our sessions.

What You’ll Get

• Full training and 1:1 support

• Opportunities to learn and grow in your role

• The joy of knowing you’ve made a real difference

All you need is a friendly, welcoming manner and a willingness to help. We’ll take care of the rest.

Looe Island Nature Reserve, Looe, Cornwall
Full-time, residential volunteer role
May – October 2026

Do you dream of living and working on your own island, surrounded by wildlife and stunning coastal scenery? This is a rare opportunity to become part of something truly special.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is working to create a Cornwall where nature thrives on land and at sea. For over 60 years, we’ve been inspiring people to connect with and protect the natural world — and Looe Island is one of our most unique and cherished nature reserves.

The Role:

Looe Island is a flagship Destination Nature Reserve, carefully managed by residential wardens who permanently live on the island throughout the season. During the summer months, visitors can explore the island on organised boat trips or stay overnight in our eco-friendly Smuggler’s Cottage or island bell tent.

In 2026, we’re expanding our offer to include new, exclusive tours and immersive experiences — making this an especially exciting time to be involved.

We are seeking volunteer wardens for a joint application from:

• A couple
• Friends or family members
• Or an individual willing to share accommodation

Wardens will live in our simply renovated Island House, with separate bedrooms, and play a key role in caring for the island, supporting visitors, and helping protect its wildlife.

For full details about the role, responsibilities, accommodation, and how to apply, please download the attached Recruitment Pack.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Essex

As a Volunteer in Essex your role will include:

• Supporting victims of crime affected by hate crime, fraud, burglary, harassment.
• Gaining experience in supporting victims to overcome the effects of crime.
• Liaising with the local police, housing and other appropriate agencies.
• Attend area specific events such as Community Volunteer Service events, Vol Fest, Pride and partner events.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
• Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
• Undertake a DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Main purpose of role:

To take on the responsibilities of our direct social media output.

To support our communications and marketing work.

To help with creating content for our newsletters, social media, print media and other promotional material over time.

Key responsibilities:

1. Create content to be attractive, informative and inclusive.

2. Post across Instagram, Blue Sky, Facebook, Tic Tok and LinkedIn to promote the organisation

3. Support designated team members to utilise social media to thank and engage our supporters, doners and funders.

4. Form key relationships with organisations and brands.

5. Create new ideas to make the best use of our social media to improve our engagement with the unpaid carers we support, and existing and potential volunteers.

.

6. Collaborating with other team members to contribute to and adhere to the wider communications strategy.

7. Maintain strict GDPR and confidentiality practices at all times.

8. Monitor and report on engagement rates of each post/platform to inform our messaging.

9. To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies and procedures of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing.

Person Specification

· A good understanding of the best practice for maximum social media engagement (i.e: best time of day to post, how to write comments and captions that will gain engagement) and a willingness to learn more about this.

· Strong communication skills

· Awareness of latest social media trends and etiquettes

· Enthusiastic, proactive and excited to take on their own project

· Creativity and Canva skills

· Good team player

· A keen interest in social media

· An interest in our work with unpaid carers

· A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.

• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.

• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational

skills.

• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.

• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.

• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirements

• Flexible working hours and days.

• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.

• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy.

Could you coordinate the training for the local SSAFA volunteers in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. Get in touch with us to find out more.

What is a Training Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each one has a Training Coordinator to make sure that all volunteers get all the training they need for their role and that training events are organised and run for the branch. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups. To offer the best possible service to our clients SSAFA volunteers need training appropriate to their role. It’s important that we keep records of all the training completed by volunteers and provide local training to meet their needs, whilst also being interesting, fun and varied. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.

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

As part of your local branch you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular commitment to the branch but days and times could vary to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Coordinating induction and training for new volunteers
• Completing the admin needed for new volunteer to attend local and national training
• Running interesting and relevant annual branch training days (minimum of one per year)
• Maintaining an accurate list of all volunteers and the dates when training was completed
• Working with the Regional Trainer, branch volunteers and the Learning and Development team to identify local training needs and arrange for the required courses to be delivered
• Supporting and encouraging any volunteers facing barriers to completing their training
• Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• 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?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge and experience to benefit others
• Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to clients as well as providing development opportunities for our volunteers
• Support and friendship 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 about training and support?

• On-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from the branch secretary, Volunteer Development Manager, Regional Trainer and the Learning and Development Team based at our central office
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people, possibly with some experience of teaching/training and admin
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address
• Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training
• Willingness to use spreadsheets/records of volunteer training
• Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

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? No

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

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.

As a Volunteer Fundraiser for unpaid carers, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for unpaid carers across the borough.

Working alongside senior managers, you will help identify and apply for funding opportunities, assist with administrative and community-based fundraising activities, and represent the charity in local events. Your support will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for carers by enabling new services, resources, and opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone with good communication and organisational skills who enjoys building connections and making a tangible difference in the community.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Research and help identify funding opportunities relevant to our work with carers.

• Support senior managers with administrative tasks linked to grant applications and fundraising.

• Keep accurate records of fundraising activity, donations, and outcomes.

• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.

• Assist or lead in writing small grant applications

• Collect and log donated items for our range of services.

• Monitor when key funding streams renew or reopen, ensuring timely applications.

• Carry out any other agreed tasks related to fundraising and community engagement.

• To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing, including our Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health & Safety.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Good understanding of marketing and community engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience writing small or medium, funding applications.

• Willingness to travel across the borough to attend events (expenses reimbursed).

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

• Able to understand and work within resource and role boundaries.

• Passionate about achieving a high-quality service for unpaid carers in Hillingdon.

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.

• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.

• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational

skills.

• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.

• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.

• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirements

• Flexible working hours and days.

• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.

• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy.