Volunteering opportunities volunteer volunteer roles

Description

The National Youth Advocacy Service is a wonderful children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people who have experienced care.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers in Launceston to befriend and mentor a young person in care.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a young person's life! 

Young Person quote:'It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do’ 

Children and young people in care truly deserve an adult who can share their time, engage in fun activities, and build a trusting and meaningful relationship. Your visits can easily fit into your schedule, allowing you to juggle your commitments while being a positive role model for a young person. 

Volunteer quote: "Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation.  Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals." 

We kindly ask for just a few hours once a month for a minimum of two years.

A set budget will cover activities and travel expenses so you can focus on making a difference without any worries. 

If you're interested, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity! 

Expectations

• Two-year commitment
• Minimum age of 18
• Based in the UK
• DBS check
• Digital risk assessment compliance
• Completion of training relevant to the role
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports

Benefits

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!

The Wren Project is a volunteer-led charity that provides free, remote, one-to-one, ongoing listening support for people in distress and living with autoimmune disease. There are over 120 autoimmune diseases currently diagnosed by the NHS and these include Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's disease- they are all chronic illnesses which can have life altering impacts.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). In appointments, volunteers offer listening support, where Wrens can talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers join a regular fortnightly shift during which they meet with up to 2 Wrens in two 50-minute appointments. 

Volunteers do not need to have qualifications or any knowledge or experience of autoimmune disease. We are looking for warm, empathetic, caring and resilient individuals who want to help others and have the time to offer ongoing, non-judgemental, listening support. 

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Our service would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend a group information and discovery conversation where you will learn more about the Wren Project and the listening role 

• Applicants will be invited to participate in a remote, 5-week training programme focusing on listening skills, courageous inquiry, turning towards difficulty and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

• Please note, we access an applicant’s suitability for the role throughout the process.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude.

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to those in distress and to reflect upon the experience.

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments.

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection.

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability.

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening.

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress.

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development.

• An insight into life with chronic illness and mental health.

Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun
2. It's flexible
3. You'll learn and share skills
4. You'll be making a difference
5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Ealing Green Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

Description

The National Youth Advocacy Service is a wonderful children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people who have experienced care.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers in Whitchurch to befriend and mentor a young person in care.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a young person's life! 

Young Person quote:'It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do’ 

Children and young people in care truly deserve an adult who can share their time, engage in fun activities, and build a trusting and meaningful relationship. Your visits can easily fit into your schedule, allowing you to juggle your commitments while being a positive role model for a young person. 

Volunteer quote: "Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation.  Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals." 

We kindly ask for just a few hours once a month for a minimum of two years.

A set budget will cover activities and travel expenses so you can focus on making a difference without any worries. 

If you're interested, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity! 

Expectations

• Two-year commitment
• Minimum age of 18
• Based in the UK
• DBS check
• Digital risk assessment compliance
• Completion of training relevant to the role
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports

Benefits

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!

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.

We are looking for new volunteers from all over London and the South East to be Speak out. Stay Safe Volunteers. You would visit primary schools local to you to help us protect a generation of children from abuse and neglect.

We are currently not recruiting for the following areas: 

London: Barnet, Ealing, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Hillingdon, and Newham

Surrey 

Berkshire: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead, and Wokingham 

Bromley

Hampshire County Council, Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Test Valley, Winchester, Fareham  

Eastleigh, Gosport, New Forest, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Havant, West Sussex and East Sussex, Brighton/Hove

In 2022 the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe volunteers returned to primary schools. As a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer, you will visit primary schools to deliver Speak out. Stay safe. workshops that teach children about the different types of abuse and how they can speak out and stay safe. Our Speak out. Stay safe. workshops are age-appropriate and memorable and need an energetic and enthusiastic person to deliver them. You'll work alongside other Speak out. Stay safe. volunteers to make sure at the end of each session the children feel empowered and know who they can speak out to if they are worried.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer and want to find out more about the role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

If you have any questions or experience any issues, please contact the Volunteer Recruitment Team.

For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16. 

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

We’re on the lookout for a volunteer who’s keen to make a real difference in our communities — and pick up some new skills along the way!

This is a unique opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while helping customers at St Mary’s Close enjoy regular chair-based exercise sessions. These don’t currently have any sessions, but they’re really keen to get started, ideally once a month to begin with (and maybe more if it’s a hit!).

We’ll support you every step of the way, including covering the cost of your Amac Certificate in Chair-based Exercise Instructing - which you can complete online at your own pace. Once you’re qualified, we’ll work with you to build a schedule that fits around your availability.

Each session will last up to an hour, and we’ll also cover your travel expenses.

Because you’ll be working with potentially vulnerable customers, you’ll need to be 18 or over to take on this role.

If you’re passionate about helping others stay active, feel good, and have fun - we’d love to hear from you!

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

We need empathetic and motivated people, who are committed to welcoming people seeking safety, to join our Sussex volunteer team. 

What you will receive: 

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills, including casework, networking, and interpersonal skills

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

As a volunteer, there is a range of activities you can choose to get involved in. Some activities include:

• Drop-ins - a weekly social space to share a hot drink, play games and sport, help with requests and signposting to support, and help people learn and practice English.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, toiletries. 

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park or museum.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

You can find out more about Care4Calais on our website or Instagram 

Role summary

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

Your role will involve:

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

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

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

Main duties of this role:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Work flexibly across community venues.

• Establish contacts within the community and build relationships

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

Training and Supervision:

• Online mandatory training relevant to the role

• Compassionate Conversations training – online/in person

• Dedicated line manager for training and support with regular meetings 

Experience and Qualifications required:

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

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

• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries

• Comfortable speaking with people from a wide range of backgrounds 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year and the majority of these success stories are thanks to the dedication and effort of our passionate volunteers. Our recruitment support volunteers help local volunteer groups and teams by promoting volunteer roles, matching passionate cat loving volunteers to roles and informing potential volunteers about the variety of volunteer roles available at Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Identifying opportunities for volunteer involvement
• Planning volunteer recruitment campaigns
• Managing volunteer recruitment by advertising and promoting roles
• Overseeing the volunteer application process
• Meeting potential volunteers and providing information about roles
• Matching potential volunteers with suitable roles
• Promoting a culture of volunteering best practice

Time expectation 

Our recruitment support volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Seed Sowers are a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting the growth of The Green House. The aims of the volunteer group are:

• To help the Green House grow our funding, networks and audience
• Give advice and feedback on fundraising campaigns and strategies
• Lead and support fundraising initiatives
• Make introductions to potential collaborators like business contacts, influencers, public figures
• Represent the charity at events and talks

The role focuses on advancing the charity’s mission through fundraising and networking. The Seed Sowers is an advisory and action-oriented group, focused on proactively amplifying The Green House’s fundraising and communications initiatives and increasing the charity’s income and visibility.

The group will be led by an appointed volunteer Chair, who will coordinate activity and act as the primary point of contact.

To learn more about the role, please read the Role Description. This is an unpaid role, but we may be able to cover reasonable expenses subject to prior agreement.