Volunteer roles in Buckinghamshire

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity where you can make a real difference? We are currently recruiting new Volunteer Mentors to join our growing, diverse network of dedicated volunteers.

At Hope for the Young, our mission to support young refugees and asylum seekers in London as they overcome the many challenges of starting a new life in the UK. From navigating education systems to building confidence and social connections, our Volunteer Mentors play a crucial role in helping young people achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.

What You’ll Do as a Mentor

• Meet with a young person (mentee) once a week for 1–3 hours, usually in a local café, library, or community space in London

• Set education and personal development goals and offer guidance, support and motivation towards these

• Commit to mentoring for a minimum of six months

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of different ages, cultural backgrounds, and professional experiences. You don’t need prior mentoring experience - just empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support a young person.

We’re especially keen to build a diverse pool of mentors to reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the young people we support. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from those with lived experience of forced migration, as well those with ethnically diverse backgrounds. 

What We Provide

When you volunteer with us, you’ll receive:

• A comprehensive induction and training to prepare you for the role

• Ongoing 1:1 support from a dedicated Mentoring Coordinator

• Reimbursed expenses for all meetings and activities with your mentee

• Invitations to regular social events for mentors and mentees

• The opportunity to join a passionate community committed to making a positive impact

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a tangiable difference in a young person's life, and you will also be able to:

• Develop your coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Gain a deeper understanding of the refugee and asylum seeker experience

• Join a supportive and inspiring community of volunteers

If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to help someone build a brighter future, we’d love to hear from you!

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

About the Role:

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

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

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

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

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

Why Volunteer with Us?

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

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

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

How do I know it’s right for me?

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

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

What is the time commitment?

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

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

PUBLICITY & MARKETING VOLUNTEER

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Publicity & Marketing volunteers play an essential role in publicising and raising awareness of their local branch’s activities.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:

• Collecting case studies from the clients we help

• Writing stories for the local press

• Distributing literature

• Arranging talks

• Working with the Central Team to promote panel activities

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Confident using social media platforms

• Warm, approachable and confident to engage with clients to gather their story

• Able to follow REMAP policies and procedures

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• A commitment to our values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training.

If it works better for you, there’s a possibility this role could be done remotely.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

thrivin' together is a national, grassroots Community Interest Company supporting women impacted by their own or someone else's gambling. Incorporated in July 2022, we meet women where they are, offering support that fits around complex, time-poor lives.

We have built strong trust, reach, and credibility. We are now entering a phase focused on:

• Strengthening governance and infrastructure
• Moving beyond founder-reliant leadership
• Clarifying our proposition and impact
• Building sustainable systems for long-term growth
• Increasing our influence in policy and system change

This is a moment of consolidation, clarity, and intentional growth.

As a Board Member, you will help guide the strategic direction of thrivin' together, ensuring we remain values-led, sustainable, and responsive to the women we serve. You will:

• Contribute to governance and strategic planning
• Support the development and sustainability of our services
• Ensure alignment with our mission and lived experience ethos
• Provide constructive challenge and oversight
• Act as an ambassador and help build partnerships 

This is a non-operational role focused on oversight, support, and direction.

We are looking for women who bring a genuine passion for women's wellbeing and social impact. Commitment to supporting those affected by gambling harm and a collaborative, thoughtful, and values-driven approach. Desirable experience:
Finance or accounting
Fundraising
HR or organisational development
Chair or governance experience
Policy, influencing, or systems change
Lived experience of gambling harm (your own or someone else's)
We welcome first-time Board Members and will provide support and induction. 

What you'll gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in women's lives
• Experience of governance and strategic leadership
• Being part of a supportive, women-centred team
• The chance to shape a growing, innovative CIC

Independent Visitor: Mentor a young person for 2 – 4 hours per month for at least 1 year.

An Independent Visitor is usually an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as going to the cinema, bowling or just walking in the park.
The aim is to provide support, confidence, and fun experiences outside of the young person’s daily environment. If you are looking for a rewarding role with an organisation that makes a difference in young people’s lives, we want to hear from you.

About the role:
•Visit a young person monthly and become a trusted adult friend to them.
•Build a trusting, consistent and positive relationship with the child.
•Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities (e.g., cinema, bowling, museums, nature walks, or simply having a chat) and spend time with them away from their placement. 
•Provide visit reports and feedback after visits to help us monitor and improve the service.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Make a real difference – be a positive, stable influence in a young person’s life.

• Have fun and create memories – enjoy activities while building a meaningful bond.

• Gain valuable experience – develop skills in mentoring, communication and young people’s support.

• Access to training and job opportunities – acquire knowledge and experience in a fun setting. 

• Flexible and rewarding – just a few hours a month can change a life!

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your travel and activity.

Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport and identify with young people from diverse backgrounds.

• Communication – Excellent communication skills and good report writing skills.

• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year. 

• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks, and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

About CARAS:

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

About Youth Club:

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

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

About the role:

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

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

Tasks and responsibilities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

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

· To be reliable and punctual;

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

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

· Current resident of the UK;

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

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

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

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

Desirable:

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

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

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

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY COACH

Time: Evenings, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (weekly)

Location, Fishermead Supported Accommodation

Connection Support provides a range of services supporting people who may be at risk of homelessness or who require social care. We work with people who may have experienced challenges such as debt, family circumstances, mental health difficulties, substance misuse, being a care leaver, learning disabilities, age-related needs, or physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in helping us provide meaningful activities that improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness.

Could you help prevent loneliness and isolation in your community by running a weekly activity night?

· Do you have 1–2 hours a week in the evening (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) to support residents by running fun and engaging activities?

· Can we rely on you to commit to a period of up to 12 weeks?

· Can you build positive, professional, and trusting relationships with residents in a friendly and non-judgemental way?

If you can answer “yes”, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

· Planning and hosting a weekly activity evening for residents between 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

· Running activities such as general knowledge quizzes, music rounds, bingo games, picture rounds, and other fun group activities

· Encouraging residents to participate, socialise, and work together

· Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment

· Acting as a positive and supportive role model

Skills Required

· Good communication and people skills

· Ability to engage and encourage people from a range of backgrounds

· Creativity in planning fun activities and games

· Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

· Good organisation and time-keeping

· Experience to enhance your CV and future career opportunities

· Ongoing support and guidance from the team

· Opportunity to request a reference after your volunteering period

This is an excellent opportunity if you are interested in clothes & fashion, photography or e-commerce. The time you dedicate would ensure that we made the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops, which means more funds can go towards our vital animal welfare work.

Our shops play an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items.

Online Sales Volunteer responsibilities

• Researching and listing the items for sale in our dedicated Vinted store.
• A picture is worth 1,000 words so ensuring that attractive photographs are taken to boost sales.
• Packaging items appropriately before posting them to the buyer.
• Maintaining accurate records of listed and sold items.

What we are looking for in our Online Sales Volunteers:

• Basic knowledge of any online selling platforms (Vinted, ebay, Whatnot)
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to take clear photographs and write accurate descriptions
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with email and online payment systems 
• Good communication skills and a friendly, helpful attitude
• Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment
• Work both remotely and at our New Bradwell Hub

What we can offer you as an Online Sales volunteer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learn e-commerce skills
• Develop your organisational skills
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We may ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependant on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

We are based in Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth and Westminster.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families at their homes every week with a backpack full of books to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick books based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Visit their homes with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Leave behind a selection of books for the children to borrow for the week

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

We have volunteer opportunities in: Hammersmith, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway, Shepherds Bush, East Acton, Latimer Road, Euston, Kings Cross, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Queens Park, Pimlico, Brixton, Tulse Hill, and World's End.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2.5
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays depending on where you are based from 4:30pm – 7:00pm

 Why volunteer with Doorstep Library? 

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading. 
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing. 
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members. 
•  You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement. 
•  You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week. 
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being. 
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Why volunteer with Doorstep Library?

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading.
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing.
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement.
• You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week.
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being.
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Would you like to lead an innovative health think tank - enabling it to achieve more of its potential and encouraging a more preventative approach to mental and physical ill-health in the UK?

As Chair you’ll:

• Help Health Action Research Group develop more of its potential as an independent health think tank, on a sustainable basis

• Ensure effective governance, including chairing Trustees’ meetings and leading the recruitment and induction of new Trustees

• Represent Health Action Research Group, where appropriate, at external meetings and events

We'd like to hear from you, if you have:

• Experience of being a Trustee

• Experience of helping organisations grow and develop

• At least five years relevant UK experience of health research, health policy and/or health interventions - with a focus on preventing (as opposed to treating) ill-health

• Enthusiasm for our guiding principle that prevention is better than cure and that health in the UK should be more than a postcode lottery.

• The ability to build relationships and advocate for and champion our work.

Are you a savvy online shopper with an eye for detail? Do you love the thrill of a "Sold!" notification? We are looking for a tech-savvy, organised volunteer to help us turn donated treasures into vital funds by supporting our eBay shop.

What you’ll be doing:

• Researching: Identifying unique or high-value items and finding their market value.
• Photography: Taking clear, appealing photos of clothing, collectibles, and homeware.
• Listing: Writing engaging descriptions and managing the end-to-end listing process.
• Dispatch: Carefully packaging items and preparing them for postage.

What we’re looking for:

• Familiarity with the eBay platform (training provided).
• Basic photography skills.
• Great written communication and attention to detail.
• A few hours a week to spare (flexible timings).

 Why join us?

• Help us raise more money for our partner charity Rafiki Thabo Foundation.
• Gain experience in e-commerce and digital retail.
• Work in a friendly, supportive environment.

How to apply:
Ready to help us clear our shelves and raise some funds? Contact us please.

Social Hub Administrator at Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Location: St Mary’s Church, Watford

Time Commitment: Tuesday 10.30-2 and 2 hours admin from home

About Us:

We are a community-driven charity dedicated to supporting asylum seekers and refugees as they rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and belonging. Our Social Hub offers a welcoming space where individuals and families can connect, access support, learn new skills, and build friendships.

Role Overview:

As a Social Hub Administrator, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of our weekly Social Hub. You'll help manage basic admin tasks, support event and activity planning, and act as a friendly, organised point of contact for both visitors, clients and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome clients to the hub and provide general information about services and activities.

· Maintain up-to-date records of attendance, volunteer rotas, and bookings.

· Help coordinate schedules for activities, workshops, and social events.

· Support communications by helping with newsletters, flyers, and social media posts (optional).

· Assist with keeping the space tidy and organised.

· Apply for Social Hub expenses.

· Manage the Tuesday Social Hub when the Social Hub Coordinator is not present.

· Collaborate with volunteers, staff, and clients to create a warm, inclusive environment.

What We’re Looking For:

· Friendly, reliable, and well-organised

· Good verbal and written communication skills

· Comfortable using basic IT (email and Microsoft)

· Respectful of confidentiality and boundaries

· Able to work independently but also as part of a team

What We Offer:

· A warm, supportive volunteer environment

· Full induction and on-the-job training

· Opportunities to develop skills in administration, coordination, and community engagement

· A chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives

Applicants nee to be able to voluteer for at least six months and live in the Watord / Three Rivers area ideally).

If you are interested in becoming Social Hub Administrator, please apply via Charity Jobs