Volunteer roles in Somerset

JOB PURPOSE: We are seeking a passionate, creative, and community-driven Book Club Manager / Community Lead (Volunteer) to help build and grow a thought-provoking book club focused on awakening, education, critical thinking, and personal growth. This role involves developing the vision and structure of the book club, curating impactful reading materials, and creating a welcoming space where members can engage in meaningful discussions and self-reflection. The successful candidate will lead both online and offline sessions, organize engaging events, and foster a strong sense of community among members aged 16–35. The ideal volunteer is someone who enjoys bringing people together through ideas, conversations, and learning experiences, while encouraging intellectual curiosity and personal development.

About the role: The purpose of the Book Club Manager / Community Lead (Volunteer) role is to establish, manage, and grow an engaging and intellectually stimulating book club community that promotes education, awareness, personal development, and critical thinking. The role holder will be responsible for creating and implementing the club’s structure, coordinating discussions and events, curating impactful reading materials, and developing systems that enhance member participation and overall community experience. This position aims to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where members can explore new perspectives, challenge mainstream narratives, and build meaningful connections through shared learning and discussion.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Experience running or managing book clubs, discussion groups, or community programs is a plus, but passionate and motivated individuals are encouraged to apply.
Strong organizational and event management skills.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills for leading discussions.
Knowledge of tools and platforms for virtual book clubs (Zoom, Discord, social media, event management platforms, etc.).
Ability to research, source, and recommend books that challenge mainstream narratives and promote critical thinking.
Passion for personal growth, education and community development.
Ability to engage members aged 16–35 and fosters a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

Develop and establish the structure of the book club, including mission, themes, and long-term goals.
Schedule and organize regular book club sessions, both online and offline.
Manage and moderate discussions to ensure engaging, respectful, and thought-provoking conversations.
Source, curate, and recommend books aligned with the club’s mission of awakening, education, and self-reflection.
Create and host events such as webinars, author talks, workshops, or live discussions.
Promote the book club through social media, community networks, and other channels to grow membership.
Develop systems and processes to streamline operations, track member engagement, and improve overall club experience.
Mentor and guide members on critical thinking, awareness, and personal growth.

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

Our Bournemouth 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.

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteer to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.

We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor English or Maths once a week on one of our 10-12 week online programme, starting in September 2026.

You will be matched with a small number of pupils (max 1 or 2) and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. Our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well. 

All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher / team manager throughout their placement.

Practical Considerations:

• Our online programme runs on Tuesday afternoons from 17:00 till 18:00.
• The start date is mid-September (date TBC)
• Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, arranged by Team Up.

We are looking for:

• Strong grades in English or Maths
• Experience working with young people
• Committed, organised and patient individuals 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
• Individuals who are passionate about helping to reduce the education attainment gap and improve social mobility

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our online employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion of the programme.

About us 

Dons Local Action Group is a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to supporting people in crisis and creating meaningful impact through collective action. Through partnerships, volunteers and local initiatives, we work to provide practical support and strengthen our communities across food, technology and furniture. 

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and creative volunteer to join our Marketing team and help us grow our digital presence, engage supporters, and tell the stories that matter. 

What you'll do: 

• Manage and moderate our social media channels

• Support the creation of engaging content across platforms

• Help plan and schedule posts and campaigns

• Analyse channel performance and identify key insights

• Suggest ideas to improve engagement and evolve our communications

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Has an interest in marketing, social media or communications

• Is creative, organised and proactive

• Has strong written communication skills

• Enjoys working with data and spotting trends

• Wants to contribute to a meaningful cause

What you'll gain: 

• Hands-on marketing and social media experience

• Opportunities to develop content and analytics skills

• Flexible volunteering around your schedule

• The chance to make a real impact in the community

Interested? We'd love to hear from you. Tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to get involved. 

When you join us as a volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of passionate people coming together to support the MS Society’s vision of a world free from MS.

As one of our wonderful volunteers, you can get involved in:

• providing support and services to the MS community
• increasing awareness of, and delivering resources to, people affected by MS
• raising vital funds to help stop MS
• boosting our community voice by advocating for MS research and policy

Role details:

Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) are at the heart of our work. We work with people with lived experience of MS, volunteers, and professionals to guide and direct our approach to EEDI.

The EEDI Reference Group is a group of people affected by MS who helped develop our previous EEDI strategy and now support the EEDI work in our more recent organisational strategy. They bring lived experience of marginalisation for example people from minoritised ethnic groups, the LGBTQ+ community, carers and disabled people.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) work. By attending monthly meetings you’ll use your lived and/or professional experience to provide advice, feedback, guidance and personal opinion on our EEDI work.

This is a home-based role, which will require attending online meetings of up to an hour, with up to 30 minutes of pre-reading and follow-up work before each one. 

What you’ll be doing:

· Attending online meetings

· Reading documents and preparing feedback

· Using your lived and/or professional experience to provide constructive and honest feedback on our ways of working, processes and future initiatives

· Representing the MS community and people from marginalised group(s) with lived experience

· Having confidence to speak and input into meetings

· Feeling passion for the MS Society and for EEDI in our work

· Showing awareness of EEDI in a broader context, to provide challenge outside of your lived experience

What you’ll get in return:

· You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network

· You’ll meet and work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences of MS

· You’ll develop skills, which can improve your CV and employability

· You'll be making a real difference to the MS community

· You’ll get a say in influencing our work

· You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack

· You’ll have an induction to your role

· You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager

· You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities

· You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role

We support a fun loving chap in his 50s in Honiton who would love for someone to accompany him out of the house for some fun just 6 times a year. What you get up to is up to you, but some ideas might include:

• The cinema
• Going out for a walk
• Taking in a football or rugby match
• A cuppa in a café
• Out for lunch (he loves a curry)

but between you you might think of something else - he is an enthusiastic and friendly person and really is up for anything!

Your admission to matches, films etc. will be covered as a carer admission. Your travel expenses would also be reimbursed. He lives close to the train station.

Any day of the week would be fine for a visit, but Mondays and weekends are likely inconvenient.

You do not need experience with learning disabilities for this role, just a friendly personality!

Have you got a passion for making an impact in your local community?

 Could you support us by being our ambassador and a speaker within your local community to help Caudwell Children to raise funds that support disabled and neurodivergent children to realise their full potential?

 What will you be doing?

· Represent the organisation at community events, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and sharing information about Caudwell Children

· Build positive relationships with local businesses, schools, and community groups to encourage support.

· Give presentations to community groups to raise awareness

 What skills would be useful?

· Friendly, approachable and confident speaking with new people

· Organised

· Creative and enthusiastic about fundraising

· Public speaking experience or confidence to learn

 What’s in it for you?

· Relevant training, mentoring and support will be provided

· Gain experience to add on to your CV

· Utilise your skills and learn new ones.

· Social opportunities

· Access to wellbeing support

· Out of pocket travel expenses can be reimbursed

· We strive to make reasonable adjustments and improve accessibility

How much time are you expected to give and when?

Volunteering is flexible. The brilliant thing about this role is you can do as much or as little as you like.  Weekdays or weekends, daytime or evenings, there is lots of choice.

 Where is the role located?

Looking for volunteers based across Staffordshire, support provided remotely.

Minimum age for this role: 16

At Afrocats, we work with communities in Greater Manchester to support women, children and families through access to arts and culture. We are looking for an organised and reliable volunteer administrator to join our small, friendly team and provide support across a range of needs.

This is a flexible volunteer opportunity ideal for someone with previous office or administrative experience who would like to use their skills to support meaningful community work.

Role Responsibilities:

• General administrative support
• Data entry
• Presentation preparation
• Monitoring and responding to emails
• Research tasks and adhoc project support

Commitment:
Around 8 hours per week for a period of 12 months.

Working Hours:
Hours are flexible, however, during the initial induction period, some overlap with staff working hours will be required.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Organised and detail-oriented
• Confident using email, Word, Excel, and other digital services
• Able to manage tasks independently
• Friendly, professional, and proactive
• Comfortable working remotely and as part of a team

Previous administrative or office experience is preferred.

Join us and play an important role in supporting the inner workings of a local organisation working with communities!

ENGINEERS/MAKERS
Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people 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 Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves
This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:
• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs
• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)
• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

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

Essential
• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials
• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs
• Able to apply our risk management system
• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices
• Able to keep people’s personal details safe
• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable
• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)
• Able to drive or have good transport links
You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS/PVG check and reference check.

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.

JOB PURPOSE
The Operations Assistant provides essential administrative and operational support to ensure the
smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization. The role supports coordination efforts,
maintains systems and records, and assists in executing tasks that enable teams to operate
efficiently and remain aligned with organizational processes.

This position serves as a foundational support role, ensuring that operational activities are well-
organized, documented, and effectively carried out.

Experience, Qualification and Requirements

• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Basic coordination and time management skills
• Good written and verbal communication
• Ability to follow instructions and processes effectively
• Basic problem-solving ability
• Proficiency in digital tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Project/Task Management Tools)
• Reliability, responsiveness, and willingness to learn
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Diploma or degree in Business Administration/Management or any related field.
• Experience in administrative or support roles.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Provide administrative and logistical support to operations and team leads
• Assist in coordinating meetings, including scheduling, documentation, and follow-ups
• Maintain and update records, trackers, and shared documents
• Support communication flow across teams (emails, updates, reminders)
• Assist in onboarding processes (e.g., sharing resources, granting access)
• Monitor assigned tasks and follow up on action points
• Ensure proper filing and organization of operational documents
• Support implementation of processes and workflows
• Assist in resolving minor operational issues and escalate when necessary
• Provide general support to ensure smooth daily operations

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Avoid handling sensitive data or detailed reporting
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable applying analysis to strategic decisions

Important to be clear:

• This is a volunteer role during the CIC’s build phase. It carries real responsibility for data integrity and donor relations.
• Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
• Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

About borGO

borGO is a new experiential tourism initiative based in Abruzzo, Italy, dedicated to promoting an authentic, sustainable, and community-driven vision of travel.
Through our digital platform and curated experiences, borGO connects international travelers with local culture, small villages, artisans, food traditions, nature, and community life. Our mission is to support rural territories, strengthen local economies, and introduce a global audience to a lesser-known but extraordinary region of Italy.
borGO promotes a slow, sustainable, and meaningful travel model, focusing on authentic encounters with people, landscapes, and traditions.

Volunteership Summary

As a Social Media Manager, you will support the development and management of borGO’s social media presence, helping us tell the story of authentic Abruzzo to an international audience.

Working closely with the founder, you will help design and implement social media strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and visibility around sustainable tourism, local experiences, and cultural storytelling.
This volunteer opportunity offers hands-on experience in destination marketing, digital storytelling, and social media strategy within a fast-growing tourism initiative focused on sustainability and local impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule social media content across platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and other relevant channels
• Create engaging posts, captions, and storytelling content that communicate Abruzzo’s culture, landscapes, traditions, and experiences
• Support the development and management of a structured social media content calendar
• Monitor engagement and basic performance metrics to track audience growth and interaction
• Research travel trends, sustainability topics, and cultural stories to support content creation
• Repurpose long-form content (articles, travel guides, blog posts, newsletters) into short and engaging social media formats
• Contribute ideas during marketing brainstorming sessions and weekly meetings

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, Tourism, Cultural Studies, or a related field
• Strong interest in social media, storytelling, and destination marketing
• Good writing and communication skills in English, possibly Italian
• Ability to translate cultural or travel-related topics into engaging social media content
• Interest in sustainable tourism, rural development, culture, or travel
• Comfortable using digital and AI-supported tools (e.g. ChatGPT) for ideation while maintaining originality and brand voice
• Organized, proactive, and reliable in a remote working environment
• Familiarity with Google Workspace
• Experience with Canva, Instagram content creation, or scheduling tools is a plus

Learning Outcomes

• Practical experience managing social media for a sustainable tourism initiative
• Hands-on exposure to destination marketing and travel storytelling
• Experience building and managing professional social media campaigns
• Collaboration with an international, mission-driven team
• Increased understanding of sustainable tourism, rural communities, and cultural heritage promotion

What We Offer

• A structured Volunteership experience with defined responsibilities and learning objectives
• Flexible, fully remote working arrangement.
• Certificate of completion and reference letter upon successful completion
• Opportunity to contribute to the promotion of sustainable tourism and rural communities in Italy

How to Apply

Please apply through We Make Change by submitting your profile and a short note explaining your interest in the role and your passion for travel, culture, and storytelling.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Creative Space

We empower SDG-aligned solo professionals with community support, inner development skills, and collaborative resources.​

Creative Space is looking for a volunteer with expertise in fundraising, EU grants, crowdfunding, angel investments etc. to support my funding and sustainability efforts as we grow our international impact-driven community ecosystem. 
We also have the possibility to 

Responsibilities include:

• researching grants, EU funding opportunities, foundations, and aligned funding sources
• supporting the writing and preparation of funding applications and also exploring collective fundraising opportunity with members and partners.
• helping build and organise a long-term funding pipeline and opportunities database

We are looking for someone who is structured, proactive, enjoys research, and is passionate about supporting meaningful social impact work. Experience or knowledge with grant writing or funding research is essential. 
In return, volunteers receive free access to the Creative Space community, events, networking opportunities, and the possibility to grow with an emerging international ecosystem for changemakers and purpose-driven work.

We are also very open to Collective Fundraising which includes the projects of our SDG-aligned solopreneur members and partner organisations with which we collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Research grants, EU funding
• Write applications
• Build funding pipeline

Profile

• Soft: persistent, strategic thinker
• Hard: grant writing, research
• Type: patient builder

* we are also open to shorter time periods and less or more hours per week.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Manakal

We empower young people and underserved communities to become sustainability leaders through accessible, culturally-centered education and mentorship.​

Role Description

Manakal is seeking a proactive and people-centered volunteer to support volunteer coordination, engagement, and team wellbeing within our growing international community.

This role focuses on strengthening the volunteer experience through onboarding, communication, follow-up, and community support practices. It is ideal for someone interested in nonprofit operations, people coordination, and building collaborative impact-driven environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate volunteer onboarding and integration processes
• Support volunteer engagement and follow-up systems
• Maintain communication with volunteers across teams
• Help improve volunteer coordination processes and workflows
• Support initiatives related to team wellbeing and organizational culture
• Assist in identifying communication gaps or volunteer support needs
• Help maintain volunteer records and internal organization systems

Who We’re Looking For

• Organized and proactive individual with strong communication skills
• Interested in nonprofit work, community engagement, or people operations
• Comfortable working in an international remote environment
• Empathetic, collaborative, and people-centered
• Previous coordination or leadership experience is a plus

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in volunteer coordination and nonprofit operations
• Leadership and organizational development experience
• International collaboration opportunities
• Hands-on experience in community and people management
• Flexible remote volunteering opportunity

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

About CSE

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) supports people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We undertake practical work to support households and communities to act on energy, alongside original research and analysis to inform local and national policy.

We are one of the UK’s leading sustainable energy charities, with a 45-year track record of award-winning impact, innovation and influence, as most recently detailed in our 2024–25 Impact Report available on our website.

About the role

Our Board of Trustees is critical to our continuing success. Trustees work collaboratively, providing support, insight and constructive challenge to help shape CSE’s strategy and ambition, and enhance our effectiveness and charitable impact.

Due to the planned stepping down of some of our board members, we are recruiting up to four new trustees to join the board and provide effective governance and support in the next phase of CSE’s development.

Who we’re looking for

All applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to CSE’s work and charitable objectives.

We are particularly seeking new trustees who bring expertise in at least one of the following areas:

• Knowledge and understanding of the community energy sector, including the challenges and opportunities of delivering local or community energy projects, and how these connect to national policy
• Expertise in organisational development, with a good appreciation of issues associated with employment law
• Experience of finance, accounting and audit, for example through holding a role with financial responsibility in an organisation or from having set up, grown or led a business
• Strong knowledge of voluntary and community sector (VCS) networks, including practical experience of community organising and an understanding of the role grassroots organisations play in affecting social change

We would also welcome applicants who bring:

• Broader expertise directly associated with at least one of CSE’s work programmes (fuel poverty advice and support, housing energy retrofit, community action on energy, local net zero delivery, future generations, or fairness in the energy system)
• Understanding of the causes and impacts of fuel poverty, and the solutions required to tackle it
• Knowledge of the UK energy system, including the policy and regulatory environment, and the transition to a fairer, more flexible, decarbonised energy system
• An understanding of the national policy environment underpinning CSE’s work, including experience of influencing national energy policy

We are keen to widen the range of perspectives represented on the board and welcome applications from young people, people from under-represented groups, disabled people, and people with lived experience of CSE’s work.

If you are interested but unsure whether you meet all of the criteria, we would encourage you to apply or get in touch for an informal conversation.

Find out more and apply

For more information on the role, including the full person specification and how to apply, please see the trustee candidate pack on our website. 

Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 10 June 2026.