Volunteer roles in Europe

Watford and Three Refugees Partnership is a charity offering practical and emotional support to asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers. We are looking for someone who has a couple of hours a week to help some of our clients.

Would you like to join the ESOL team within our charity that provides English language and literacy support to our clients?

Role description:

You will be teaching literacy to 1 or 2 clients a week. This will be face to face teaching at St Mary’s Church, Watford between 12.15 and 1.30pm but times can be subject to change.

Essential:

• A teacher specialised in Adult literacy with a minimum of Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) or equivalent
• Previous experience
• Familiar with students whose English is not students’ first language.

Person Specification:

· Friendly, approachable, and respectful with good interpersonal and communication skills

· Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude

· Commitment to equality, inclusion, and safeguarding

What We Offer:

· Induction, training and ongoing support

· A welcoming and inclusive team environment

· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others

Octavia believes that good homes make for better lives. We aim to build happier lives and resilient communities by focusing on people as individuals, providing them with a range of services and the opportunity to support themselves. Part of what we do is to offer a wide range of care and support services to older and vulnerable adults living in west and central London but we specialise in providing care for those experiencing dementia or with complex needs. Flexibility is a key part of all of our care and support services as our focus is on the individual - helping people to stay as active and independent as possible.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to share your skills and interests with older people in your local area? For instance, playing music, singing, running an arts or crafts or chess club? If you have an interest, we’d love you to share it!

· Help to improve the quality of someone’s life, encouraging their independence, self-worth & confidence

· Full induction, ongoing training and support provided. This includes training on: safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality

· We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments

· Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

· The opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills

What would I be doing?

· To facilitate activities involving physical, mental, social, intergenerational stimulation

· To help residents learn or relearn new tasks, hobbies and enjoy new experiences

· To help improve the quality of resident’s lives by engaging them in activities, thereby helping them retain their sense of independence, self-worth and confidence

 · Helping supporting the cooks preparing meals for service users

What skills are we looking for?

· Good communication skills

· Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues

· Understanding of confidentiality; reliable and trustworthy

When & how often would I volunteer for?

· Ideally for a minimum of one session weekly or fortnightly, for 2 hours. We welcome anything in addition to this and are very flexible. Our schemes run activities from 10am-6pm 7 days a week.

Description

Do you have an interest in how technology can enable people with sight loss to live connected, independent lives? We'd love you to get involved in our regional hubs, working with our technology service coordinators to help people with sight loss develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use everyday technology.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Additional location information

• Barking Central library Barking Learning Centre 2 Town Square Barking IG11 7NB

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Good communication skills
• Patient approach to training
• Natural tech user

Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live.

We believe that every young person should have a place they can go to feel safe, included and inspired. We provide a comprehensive programme of activities that meet the needs of local children and young people. As a youth work volunteer, you would be contributing towards this vision.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to inspire and support young people, by exploring digital media? Would you love to help young people feel valued, included and gain in confidence? We also offer the opportunity to:

· Opportunity to learn new skills, especially in digital media software and equipment

· Be part of exciting creative projects and activities

· Gain strong experience with a diverse cohort of young people

· Full induction and training, including: safeguarding, confidentiality, health & safety and opportunities to attend training courses to develop your expertise in youth work & digital media

· Travel costs reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

What would I be doing?

· Assisting in delivery of creative and digital media based youth work sessions

· Assisting with set up and breakdown of session equipment and resources

· Assist in idea generation and planning of creative and digital media based youth work sessions

What skills are we looking for?

· Passionate about working with young people and providing opportunities for their development

· Passionate about a creative area (e.g. Filmmaking/photography/music production/web design)

· Willingness to strictly follow safeguarding policies and best practice in work with young people

· We expect volunteers to be with us for 4 hours per week

 As an Outreach & Hub Support Volunteer you will make a difference by supporting clients to engage with us in different ways including providing hands on street outreach in line with our assertive outreach approach, and supporting clients in our Hub.

Volunteer Befriender for young people in care for NYAS -WANTAGE area

Do you want to make a difference to a young person’s life?
Do you have 1- 4 hours per month to spare?
We urgently require volunteer befrienders to be a positive role models for young people living in care. So why not volunteer as a mentor/befriender for NYAS as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care.

As a volunteer you will:

* Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest
* Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person’s life and help build self- esteem and confidence
* You don’t need any special qualifications

We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life.

We will provide training and on-going support. We will pay expenses to a set limit.

Here is what some of our young people and volunteers have to say about this rewarding role:

I like how my Independent Visitor isn’t anything to do with social services and is here to support me not to judge.

They have boosted my confidence, now I feel like when I go places I can just relax and have fun.

My young person always looks forward to me coming, they have had such a disjointed life, I am a stable figure in their life and this has to be important for them as everything else changes around them a lot.

If you feel you would suit this role, please get in touch.

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.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

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.

"Hosting breaks down barriers and helps you realise how similar everyone is."  

Do you have a spare room in your home?

We are looking for people with a spare room who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand to a refugee or person seeking asylum as they plan their next steps in the UK. Hosting is only ever temporary and you decide how long you are willing to host for; it can vary from a few nights to several months and anything in between. 

Who can be a host?

Anyone with a spare room, or even a sofa bed, that is well connected and has good public transport systems can apply to host. This enables guests to travel to college, school, support groups or jobs, and retain their independence.

All hosts will need to complete an application form, provide two references and have a home visit. 

Support available

We carefully assess each guest and host, match according to preferences, advise on hosting arrangements and preparations, and provide ongoing support to hosts throughout the placement. We stay in contact with you when you have a guest staying with you, and someone from the team is available seven days a week if you have any questions or problems.

We will discuss with you any preferences, such as if you would prefer not to host someone who has not been vaccinated against covid, or who smokes. This will be recorded on your profile on our database so that our whole Placement Team can access this and match you with a guest who fits your circumstances.

All guests, hosts and households are different. Some hosts share meals and do activities with guests; others just give guests a key, show them round and get on with their busy lives. Our team are available to support you through every stage of the process.

Why is hosting needed?

Refugees and people seeking asylum are fleeing war or persecution in their own countries. But many who come to the UK in search of safety find themselves facing homelessness and destitution. They may be without statutory support for long periods, or need some additional help to build new lives.

Hosting is such a practical way to support refugees and it sends a powerful message of welcome, that the UK is in fact kind and compassionate to those who are trying to rebuild their lives here.

Don't have a spare room?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who does. Consider speaking to them about hosting.

"There are so few times you can do something practical to help. Hosting refugees felt like a practical thing to do."

Refugees at Home is the UK’s largest independent hosting charity, connecting those with a spare room in their home to refugees and people seeking asylum in need of somewhere to stay. Our vision is for every refugee and every person seeking asylum to have a safe place to stay. 

Many of our guests come to us on the verge of homelessness – some have already spent time sleeping on the streets. Since starting in 2016, we have supported over 7,500 guests into hosting, but the need is not going away.

The role of events and activities volunteer: Our staff team is very small and in order for us to put on different events and activities safely, we need the help of volunteers who can act as event hosts at our premises in Rochdale, local venues and sometimes outdoors or in other parts of the UK. This is not a regular, weekly role but you can expect us to need your support primarily during school holiday periods and on evenings or Saturdays or other busier times.

You will always know in advance when we are planning an event that we need extra help with.

Who we are: We are a small charity that operates a museum at 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale as well as an archive in Central Manchester. The museum is the site of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society store – which is seen as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement.

The charity is independent of co-op businesses; but we do work in partnership with other co-ops. Our aims are to preserve and to use the heritage assets of the UK co-op movement for the public benefit.

What you will be doing: You will be an extra pair of hands to help set up displays and equipment for events, run sessions safely assisting staff or helping people find their way around a space (wayfinding), alerting members of staff to any concerns, and helping to provide support in the event an emergency or issue which staff are dealing with.

It might also mean acting as a welcome host as the first point of contact to assist staff and general stewarding or manning the desk or the phone temporarily – to ensure that the site is secure.

We would need you to be visible as a volunteer (by wearing a badge/lanyard/high vis vest) depending on the type of event – we would provide an induction for anyone signing up as a volunteer and you would be covered by our liability insurance while volunteering.

We may ask for references and contact details which we keep on file for future events (we would expect you to sign a volunteer agreement). This information is protected and never shared with third parties.

Types of events we might need help with: Creative activity sessions aimed at families in school holidays – on or outside our premises, and other events happening in the evenings or on weekends designed to attract target audiences.

You won’t be: Asked to do anything that would usually be the responsibility of paid staff: like handling enquiries, keyholding, dealing with shop sales or administration.

You won't be expected to perform First Aid or handle complaints – this will always be dealt with by a member of staff.

Expenses: We can offer a small amount of support towards travel expenses for those volunteering at an event through our volunteer claim forms. This is usually £5 per day but any long-distance travel or accommodation required for volunteers will be fully funded.

We are looking for 3 experienced creative content writers who will enjoy planning, updating and delivering the content for our website, members magazine as well as other digital and print materials. We are looking for 3 skilled professionals who can write compelling and persuasive content, who will help ensure a consistent tone across all our digital and printed communications to promote awareness and engagement.

We deal with a wide range of people and professions, which means that it can be difficult to consistently communicate with everyone effectively. Therefore, a communication and marketing volunteer will help to market our projects, services and the condition more widely than we are currently able to do. This includes creating and helping to distribute marketing materials, creating content for the Burning Nights CRPS Support website and helping us create and develop a communications and marketing strategy.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Copywriting: Create well-written and compelling copy for use on our website, members magazine, leaflets, one-page/fact sheets, fundraising/promotional materials and in our membership packs
• Case study writing and storytelling: Help communicate our impact via stories and case studies that we can use on our website, in marketing materials, or for our fundraising materials
• Web copywriting: Create and update engaging content for our website that adheres to our brand
• Communication materials review: Review our existing communications materials. Recommend edits that will provide us with consistency in writing style and tone, accurate spelling and grammar, and a clear and engaging voice for our organisation. Evaluate the way we communicate with volunteers, members of the public and helping us to develop better ways of doing this
• Social media snippets - create information and case study snippets for the various social media platforms
• Press Releases and any content that could be used in different channel
• Annual Review/Brochure writing: Create or update copy for a brochure or our annual review, highlighting our impact current and potential stakeholders

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. Refugees will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for catering industry.

 As a small charity, a modest sum of money raised can enable our projects to take place. As such, the role of volunteer fundraiser is essential.  We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, well-organised and highly motivated people to assist our Grants and Funding team  with the research and writing of funding applications to secure vitally needed funds for the charity.

The duties will include:

• Conduct research into trusts and foundations 
• Write funding applications
• Attend monthly team meeting
• Supporting the fundraising team in any other ways as required.

Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English
• Excellent research skills and ability to work with considerable initiative
• Good computer skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Some previous fundraising experience is desirable
• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe

What you will gain as a volunteer:

• Gain experience and insight into the world of charity fundraising
• Develop skills and strategies needed as a fundraiser
• Acquire experience working within a community charity
• Access training opportunities available to Plateful Cafe volunteers

Purpose of the role:

We are seeking a WordPress / PHP Developer to help build and maintain the core web systems that power our public platform and membership services. This is not a commercial web development role. This is about creating digital infrastructure that belongs to the community and serves long-term social impact.

About the role:

As WordPress / PHP Developer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the CIC’s main website and connected digital services using open-source technologies. You will help ensure our platforms are stable, secure, accessible, and capable of supporting growth in membership, education, and fundraising. Your work will directly affect how people access information, join the community, and engage with the organisation.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Formal qualifications is desirable but STRONG experience and passion beats and tops this always.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

· Develop, maintain, and improve WordPress-based websites and systems that support organisational operations, services, and growth.

· Build, customise, and extend WordPress themes and plugins using PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related technologies.

· Ensure code is clean, secure, maintainable, and aligned with WordPress and open-source best practices.

· Integrate open-source tools and third-party platforms, including membership systems, learning platforms, data tools, and APIs.

· Support the development and maintenance of secure member portals and restricted service areas with role-based access and permissions.

· Ensure websites are responsive across devices and browsers and optimised for performance, speed, and reliability.

· Apply accessibility standards to ensure inclusive access and usability for all users.

· Implement security best practices, including updates, patching, backups, access controls, and vulnerability prevention.

· Monitor platforms and assist with regular maintenance, upgrades, and issue prevention.

· Work closely with designers, content teams, and systems leads to translate functional needs into technical solutions.

· Advise on technical feasibility and recommend improvements where systems or tools create limitations.

· Assist with troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving technical issues across WordPress environments.

· Document code, integrations, system architecture, and technical processes clearly for technical and non-technical users.

· Ensure all systems comply with data protection, GDPR principles, safeguarding requirements, and ethical data handling standards.

· Collaborate with safeguarding and digital leads to minimise risk when handling sensitive or survivor-related data.

Essential Skills and Experience

· Strong practical experience with WordPress and PHP development.

· Experience building or customising WordPress themes and plugins.

· Solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

· Experience integrating third-party tools, plugins, or APIs.

· Knowledge of WordPress security, performance optimisation, and update management.

· Ability to document technical work clearly and work collaboratively across teams.

· Understanding of GDPR principles and secure data handling.

· Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

· Equivalent professional or voluntary experience accepted.

Desirable Skills and Experience

· Experience working in non-profit, CIC, or community-led organisations.

· Familiarity with open-source or low-cost digital platforms.

· Experience building membership portals or learning platform integrations.

· Basic understanding of hosting environments or server configuration.

· Experience supporting volunteer-led or safeguarding-focused digital environments.

What This Role Offers You:

Founding role in a community-owned digital infrastructure project.

Leadership-level experience in open-source platform development.

Opportunity to build systems that directly support social change.

Experience working across digital, education and membership teams.

Direct contribution to a public-facing platform for justice and empowerment.

Priority consideration for future paid roles as the C.I.C. becomes financially sustainable.

What This Role Is Not For:

People who want to work only with proprietary or closed systems.

Anyone uncomfortable working with serious or sensitive subject matter.

Those seeking guaranteed or immediate income.

Individuals unwilling to document their work or follow shared standards.

People who prefer not to collaborate with non-technical teams.

If you believe technology should belong to the people who use it and that open-source systems can support truth, protection and collective power, this role gives you the chance to build the digital foundations of a movement.

Join the Digital Infrastructure Team and help create platforms that serve community, not corporations.

Hopian is looking for volunteers to be the first point of contact for anyone who gets in touch with our Helpline for those affected by Domestic Abuse and Child Sexual Exploitation.

Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

What the role entails:

• Answer inbound calls and respond to general enquiries to help people understand our service and the next steps.
• Take safe contact details and record brief notes so our staff can follow up efficiently.
• Triage and signpost using clear guidance, escalating any higher-risk or complex concerns to a staff member.
• Support email responses to straightforward enquiries and referrals, using agreed templates and safecontact practices.
• Contact people at the end of their support to gather feedback, helping us improve our services and ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

What we are looking for:

• Clear and confident communication, spoken and written,
• Active listening and empathy, with the ability to stay calm under pressure,
• Good judgement about boundaries and confidentiality (you will always have a staff member to escalate to),
• Basic digital skills for call notes and email replies.

Training, supervision & support

You will receive a structured induction, role-specific training, and ongoing group supervision, plus access to the Volunteer Handbook and a supportive team environment.

Recruitment process

Once you submit your CV and covering letter, it will be reviewed and shortlisted against the role criteria. If your application meets the requirements, you will be invited to an interview.

Applicants who are successful at the interview will receive a conditional offer, subject to standard checks. These include identity verification, two satisfactory references, and, where required for the role, a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We will keep you informed at each stage and will advise you of induction dates once we have made a conditional offer.

Before starting your role, you will need to attend all required induction and role-specific training. Some sessions may fall outside your usual weekly volunteering schedule, particularly in the early stages of onboarding. We ask for a commitment to attend the full training programme so that you feel confident and supported in the helpline.