Volunteer roles in Europe

Love Music? Make a Difference.

Could your passion for music help someone find their voice?

Music has the power to lift moods, reduce stress, build confidence, and support mental wellbeing. As a volunteer, you'll help create a welcoming space where people can express their emotions, relax, and experience the joy of making music together.

If you'd like to inspire others through the power of music, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

• Experience of Music either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan a music group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
• Ability to handle individuals with complex needs and work with a person-centred approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

About The Role

Volunteers are integral for the running of Caerlaverock reserve, without their help we wouldn't be able to maintain this vast 1,400-acre wetland of international importance. You will join a small, friendly and motivated team and will benefit from volunteering by gaining experience, meeting like-minded people and making a difference by helping to maintain our important wetland. 

Managing a large wetland nature reserve requires a lot of practical, hands-on, physical tasks. With training and guidance, you will become part of our friendly dedicated reserve team. Your role will help support in all areas of practical reserve management - including maintaining habitats, biological monitoring, increasing species biodiversity, and ensuring the reserve and grounds look their best. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Main Tasks

• Maintenance of visitor facilities including paths, hides, benches
• Assisting with practical reserve management including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding and fencing
• Ensuring reserve water bodies are maintained and managed appropriately 
• Assisting in wildlife monitoring
• Operating machinery and hand tools safely and correctly to carry out habitat management
• Observing health & safety regulations at all times to ensure the safety, welfare, and enjoyment of everyone on site
• General visitor engagement
• Occasional assisting with management of livestock or visitor centre work

About The Role

The hides on our reserve present an opportunity to engage visitors with our wetlands, helping them to learn more about the WWT’s important conservation work and about the amazing biodiversity and abundance of species at our Caerlaverock site. Through sharing your enthusiasm and expertise, you will make connections, inspire visitors, and help people of all birdwatching abilities to enjoy the wildlife on our reserve. Helping someone identify a bird species that they haven’t seen before or are struggling to identify can really kickstart their connection with nature and create a lasting positive experience.

Our Guide in the Hide Volunteers provide a warm and friendly welcome to the hide, point out species of interest and assist with identification, educate about WWT’s conservation work, and make sure our visitors have a positive experience looking at wildlife. You will also help to record any wildlife sightings whilst out on the reserve. This is a great opportunity to meet a variety of people, learn about wildlife conservation and become a part of a friendly and supportive team. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Main Tasks

• Giving a warm welcome to all visitors coming into the hides
• Talking to visitors about what they can see from the hide windows
• Recording sightings data into a logbook
• Helping with wildlife species identification
• Assisting visitors to use the optical equipment and identification guidebooks
• Informing visitors of which events, talks, and activities at the site may be of interest
• Updating the sightings board and letting the welcome desk know about any exciting sightings
• Maintaining the hides – tidying chairs, cleaning surfaces, sweeping, collecting litter, organising learning materials & equipment

About You 

No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important. However, this role would suit you if:

• You feel confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public, and can adapt your communication style to suit your audience
• You love birding and want to share your enthusiasm with others
• You have a strong basic knowledge of UK bird species - additional training & support for species identification can be provided
• You are friendly and approachable with a positive attitude
• You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• You enjoy working as part of a team of staff and volunteers
• You are physically fit to patrol the reserve in all weather

As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Full training and expenses covered.

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

We currently have vacancies in the following areas; Cadets – 10 to 17 years of age Bourne (Tuesday evening) Spalding (Monday evening) Badgers – 5 to 10 years of age Spalding (Wednesday evening)

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

We have a number of opportunities available to join our Youth Teams across the Durham Network at the following locations - Meadowfield Durham, Spennymoor Chester le street and Burnopfield Youth Groups.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units.

By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Trustees are wanted for the Community and Youth Music Library.As a board member of our small charity, you will invest just a few hours a year to ensure we run well and effectively, but that time you give allows us to help thousands of singers and instrumentalists to hit the right notes!

Choirs and orchestras come to CYML to hire sets of music scores for a wide range of music.  Our professional librarians manage the stock, the hires, and give support and advice to amateur and professional groups.  Our current Trustees include respected choral conductors. Our work enables thousands of people to enjoy and excel at singing and playing.

We are asking for a small investment of your time and abilities - advocacy, sourcing funding, publicity, financial management - but you can make a big difference to the cause of choral music across the country. You don’t need to be musical, just have a positive view of the importance of music to learning, physical and mental well-being and social inclusion.

Find out more about the charity on our website.

We ask that you play your part.

All charities rely on the trustees, the people who hold the objects of the charity in trust.

· Trustees enable all the work the charity does, by holding responsibility and taking oversight as to the direction and purpose of all that is done

· Our Board is small; we are looking for new energy, to take our cause forward, and to fill the gaps that will arise from various upcoming retirements.

· The work is professionally managed, the charity has a high reputation, and we have stable finances. This is a good  time to join.

· We meet 4 times a year, usually in person in north London, but we can be flexible.

· We’d like you to come and spend some time with us; we have a welcome event on Tuesday 8th September.

· Our Chairman is Jeremy Jackman, an internationally known choral director.If you would like to join us, contact him via his website, where you can find out more about him.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will provide friendly, face-to-face support to people in East Hertfordshire who are experiencing mental health challenges. Your role will involve building positive, supportive relationships, encouraging confidence, and helping people feel more connected to their community. 

You may be asked to travel within the local area to meet with service users. Ideally, you will be able to offer at least 1 hour per week. 

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role. 

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will: 

Meet with service users at times and places that suit their needs.
Offer emotional support by drawing on your own lived experience.
Encourage and support people to build social connections and take part in community activities.
Act as a “community connector” by signposting people to local services and opportunities. 

About the service

Our service works with adults (18+) who are known to mental health services and living with a mental health condition. We provide befriending support to people in the Hertfordshire towns of: Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Cuffley, and Waltham Cross. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?

Good communication and listening skills.
A flexible, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach. 

It's not essential, but you may also bring: 

Knowledge of local services and community resources, including voluntary organisations.
Familiarity with the local area.
A commitment to supporting people in their recovery journey. 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Childline Volunteer Counsellor- Someone who wants to make a difference to children’s lives by being there to listen when they feel they have no one else to turn to. As a Childline counsellor, you’ll be there for young people and listen to them as they open up about whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do

You’ll volunteer in our Leeds Childline base, offering counselling support to children and young people over the phone or through our 1-2-1 online chat. Your supervisor will help you develop and evaluate your counselling skills. After your initial training, you will be able to help young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but don’t worry a supervisor will be on hand to give you plenty of support.

What you’ll get

You’ll receive training sessions over 12 weeks to prepare you for the role. When you start your regular shifts, a supervisor will be around all times to support you. Every shift includes a briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and group supervisions.

What we’ll need from you

Signing up to be a Childline counsellor is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, we do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year.

We’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and we can answer any questions you have about this.

Who’s right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• able to think on your feet
• works well within a team
• emotional resilience

Why volunteer with us?

Not only will you gain valuable experience throughout your volunteering journey, you’ll also have access to useful resources including a catalogue of online training, discount portal and NSPCC inMind – an online mindfulness resource.

You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteer journey with us and will have a dedicated key contact should you have any questions along the way.

The Wardrobe Officer is responsible for managing and maintaining the chapter's costumes, wigs and props, ensuring they are available, clean and in good condition for events. The role involves keeping accurate records of costume allocation, coordinating costume distribution and returns, and supporting volunteers with costume requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain an inventory of all costumes, wigs and props.
• Keep accurate records of who has borrowed costumes and when they are returned.
• Ensure costumes are clean, well-presented and stored appropriately.
• Monitor costumes for wear and damage and arrange repairs when needed.
• Coordinate costume allocation for upcoming events.
• Update the Wardrobe Database and costume logs on OneDrive.
• Provide monthly updates to the committee regarding wardrobe stock and requirements.
• Work with the Board's Wardrobe Manager regarding costume needs and future purchases.
• Review event photographs and provide guidance on costume presentation where appropriate.

About Us

What if mental health support wasn't something people only accessed when things became difficult? What if communities were equipped to care for one another in ways that helped people feel connected, valued and supported throughout their lives?

At Tend Collective Community Interest Company, this is the future we're working towards.

We're creating a sustainable approach to mental health that brings together professional expertise, community knowledge and human connection. We believe that everyone deserves opportunities to experience belonging, purpose and support, and that strong communities are at the heart of good mental health.

Our work is helping to grow a culture where people look out for one another, where support is accessible and relational, and where wellbeing is woven into everyday life. As a Volunteer Administrator, you'll play an important part in making that vision possible, helping us create the foundations that allow this work to flourish.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys organisation, administration and supporting meaningful community work. You will play an important role in helping us run smoothly behind the scenes.

Tasks may include:

• Managing and responding to emails
• Supporting diary and meeting coordination
• Preparing and formatting documents
• Maintaining digital records and filing systems
• Assisting with volunteer and member administration
• Supporting the organisation of events, training and meetings
• Helping update databases and contact lists
• General administrative support as required

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Is organised and reliable
• Has good written and verbal communication skills
• Is confident using email, Word, Excel and online systems
• Can maintain confidentiality and handle information sensitively
• Is able to work independently and manage their time effectively
• Shares our commitment to community wellbeing, inclusion and compassionate ways of working

Previous administrative experience is highly desireable. We welcome applications from people looking to gain experience, return to work, develop new skills, contribute to their local community, or be part of a growing movement for positive change.

What You'll Gain

• Valuable experience within the voluntary and community sector
• Opportunities to develop administration, organisational and communication skills
• A supportive and welcoming team environment
• References after a period of successful volunteering
• The opportunity to contribute to an innovative approach to community mental health
• The satisfaction of knowing your time and skills are helping create stronger, healthier and more connected communities

Equality and Inclusion

Tend Collective Community Interest Company is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, communities and experiences.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Please contact us with a brief introduction about yourself and why you would like to volunteer with Tend Collective Community Interest Company.

Are you aged 18-25, West Midlands based, and passionate about environmental change? 
 
Join us on our FREE programme!
 
Across 9 months, you’ll take part in both online and in-person events, equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to spark positive change in your local area and beyond. 
 
If you’d like to get more connected to nature, build transferable skills and meet like-minded people, apply now via our website.

The West Midlands Environmental Leadership Programme2 (ELP2) is powered by Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and Shropshire Wildlife Trust and it is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.