Volunteer roles in Greater london

"Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't." - from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach

The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.

We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills - and to increase their life chances - receive the help they need to become confident readers.

Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis.

What it looks like in practice:

• Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week
• Building a constructive relationship with a learner
• Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed
• Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies

Where and when:

We have opportunities across London and we'll work around your schedule.

ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. All our locations are listed on our website. We are particularly looking for volunteers who can support learners on site at Westminster Adult Education Services based atLisson Grove NW8 8LW, New City College Tower Hamlets E14 0BX and Morley College Stockwell SW4 6RA. 

The timings are flexible - ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Personal Specification:

No prior teaching experience or qualification is needed. We provide full training so that volunteers are confident to start their sessions. However, volunteers must:

• Be at least 18
• Be able to speak and write English well enough to communicate clearly.
• Have a minimum education of a secondary school level or equivalent (i.e. hold a GCSE or equivalent, in any subject).
• Be willing to undergo a DBS check (provided by ALT)
• Have the right to volunteer in the UK 

About us:

The Adult Literacy Trust provides adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to formal education provision, ensuring that individuals who wish to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need to become successful readers, and to increase their life chances.

Delivered through a network of specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, our charity works closely with learning providers - such as Further Education Colleges and Institutes for Adult Learning - to assist people from some of the most disadvantaged communities who could benefit from enhanced support, strengthening learners’ outcomes from their participation in adult community education.

Are you looking to get involved in the local community or perhaps have an interest in mental health? Volunteering in our mental health services is a rewarding and varied opportunity for someone who is interested in working in this field. You will support by offering a listening ear and will offer individuals tailored mental health support, alongside our team of trained workers. We are looking for a volunteer to facilitate a Men’s group. The group provides a safe, welcoming place for people to meet, share experiences and support each other’s growth. We’d love to find a resident in Haringey, but this is not essential for the role.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate discussions
• Create a supportive environment for men to connect, share experiences, and empower each other
• Prepare hot drinks and snacks
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings.

The skills you need

• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Experience of facilitating groups.
• Strong listening and communication skills

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.

We’re looking for a warm, British Sign Language Volunteer to provide in house support to Deaf women living in our refuge. This role is all about connection, inclusion and helping women feel fully involved in day to day life within the service.

As a BSL Volunteer, you’ll support communication between service users and staff, help women engage in activities, and be a friendly, reassuring presence in the house.

What you will be doing

• Providing British Sign Language support to Deaf service users within the refuge
• Supporting women to take part in activities
• Helping women communicate their needs to staff
• Offering support with appointments, as and when needed

The skills you need

• Fluent or confident British Sign Language users
• Friendly, patient, and inclusive, with a genuine interest in supporting women
• Able to communicate professionally and sensitively within a refuge setting

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

A

s a Meet and Greet Volunteer, you'll help create a warm, welcoming environment for people using our services. Offer a friendly chat, a listening ear, and support to help people feel valued, connected, and less alone. If you're empathetic and approachable, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

Greeting visitors, providing a safe and friendly environment, and “checking in and chatting” with service users.

Offering beverages to our visitors while maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and service areas.

Provide emotional support, active listening, and mental health assistance to individuals in distress.

Ensure the environment is safe, maintain accurate records and adhere to safeguarding, food hygiene and GDPR

The skills you need

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, a non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to listen.

Able to create a welcoming and inclusive setting that encourages involvement and openness.

Approachable, respectful, and supportive with the ability to remain calm in interactions while demonstrating an empathetic and 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

As a Meet and Greet Volunteer, you'll help create a warm, welcoming environment for people using our services. Offer a friendly chat, a listening ear, and support to help people feel valued, connected, and less alone. If you're empathetic and approachable, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

Greeting visitors, providing a safe and friendly environment, and “checking in and chatting” with service users.

Offering beverages to our visitors while maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and service areas.

Provide emotional support, active listening, and mental health assistance to individuals in distress.

Ensure the environment is safe, maintain accurate records and adhere to safeguarding, food hygiene and GDPR

The skills you need

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, a non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to listen.

Able to create a welcoming and inclusive setting that encourages involvement and openness.

Approachable, respectful, and supportive with the ability to remain calm in interactions while demonstrating an empathetic and 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 Healthwatch Barnet

Healthwatch Barnet is the local independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We exist to find out what matters to people and to help make sure their views shape the services they use.

Role:

Are you keen to give something back to the community and make a real difference to local people? Are you looking to develop new skills and close any gaps in your CV, or to build on existing experience and knowledge?

By volunteering with us, you could:

• Help ensure that people using services are listened to, involved, and empowered to influence local services
• Make a positive difference within your community
• Feel valued as part of a team
• Meet new people and make new friends
• Build your health and social care skills and knowledge
• Gain valuable experience within the non-profit sector
• Improve your health, well-being and quality of life

Role Description: 

We regularly run stalls at local events in Barnet. We are seeking volunteers who are passionate about tackling health inequalities, to support our team with delivering events and recording people’s feedback. Our events take place in a wide range of settings, including food banks, community centres and with faith groups. Our volunteers help to document resident feedback, and this directly supports our work to change and improve health and social care in Barnet.

Key tasks:

• Assisting with setting up information stalls at local events 
• Supporting event attendees to complete surveys, gathering their feedback
• Encouraging residents to use Healthwatch Barnet’s service as their independent health and social care champion 
• Attending training and volunteer meetings as needed 

In addition to the roles set out above, from time to time we recruit volunteers to support specific projects. Project groups are led by a member of the Healthwatch Barnet staff team. They are time-limited and come to an end when a piece of work is completed.

Note: All events take place in Barnet, during the weekday, between 9-5.

About us:

H4All is working to advance the health and wellbeing of residents in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

This is done through our Community Champions programme, which is an initiative made up of organisations and local volunteers who promote positive wellbeing messaging and share healthcare information.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for committed volunteers who are interested in public health and meeting people in the community. As a Community Champion, you’ll be conducting community outreach, making new connections and supporting us with Community Health projects.

This is a meaningful opportunity to reduce health and social inequalities in the borough of Hillingdon, while gaining practical experience and benefiting from free training.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with the public as part of community outreach efforts, including attending events and speaking with residents about health programs and activities. This role will take place at different locations and venues across the London Borough of Hillingdon.
• Support the community by providing information on health services, resources and support networks.
• Complete a monthly log detailing any health outreach undertaken.
• Assist in survey data collection.

Benefits for you:

• Free, specialised training and mentoring provided, enhancing personal and professional skills.
• Hands-on experience in health outreach and community engagement.
• Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, community organisations and other volunteers.
• A chance to demonstrate your commitment to community health.

Training and support given:

Mandatory training:

• Online Safeguarding and Suicide Prevention courses
• Current healthcare messaging
• NHS blood pressure testing

Throughout your time volunteering with us, there will be additional online and in-person training that will be offered (depending on interest and projects we are running).

Expenses:

We can provide expenses for travel and parking at events or training.

Skills and attributes required:

• Strong desire to make a difference in the London Borough of Hillingdon and improve the local community’s health.
• Confidence in speaking with the public and engaging with diverse communities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and procedures.
• Empathetic and understanding of others’ cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

Desirable:

• Ability to speak a community language [e.g. Somali, Punjabi, Polish, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, Mandarin, Spanish] would be beneficial.
• Previous experience in community health or outreach would be beneficial.

Commitment required:

• Full induction and Mandatory online courses, as well as Blood pressure checks training before starting your volunteering.
• Attend relevant training when offered.
• We ask for a commitment of 6 months due to free training and individual support/development offered to our volunteers.
• This is a flexible role, and you can select which outreach events or projects to join based on your commitments. We accept however much time you can spare.

Reporting to: Health and Wellbeing Programme Officer

Documents Required:

• In your application form, you will be asked for 2 references who have known you for at least a year. They can be from a professional, a friend, a support worker etc.

To apply for this role:

A H4ALL application form must be completed. 

Confident and Capable volunteers are required to help us with our charity admin.

Are you retired or looking to get back into work and are confident on the phone and using IT? 

If so you may be the person we are looking for !

We need people to help us:

• Answer calls and prpvode advice and information
• Support the running of our reception desk 
• Help with data inputting and maintenance 
• Assist with general office admin tasks 

If you are passionate abourt supporing vulnerable people in the community and have a few spare hours each week then please get in touch !

We offer:

• Full induction
• Flexible hours
• Onsite parking
• Access to free training and develeopment 
• References after three months 
• Expenses covered
• Volunteer social events 
• Volunteer Community awards 

As a Volunteer Transcriber, you will play a vital role in ensuring the voices of our veterans are preserved for future generations. You will transcribe audio interviews into accurate, high-quality written records that are accessible, readable, and valuable for educational and research purposes.

Many of the interviews already feature AI-generated transcripts, but these lack the nuance and accuracy that only a human touch can provide. By transcribing interviews, you will enhance the quality of our archive and help honour the experiences of the veterans we serve.

What the Role Involves

• Listening to recorded oral history interviews and typing what is said into a transcript template
• Helping to make interviews more searchable and accessible
• Checking spelling, names and military terms where needed
• Working carefully and respectfully with personal memories and historical testimony

Fundraising Volunteer – Hampshire Hub

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our brand-new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

This role covers the Hampshire area.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people  

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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

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

JOB DESCRIPTION

The National Institute for African Studies (NIAS) is a London-based think tank that provides objective information on African affairs, looking to appoint a Research & Publishing Intern within its office in South West, London. Our main publication, The Saharan is an interdisciplinary journal published by NIAS aimed at exploring the dynamic relationship between culture and development in Africa/UK.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

- Support the editors in the sourcing & production of blog and journal publications

- Checking material for completeness, copy-edit and check appropriate non-technical material such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter updates

- Generate, check and correct files with names, contact information, number of articles, review assessments, and consent forms.

- Serve as a custodian of approved originals of all documentation produced for The Saharan journal

- Use NIAS LinkedIn account to connect to academics and groups to promote the journal, acquire papers, and attract skilled scholars to become reviewers

- Coordinate the publication flow of the journal and all stages of the editorial processes upon the release of each issue

- Review and adjust publications according to the style of the journal, ensuring the correct usage of references and plagiarism checking

- Update wordpress website and a range of social media accounts with news, updates and promotions

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST:

- Have a minimum of undergraduate degree

- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications

- Good knowledge of wordpress, crm, social media tools

- Demonstrate excellent editorial and administrative skills together with high attention to detail

- Ability to work under pressure to tight schedules and deadlines

TO APPLY:

- CV

- Covering Letter

- Official transcript(s) of universities attended

- Contact information for two referees (email and telephone preferably from both universities and workplaces)

The position is based in London, UK. Only candidates who already possess the right to work in the UK should apply. The contract is for three months with a probation period of six weeks, extendable upon agreement and contingent on a continued volunteer/paid position.

Candidates should send a covering letter explaining the skills they would offer to NIAS, attaching a CV and a list of referees. The deadline for this round of application is 30 April. Due to the high number of applicants, only those selected will be contacted.

Flexible Working Options Available:

• Flexitime
• Work from home/university
• Part-time

Job Types: Volunteer, Internship

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses, Flexitime
• Support with relevant training
• Career Mentorship
• Sponsored attendance/Presentation at cultural events, conferences, seminars

Education:

•  BSc. and equivalent or higher (required)

Experience:

• Publishing: 1 year (preferred)
• Research 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

The NIAS Creative Campus' Events & Digital Administrative Assistant will support the smooth operation, promotion, and growth of the Creative Campus venue.

The role exists to assist with the administration, marketing, and delivery of events and programmes hosted at the venue. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in venue operations, digital promotion, social media marketing, event coordination, and community engagement.

This role is ideal for an energetic and organised individual who enjoys working in a creative environment and is interested in gaining practical experience in events management, digital communications, and creative venue operations management.

The position will work closely with the Venue Coordinator, supporting day-to-day venue administration, event preparation, online promotion, and community outreach.

Key Responsibilities (You will gain practical experience in two or more of the listed areas)

1. Venue Administration Support

Support the venue coordinator with the day-to-day administration of the Creative Campus venue.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing incoming enquiries and bookings
• Maintaining venue booking calendars
• Assisting with venue hire documentation
• Providing reception and guest welcome support
• Assisting with record keeping and administrative tasks

2. Event Operations Support

Assist in the preparation and delivery of events hosted at the venue.

• Assisting with event setup and breakdown
• Welcoming event organisers and guests
• Supporting performers, speakers and facilitators
• Assisting with ticketing and guest registration
• Helping coordinate volunteers and temporary event staff

3. Social Media & Digital Promotion

Support the promotion of Creative Campus activities across digital platforms.

• Updating Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms
• Creating posts promoting upcoming events
• Capturing photos and short videos during events
• Supporting WhatsApp marketing to regular guests
• Assisting with Eventbrite and event listing updates

4. Website & Digital Content Management

Assist in maintaining the Creative Campus online presence.

• Updating website content using WordPress
• Uploading events to the website calendar
• Supporting digital newsletters and announcements
• Assisting with online promotional campaigns

5. Community Engagement & Partnerships

Support outreach activities to increase venue use and community participation.

• Communicating with artists, performers and community groups
• Supporting outreach to schools, creative organisations and local groups
• Assisting with coordination of creative workshops and programmes

Learning Opportunities

Successful candidates will gain practical experience in:

• Venue operations and event management
• Digital marketing and social media promotion
• Community engagement and partnership building
• Website management and content publishing
• Creative programming and event production

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Confidence working with digital tools and social media
• Ability to work independently and take initiative

Desirable

• Interest in arts, culture, music or creative industries
• Familiarity with WordPress or website editing tools
• Experience using social media for marketing
• Interest in events, festivals or community projects

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

• Intelligent and trustworthy
• Highly organised and proactive
• Enthusiastic about creative environments
• Comfortable working with a wide range of people
• Able to respond calmly to changing event environments

Benefits

The role offers valuable real-world experience in a creative venue environment.
Benefits include:
• Structured career development support
• Access to training and skills development opportunities
• Mentorship from experienced project leaders
• Professional references for future employment
• Reimbursement of approved out-of-pocket expenses

Time Commitment

• Part-time and flexible hours, depending on event schedules.
• Evening and weekend participation may occasionally be required.
• Remote, working from home

Bravecore Counselling CIC is a values-driven counselling service offering inclusive, trauma-informed support for individuals navigating life's challenges. We are a small, heart-centred organisation committed to promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness.

We are currently seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Director of Fundraising to help secure essential funding through grant writing and creative fundraising strategies. This role is key to helping us sustain and expand our therapeutic services.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify suitable grant opportunities, trust funds, and community funding streams.

• Write compelling, values-aligned funding proposals and grant applications.

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy aligned with Brave Core’s mission and goals.

• Build relationships with potential funders, sponsors, and supporters.

• Explore and implement other fundraising avenues (e.g. crowdfunding campaigns, donor outreach).

• Keep accurate records of applications submitted and track outcomes.

• Stay informed about developments in the mental health charity funding landscape.

Requirements

• Experience in fundraising, bid writing, or grant applications is highly desirable, but not essential—we welcome motivated learners.

• Strong writing and research skills with attention to clarity, tone, and impact.

• Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage deadlines effectively.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.

• Alignment with Brave Core’s values of compassion, inclusivity, and integrity.

• A genuine interest in mental health, counselling, or community-based support work.

Benefits

• Gain valuable experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategy.

• Be part of a supportive and purpose-led organisation.

• Contribute to making mental health support more accessible and sustainable.

• Receive mentorship and a reference for your contribution.

• Work remotely and flexibly.

The Alec Dickson Trust is a grant making charity looking to recruit one volunteer to join its Board with expertise in Fundraising. The Trust supports young people who, through volunteering or community service, aim to enhance the lives of others, particularly those most marginalised by society.