Volunteer roles in Paignton

Could you help shape the future of our Charity?

We are recruiting new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the strategic direction, governance, and long-term success of ECI.

Trustees play a vital role in shaping how we deliver our services and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our communities.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not require previous Trustee experience — full support and induction will be provided.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in people with lived experience or skills in areas such as:

• Using ECI services or similar support services
• Moving to Exeter or building a sense of belonging in a new community
• Being part of a minority group within the community
• Disability access and inclusion
• Child safeguarding and/or adult safeguarding
• Human resources (especially employee relations or employment law)
• Legal services or law

We also welcome anyone with different lived experience, professional skills, or perspectives that could help us improve and develop our services.

What you’ll be doing

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape ECI’s strategic direction and priorities
• Contribute to the governance and long-term development of the charity
• Ensure ECI meets legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities
• Champion ECI’s work and its impact in the community
• Use your experience, skills or networks to support and strengthen the organisation

The Board meets every two months, in person and online (usually weekday evenings). Between meetings, you may be asked to support areas linked to your skills or interests.

Commitment

• Around 3–4 hours per month
• Bi-monthly Board meetings
• Flexible involvement outside meetings when needed
• Open to applicants aged 18+

What you’ll get

• Full induction and ongoing support
• Opportunity to influence and shape a local charity’s future
• Experience in charity governance and strategic decision-making
• A chance to use your skills and lived experience for community impact
• Travel and reasonable expenses reimbursed
• A welcoming and supportive Board and staff team

Volunteer Ambassador

We are looking for conscientious and proactive Volunteer Ambassadors to help raise the profile of ECI and support fundraising within the community.

Despite being one of Exeter’s oldest charities, many people are still unaware of the work we do. As an Ambassador, you will help share our impact, connect with the community, and support fundraising activity so more people can benefit from our services.

By joining our fundraising and engagement team, you will play an important role in helping ECI continue its work across Exeter and beyond.

What you’ll be doing

• Attend occasional group meetings and community events
• Represent ECI at local events, stands and awareness activities
• Help promote and support fundraising activities and initiatives
• Share information about ECI services, impact and opportunities to get involved
• Support bucket collections, awareness stands and community outreach
• Help identify locations for posters, collection tins and promotional materials
• Encourage community members to get involved in fundraising or volunteering
• Research local opportunities to support ECI’s work
• Follow ECI policies, procedures and safeguarding guidance

Commitment

• Flexible, ad-hoc volunteering based on your availability
• Attendance at occasional meetings and events
• No requirement to attend everything — we work around your schedule
• Communication may take place via WhatsApp, email or Facebook group

Skills and experience

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, confident and approachable
• Good communicators with a positive and empathetic manner
• Reliable, honest and able to work as part of a team
• Comfortable working independently when needed
• Willing to collaborate and make group decisions
• Passionate about community, wellbeing and supporting others

A driving licence or access to a car may be useful for some activities but is not essential.

What you’ll get

Volunteering with ECI is a rewarding way to give back, build confidence and connect with your community.

• Full training and ongoing support from ECI staff
• Opportunity to represent a well-established local charity
• Experience in community engagement and fundraising
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• ECI T-shirt and ID badge
• Agreed expenses (if applicable)
• A sense of achievement from supporting local people and families
• Improved confidence, skills and wellbeing through volunteering

Volunteer Workshop Support

What you’ll be doing

Workshop Support Volunteer

• Welcome and support participants during workshops
• Help with activities, discussions and group participation
• Assist staff with setting up resources and workshop materials
• Support a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment
• Help gather feedback and pack away after sessions
• Support online sessions where needed

or Workshop Co-Facilitator Support

You may also support workshop delivery by:

• Assisting the lead facilitator during sessions
• Helping guide discussions and group activities
• Supporting positive group dynamics and equal participation
• Encouraging confidence, engagement and peer support
• Helping participants feel comfortable contributing and sharing ideas
• Assisting with online facilitation tools such as breakout rooms and chat functions

What we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience — just the right attitude:

• Friendly, reliable and approachable
• Good listener and communicator
• Empathetic and non-judgemental
• Comfortable working with people from different backgrounds
• Positive, organised and supportive
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

Experience in group work, coaching, mentoring or wellbeing support is helpful but not essential.

What you’ll get

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience in workshop facilitation and community support
• Opportunity to build confidence and develop new skills
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• The chance to make a real difference in your local community

Time commitment

• Around 3 hours per week during workshop courses
• Opportunity to support multiple courses over time

Volunteer Coach

Transitions supports adults who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed or going through periods of change. We work alongside people to build confidence, develop skills, and support independent living through a mix of workshops, coaching and community connection.

What you’ll be doing

As a Volunteer Wellbeing Coach, you’ll:

• Meet your client (initially with a staff member) to build trust and agree goals
• Provide weekly 1-hour coaching sessions (up to 6 months)
• Support clients to set goals, create action plans and review progress
• Help people use workshop tools and self-help resources in everyday life
• Encourage confidence-building and independent decision-making
• Support access to local services, groups, clubs and community activities
• Signpost to specialist support and accompany clients to first appointments if needed
• Help reduce isolation by supporting social connection and community engagement
• Encourage participation in Transitions workshops and group sessions

What we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience — just the right values and approach:

• Friendly, approachable and reliable
• Good listener with strong communication skills
• Empathetic and non-judgemental
• Open-minded and comfortable working with people from all backgrounds
• Interested in personal development and supporting others
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Positive, patient and encouraging

What you’ll get

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience in coaching, mentoring and wellbeing support
• Opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• The chance to help reduce isolation and build stronger communities
• Expenses (if applicable) and full guidance throughout

Creative Arts & Drama Group Volunteer

We are looking for friendly, creative Volunteers to support our weekly arts and drama groups for adults. Sessions run throughout the week and provide a relaxed, inclusive space for people to explore creativity, build confidence and support their mental wellbeing.

These are informal, participant-led groups, and our participants include adults who are:

• Autistic
• Non-verbal or have limited verbal communication
• Blind or visually impaired
• Wheelchair users or people with mobility difficulties
• Adults with learning disabilities or learning difficulties
• Individuals with a wide range of confidence levels and communication styles

What you’ll be doing

• Helping set up and pack away session spaces and resources
• Preparing refreshments (tea and coffee)
• Welcoming and supporting participants
• Encouraging engagement in creative activities (art or drama)
• Supporting a safe, inclusive and relaxed group environment
• Being present alongside participants during sessions

What we’re looking for

• Friendly, patient and reliable
• Comfortable working in inclusive and diverse settings
• Interest in creativity, arts or drama
• Supportive, non-judgemental approach
• Commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and community
• Ability to follow safeguarding and organisational guidelines

Time commitment

• 2–3 hours per session
• Weekly sessions across the week on a rota basis
• Occasional training and volunteer meetings

What you’ll get

• Experience supporting creative arts and drama sessions
• Training and ongoing support
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced facilitators
• Experience supporting adults with diverse communication and support needs
• Agreed expenses (if applicable)
• A welcoming and supportive volunteer environment

Open Studio Mental Health Arts group

We are looking for a creative, enthusiastic Volunteer to support our Mental health art group ‘Open Studios’ for adults on Thursday afternoons.

Open Studios is a friendly space where people can paint, draw or create without pressure.

This is a workshop space to work on your own choice of art. It is not a taught session, but guidance is available from our artists. Aimed at those who are experiencing social isolation or who are working towards healthier mental wellbeing.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll work closely with the Magic Carpet Artist practitioner/s to create a safe and welcoming space for group members to explore their creativity.

Tasks may include:

• Setting up tables and chairs ready for the group
• Making teas and coffee
• Getting out art materials and resources
• Supporting group members to decide what they might like to do
• Being ‘alongside’ group members (this may include spending time working on your own artwork)

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys supporting people to improve their mental health and wellbeing
• Believes in art and creativity as a powerful tool for prompting wellbeing
• Is reliable, friendly, and comfortable working with people
• Cares about community, creativity, and inclusive arts
• Is willing to abide by ECIs code of conduct and safeguarding procedures.

Time commitment

• 2.5 hours per week (1.45pm – 2.15pm)
• Occasional volunteer meetings and training sessions

What you’ll get

• Hands-on experience with a creative arts project
• An opportunity to work alongside an experienced and professional artist practitioner
• Experience working with people with mental health support needs (this may also include Neuro divergence and mild learning disabilities).
• Agreed expenses if applicable
• Tea and lots of gratitude!

Online Sales Volunteer (Vinted & eBay)

Help turn donated treasures into vital funds for our charity!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and trustworthy volunteer to support our online sales through Vinted and eBay. If you enjoy spotting valuable items, researching prices, taking photos or have an interest in online selling, this could be a rewarding role for you.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll help us raise extra funds by preparing and listing donated items for sale online.

Tasks may include:

• Identifying suitable donated items for online sale
• Preparing and presenting items for listing
• Taking clear, appealing photographs
• Researching pricing and helping value items
• Creating listings on Vinted and eBay
• Monitoring and assisting with online sales activity
• Packing sold items ready for posting
• Taking parcels to local drop-off points
• Helping maximise income from donated goods

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is trustworthy, reliable and enthusiastic
• Has good attention to detail
• Is comfortable using online platforms or willing to learn
• Enjoys researching and practical tasks
• Has an interest in online selling and fundraising
• Can work independently and use initiative
• Has experience with Vinted, eBay or similar selling platforms (beneficial, but not essential)

Time commitment

• Shifts are usually 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm

Regular weekly volunteering preferred, with some flexibility available.

Sorting Room Volunteer

Do you enjoy organising, spotting quality items and bringing order to chaos? Join our behind-the-scenes sorting team!

We are looking for volunteers to help process donated items and prepare quality stock for our charity shop. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys sorting, organising and has a good eye for detail.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll play an important role in helping donated items reach the shop floor ready for sale.

Tasks may include:

• Sorting through donated clothing, books, toys and household items
• Checking quality and carrying out quality control
• Identifying valuable or desirable brands
• Pricing items ready for sale
• Organising stock in the sorting room
• Preparing donations for the shop floor
• Helping keep the sorting area tidy and efficient

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys organising and practical tasks
• Has good attention to detail
• Has an eye for quality and presentation
• Has brand awareness (desirable, but not essential)
• Is reliable and able to work independently
• Enjoys being part of a friendly team

Time commitment

• Shifts are usually 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm
• Regular weekly volunteering preferred, with some flexibility available

Jelly Shop Assistant Volunteer

Join our friendly Jelly team and help make a difference in your community!

We are looking for confident, capable volunteers to support our busy charity shop. If you enjoy meeting people, keeping busy, and being part of a welcoming team, this could be a great opportunity for you.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll help support the day-to-day running of the shop and create a positive experience for customers.

Tasks may include:

• Serving customers and operating the till
• Greeting and assisting shoppers
• Working independently on the shop floor
• Pricing and preparing donated clothes, toys and books for sale
• Replenishing stock and creating attractive displays
• Helping keep the shop tidy, organised and welcoming

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is friendly, reliable and confident working with the public
• Can work independently and use initiative
• Enjoys a practical, hands-on role
• Has good communication skills
• Has retail experience (a bonus, but not essential)
• Wants to support a local charity and be part of a team

Time commitment

• Shifts are usually 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm
• Regular weekly volunteering preferred, but we can be flexible

About us

ORCD UK is a new charity, the British arm of ORCD, a humanitarian organisation that has worked across Afghanistan for over a decade, delivering health, food, water, and emergency support. We are in our founding phase, building the fundraising that will let us support families facing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

The opportunity

We are looking for a volunteer with fundraising experience to help us execute our fundraising strategy over the next few months. We have a clear plan and a set of campaigns; what we need is for someone share their know-how as we get off the ground.

This is a flexible, online role of a few hours a week, ideal for an experienced fundraiser who wants to use their skills for something meaningful without a heavy time commitment. Whether you are between roles, giving back alongside a career or simply passionate about Afghanistan, we would like to hear from you.

What you might help with

• Helping refine our fundraising campaigns (winter, orphan sponsorship, water, nutrition)

• Support in identifying and securing new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships

• Explore digital fundraising and emerging trends

• Advising on individual giving and crowdfunding/giving platforms

• Guidance on approaching trusts, foundations and institutional funders once we are registered

• Sharing best practice and helping us avoid the common pitfalls of a new charity

About you

• Experience in charity fundraising e.g. across major donors, community, trusts/foundations and/or institutional funders
• A good understanding of the humanitarian funding landscape
• Happy to work remotely and flexibly
• Collaborative and comfortable helping a small team
• A genuine interest in humanitarian work

Please note this is an advisory role. You would not be expected to write or submit funding applications, just to share your know-how and steer us in the right direction. 

Are you a young person aged 18-25 ready to connect globally, build skills, and create positive change? Youth Connect is a virtual mobility programme bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds to learn, collaborate, and take action on issues that matter through supported social action in your local community.

Whether you're passionate about helping others or just curious to learn more and put this into practice, this programme will give you the confidence and tools to create meaningful change—right from home. The programme will run from late June - August and is open to young people aged 18-25 globally. 

✨ Open, inclusive, and designed for emerging changemakers.

�� Apply now and be part of a global community shaping the future.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

The Research department serves as the intellectual foundation of our mission. As Operations Manager of Department, you will lead the critical task of gathering evidence, data, and lived-experience narratives that inform our training programmes and public discourse. While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers, the Research function is a core strategic pillar that ensures our advocacy is grounded in fact and that the systemic barriers faced by our communities are accurately identified and challenged.

Operations Manager of Department (Research)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing complex research projects and data analysis within a social justice framework. In this Operations Manager of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our organisation’s voice remains authoritative, evidence-based, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager of Research sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level investigative goals into clear, deliverable research plans. You own the direction, methodology, and delivery control of the Research department to ensure that all reports, white papers, and data sets are produced with academic rigour, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Research Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical research schedules, including literature reviews, data collection phases, and report drafting.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Research Managers to coordinate field work and data analysis effectively, ensuring all project components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining research methodologies and ensuring all outputs are fact-checked and peer-reviewed before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the research pipeline (active studies, pending analysis, and upcoming publications), WIP status, and risks to project timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all research activities align with ethical guidelines, data protection standards, and Quilombo UK’s professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of ethics or graphic design for data visualisation).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in research management, academic research, or social science investigation.

• A portfolio of published reports, articles, or research papers / CV.

• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of subjects related to EDI and social justice.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex analytical tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail and data accuracy.

• Degree in Social Sciences, Research Methods, Humanities, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

Production plays a critical role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP) and Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). As Head of Department, you will lead the creation of high-quality media assets that document the learner journey, showcase professional growth, and provide the visual and auditory evidence required to bridge employment gaps for career changers and newcomers to the UK. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact by ensuring our participants have the professional media presence needed to tackle discrimination in the job market.

Operations Manager of Department (Production)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing end-to-end media operations—spanning pre-production planning to post-production delivery—within a social justice framework. In this Operation Manager capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our storytelling is technically seamless and emotionally resonant.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager of Department (Production) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level media objectives (such as podcasts, documentaries, or training videos) into clear, deliverable department plans. You own the direction, technical structure, and delivery control of the Production department to ensure pace, reliability, and high-quality output.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical production schedules, covering both pre-production (storyboarding, scripting, logistics) and post-production (editing, sound design, colour grading).

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Production Managers to run projects effectively, ensuring all media assets are tracked and visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Rework Control: Reducing technical rework by improving initial brief clarity and ensuring time is built into plans for iterative reviews.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on production milestones, WIP, and technical risks, offering clear recommendations for strategic choices.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring the department aligns with Quilombo UK’s communication standards and maintains a professional environment for all contributors.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives: Profit Sharing & Commission

• Project Commission: To recognise the transition toward paid work, a commission structure is in place for any paid work carried out.

• Head of Department Share: The Ops Mgr receives a 15% share of the commission for work carried out. This percentage is shared between all individuals at the Ops Mgr level working on a specific task.

• Business Development Bonus: If work is brought in by the Ops Mgr (rather than a Quilombo UK director), the Ops Mgr will receive an additional 10% commission on top of their standard share.

• Payment Terms: Commission is paid upon project completion and after payment is received from the client.

Requirements

• Proven experience in media production management (Pre and Post Production).

• A portfolio of video, audio, or multimedia projects / CV.

• Familiarity with production software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, or DaVinci Resolve).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks across different media formats.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise and execute production workflows independently.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with a focus on collaborative storytelling.

• A keen eye for technical detail and aesthetic consistency.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Degree in Media Production, Film, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.