Volunteer roles in Southampton

About the Commonwealth Education Trust

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only 62% of primary school teachers have the minimum teaching qualifications.

In 2023, only 9% of young people in lower secondary education in Zambia reached the minimum level of proficiency in reading. Lifelong learning opportunities and economic growth are being stunted.

All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supportive teacher. The Commonwealth Education Trust (CET) invests in teachers in low- and middle-income settings by providing accessible teacher professional development, including via its flagship programme, Teach2030. There are 9 online courses that improve foundational teaching skills in the classroom.

Job description

We are looking for a volunteer who can create videos for our courses that can be uploaded to our WordPress site.

This role offers the flexibility of:

- Design. This includes video style and choice, along with the programme used. Animations look great in our courses.

- Placement. Courses are all online. You can choose where the video will go, transforming text already there into a video.

- Hours. Work at your own pace and whatever hours suit you.

What are we looking for?

- Creativity and flair

- Self-motivated and self-starter

- Ability to create videos

- A teaching background is not required, as all script is provided for you.

We are looking for a dedicated and well-organised press volunteer who can assist our team with various communication tasks!

Main duties will include:

• Publishing news and reports about developments at Plateful Cafe, which is due to open in May
• Announcing and promoting events organised by our team through local press, radio, Lewisham Council and other organisations
• Writing stories for the website, funding applications and reports
• Creating content for our social media accounts

Requirements:

• A good writer and storyteller
• Contacts with the press
• Prior experience in communication

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

To bring our vision to life, we are looking for a dedicated person to play a vital role in managing and strengthening our relationships with partner organisations (such as university Islamic Societies), with a focus on marketing and growth. You will work closely with external partners to increase the number of students attending Roots workshops through creative and innovative methods.

Key tasks

• Marketing Support - Provide guidance and resources to partners for marketing Roots workshops effectively, including sharing marketing collateral and leading growth initiatives.

• Performance Monitoring - Monitor the marketing efforts of partner organisations, track key performance metrics, and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.

• Communication Liaison - Serve as the primary point of contact through social media between our organisation and partner organisations, facilitating clear and consistent communication channels.

• Training and Onboarding - Conduct training sessions and onboarding for new partner organisations to familiarise them with our brand guidelines, marketing strategies, and communication protocols.

• Collaboration - Coordinate cross-functional efforts with internal teams, such as marketing, design, and external partnerships, to ensure alignment with partnership goals.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims. 

• Creative ideas and ability to think outside the box.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to multitask successfully.

• Proficiency in project management and organisational skills.

• Analytical mindset for assessing results and suggesting recommendations.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Volunteer Graphic Designer – Foundation of Lys

Location: Remote

Commitment: Very Flexible, few hours 

About Us

The Foundation of Lys is the cultural arm of the Principality of Lys, dedicated to Classical Arts, French Renaissance architecture, Humanities, and Enlightenment values. We support artistic excellence, heritage preservation, and creative education through charitable programmes that uplift communities and celebrate beauty, knowledge, and human flourishing.

The Role

We are seeking a talented Volunteer Graphic Designer to help bring the visual identity of the Foundation of Lys to life. This role is ideal for someone who loves classical aesthetics, elegant design, and meaningful creative work. You will help shape the visual voice of the Foundation across digital and print platforms.

What You’ll Create

• Logos and emblem designs for the Foundation and its programmes

• Social media graphics, banners, and campaign visuals

• Brochures, posters, and promotional materials

• Iconography, motifs, and brand assets inspired by classical and renaissance styles

• Occasional layout or typography work for publications and announcements

What We’re Looking For

• A creative individual with a passion for design and visual storytelling

• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Affinity Designer)

• Ability to interpret and express classical, renaissance, and humanistic themes

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high‑quality work

• Someone who enjoys collaborating with a visionary, worldbuilding‑driven organisation

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to contribute to a unique cultural charity with a refined artistic mission

• Portfolio‑worthy projects with creative freedom

• Experience shaping a brand rooted in heritage, beauty, and enlightenment

• A supportive environment that values creativity, elegance, and thoughtful design

Join Us

If you’re inspired by classical art, cultural heritage, and meaningful creative work, we would love to welcome you to the Foundation of Lys. Your talent can help illuminate our mission and bring our cultural vision to life.

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction. 

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

Lightup Impact

We equip and fund youth grassroots leaders in East Africa to scale community-led solutions.

Social Media Manager - Volunteer Support

Role Description Join Lightup Impact as a volunteer and be part of a passionate team driving real change for young people and women across East Africa — where your creativity, voice, and ideas truly matter!

What you’ll do:

• Manage Lightup Impact’s social media platforms and create engaging content.
• Work closely with communications team, especially designers.
• Improve and update content strategy.
• Ensure that content is posted timely on all channels.
• Strengthen overall social media visibility and engagement.

Skills we’re looking for:

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience in social media management. 
• Experience in content creation for linkedin, instagram, facebook and twitter.
• Strong organization, project management and collaborative skills.
• Willingness to learn and a can-do changemaker attitude.

What you’ll gain:

• Be part of a creative, dynamic team.
• Contribute to positive change for young people and women across East Africa.
• Exposure to startup and impact-driven environments.
• Opportunity to network, develop new skills, and strengthen your professional profile.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

CogniX

We provide a digital mental-health platform offering culturally sensitive care, peer support, and crisis services.

Volunteer Video Animation & Motion Graphic Design Expert

CogniX is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Video Animation & Motion Graphic Design Expert to design, produce, and deliver compelling demonstrations of our AI-powered mental health platform. You will be responsible for showcasing product features in a clear, engaging, and empathetic way - helping users, partners, and stakeholders understand the impact and usability of our solution. Your demos will play a critical role in building trust, awareness, and adoption across Africa and beyond.

�� Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, script, and deliver engaging product demonstrations tailored for diverse audiences (users, investors, partners, media).
• Showcase platform features, including:
  • AI chatbot for real-time, empathetic support.
  • Mental health assessments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5).
  • Personalized, culturally contextual interactions.
  • Privacy and security safeguards.
• Collaborate with product and marketing teams to align demos with user stories and strategic goals.
• Create demo materials (slides, visuals, video walkthroughs) that highlight value and usability.
• Run live or recorded demo sessions for different use cases (training, outreach, investor presentations).
• Collect and integrate feedback to continuously refine demo delivery.
• Ensure demos are accessible, engaging, and adaptable for multiple formats (events, social media, website).

�� Technologies & Skills:

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technology.
• Experience in product demos, sales engineering, training, or customer success.
• Proficiency with tools for creating demo assets (Adobe, PowerPoint/Keynote, Canva, Figma, CapCut).
• Familiarity with video/screen recording tools (OBS Studio, Loom, DaVinci Resolve).

Bonus: background in healthtech, AI/ML products, or SaaS platforms.

�� Key Qualities:

• Clear and confident communicator who thrives in front of an audience.
• Skilled at storytelling—translating product features into user benefits.
• Empathetic and audience-focused, able to adapt demos to different contexts.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive to feedback.
• Passionate about using technology for positive social impact.

✅ Benefits:

• Real-world impact: Help increase adoption of an AI-powered mental health solution for underserved communities.
• Portfolio building: Gain experience showcasing a cutting-edge product with global potential.
• Peer mentorship & recognition: Collaborate with a mission-driven team and receive public recognition for your work.
• Flexible remote work: ~10+ hours/week, adaptable to your schedule.
• Career development: Enhance your skills in product communication, healthtech, and impact storytelling—with potential for future paid roles.

�� Application Instructions:

Please submit your:

• Updated resume or LinkedIn profile.
• Links to previous demo presentations, videos, or related work
• (Optional) Brief note highlighting your interest in mental health and product storytelling

Note: This is a volunteer position offering valuable experience, mentorship, and real-world impact in the field of healthtech product communication.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Lightup Impact

We equip and fund youth grassroots leaders in East Africa to scale community-led solutions.

Policy Development & Compliance Volunteer

Role Description
Join Lightup Impact as a volunteer and be part of a passionate team driving real change for young people and women across East Africa — where your expertise can help strengthen the systems, governance, and sustainability of a growing grassroots movement.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and maintain a policy and user guide development plan aligned with organizational priorities.
• Review, update, and improve existing organizational policies and procedures.
• Support the creation of new policies, guidelines, and governance documents as needed.
• Ensure policies are practical, user-friendly, and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with leadership and team members to identify policy gaps and organizational needs.
• Support the development of simple user guides and implementation tools to facilitate policy adoption.

Skills we’re looking for:

• Background in law, governance, public policy, compliance, human resources, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, or implementing policies and procedures.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to organize complex information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Willingness to learn and a can-do changemaker attitude.

What you’ll gain:

• Be part of a dynamic and impact-driven team.
• Contribute to strengthening systems that support young people and women across East Africa.
• Gain experience in governance, compliance, and organizational development within a growing nonprofit.
• Opportunity to network, develop new skills, and strengthen your professional profile.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

The UK Men’s Sheds Association is seeking a small number of new trustees, based anywhere in the UK. The role is voluntary (reasonable expenses are covered) but is an opportunity to be part of an engaged, effective and friendly Board of an important national charity.

While the roles are primarily as general trustees, there will also be opportunities to serve on one of our two formal sub-committees – Audit & Risk and People. We are also recruiting for a trustee to act as our Treasurer (a role-specific advert is on our website). 

The UKMSA Board fulfils a governance function, ensuring we use our resources responsibly, and that we comply with our legal and regulatory obligations. As a trustee, you will play a key role in ensuring UKMSA’s sustainability and effectiveness, overseeing our strategy and governance, including ensuring we continue to operate to the public benefit. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to use their professional and personal expertise to make a meaningful difference to communities across the UK.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and you do not need previous charity Board experience.

We regularly review the collective skills and experience of the Board members, and use this to inform recruitment. In particular, we are looking this time around for applicants who can bring significant charity or broader financial experience (not only for the Treasurer role but also to support our Audit & Risk function); experience of national or significant fundraising; and a background in HR or ‘people skills’. These are, however, not prescriptive and we welcome applications from anyone who feels they may have something to offer a medium-sized national charity which has significant impact which belies its size.

Our recruitment is also informed by our policies, especially our EDI and volunteering policies. While the Men’s Sheds movement itself has an understandable male focus, we are keen to maintain a truly diverse Board, both in terms of the protected characteristics under the Equalities Act and in terms of the diversity of experience and background our trustees bring. It is not a UKMSA policy per se, but we aim to maintain a balance of trustees who come from the Shedding movement alongside those who bring external perspectives. Trustees may be based in any part of the UK (we aim to have at least one trustee who is based in every one of the UK home nations). 

We ask that all trustees explicitly sign up to their responsibilities, both statutory and regulatory, with a commitment to good governance and ethical leadership. We also expect a willingness to work collaboratively as part of a diverse and supportive Board, and as a constructive critical friend with the CEO and staff senior leadership team.