Volunteer roles in WD6 1TG

 We create sensory activities, challenges and games featuring our bespoke disabled characters and take them to a variety of events and other organisations. And this is where you come in! We need volunteers to do lots of different jobs from big too small. Whether it's preparing activities, setting up, speaking to people or helping pack up, there's plenty to do.

Why?

- Providing a safe space for families who would otherwise find bigger events difficult.

- Promote education and awareness of inclusion around disability.

Who are you?

We are not looking for robots, we want your uniqueness. Generally speaking you will have a;

- Fun loving personality

- Be Patient

- Enthusiastic even when your playing the same game for the 50th time that day.

What do we need from you?

- To have a DBS check (preferably be on the update system)

- Be willing to undertake our training programme

- Sign our volunteer contract (if you disagree with anything in the contract please feel free to discuss it with us.)

What can you expect from us?

- We don't currently ask us our volunteers to be on a rota. Your time is precious and we are thankful for however much you are willing to give to us.

- We have a proactive and positive approach to disability and illness. We will make any and all accommodations you require. If you would like to arrange a confidential conversation please contact us and we shall arrange to speak.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us expand our reach and impact. This role will focus on supporting partnerships with organisations, developing corporate relationships, and helping us explore new opportunities for fundraising and collaboration.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Is enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion.
• Enjoys development and may have experience in business development.
• Has experience working with corporate sponsors (helpful, but not essential).
• Is passionate about fundraising or has relevant experience.
• Is a strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.).
• Thinks creatively and is willing to bring fresh ideas to the team.
• Can work remotely.

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our training programme at a convenient time.
• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.
• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).
• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.
• Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.
• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community.
• Develop skills in business development, fundraising, and partnership building.
• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.
• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.
• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C working to increase inclusion and representation to the disability community. We are hosting a Christmas extravaganza for disabled families in Windsor and Woking this November and December. We aim to bring the magic and sensory aspects of the festive period but in a relaxed environment, where everyone understands. If you have a creative act and enjoy working with communities, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for acts such as:

• Glow artists (LED, light-based acts)
• Circus performers (e.g. juggling, stilt walkers, entertainers)
• Face painters
• Sensory or interactive experiences (e.g. Bubble shows, arts and crafts stations)

⚠️ Important Information

• This is a volunteer opportunity
• Acts should have a sensory or interactive element
• All performers must be DBS checked
• Due to security restrictions, we cannot accommodate drone or firework acts
• Performers should be local or willing to travel
• Flexible attendance — you do not need to stay for the full even

Why Get Involved?

• Create precious magical memories for disabled families this Christmas. 
• Be part of exciting and meaningful community events
• Showcase your talent to new audiences
• Help create memorable, inclusive experiences

Join Our Board - Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join us at an exciting time of growth.

Merton's voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector is full of energy, ideas and people determined to make a difference. As the borough's infrastructure charity, Merton Connected sits right at the heart of it: connecting, supporting and championing the organisations that support local people every day.

Now we want you to help shape what comes next.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to inclusive community development. Whether this would be your first governance role or you've supported other boards before, what matters most is your perspective and your willingness to engage.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with insight or experience in:

• Charity management
• Public health, health and social care integration, or partnership working between statutory and VCS organisations
• Marketing and communications
• Digital and AI operations
• Income generation and fundraising
• Impact and performance measurement

We also warmly welcome applicants with diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong connection to Merton. There's no single profile we're looking for, and different viewpoints make us stronger.

What you'll be doing

As a trustee, you'll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You'll join a collaborative, supportive board that works closely with our leadership team to ensure Merton's voluntary, community and faith sector continues to thrive.

What you'll gain

• The chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people's lives
• Insight into how a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity works from the inside
• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your own strategic and leadership skills
• A place on a welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

The practical bit

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: A full induction is provided, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

We are actively seeking to expand our board and hope to make at least two trustee appointments over the next two months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may appoint additional trustees where their skills and experience complement the board.

Ready to find out more?

Please apply with your CV and a few screening questions

Heartwood House is a unique organisation, working to support and empower young people to engage with education and achieve their potential, free from mainstream system constraints. We are a small, values-driven community, and our trustees play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of what we do.

At Heartwood House, we deliver full-time education for students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Our, methodology places wellbeing at the core of students' education, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and positive social interactions alongside academic instruction.

Students have an inherent right to respectful and caring treatment, independent of behaviour or academic performance. As a trustee, you will help uphold and champion our policy of unconditional positive regard, the principle that everyone (staff or student) should always be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the situation.

Education takes place in small groups, with lessons tailored to each student's individual needs and interests. As a trustee, you will gain insight into a genuinely distinctive educational model, and your governance will directly support the staff who build meaningful relationships with every young person in our care.

All staff are invested in and actively participate in student wellbeing, integrating mental health support and personal growth throughout the day, not just in designated sessions. Trustees share responsibility for ensuring this holistic approach is protected and resourced appropriately.

We offer academic instruction from Entry Level to GCSE in subjects aligned with students' interests and future plans. Almost all students study English, Maths, Science, and Art at a minimum, with most pursuing additional subjects at the centre or online. As a trustee, you will help ensure the organisation remains financially and strategically positioned to continue delivering this flexible, student-centred curriculum.

I am working on behalf of my Client BeFriend Cows, who are a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that promotes compassion toward animals. They are seeking a financially-minded leader to join their board and guide their organization's financial health as they grow. This role combines financial stewardship with strategic thinking, helping ensure they have the resources and stability to expand their impact for animals, families, and communities worldwide.

Current status: This is a volunteer role. As they scale, they envision transitioning board leadership into compensated positions.

Your Core Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Present clear, accurate financial updates to the full board

• Guide the annual budget process and monitor organizational spending

• Lead audit preparations and ensure strong financial controls

• Oversee how we manage reserves and any investment activities

• Offer strategic input on major financial decisions

Board Governance

• Participate in evaluating and supporting our Executive Director

• Help navigate complex legal or ethical questions facing the organization

• Ensure we remain aligned with our charitable mission and legal obligations

• Act as an ambassador, opening doors to partnerships and visibility

• Contribute to fundraising conversations and donor relationship building

• Provide perspective on organizational strategy and long-term direction

About this Role

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time (volunteer, pro bono). Hours: 10–15 hours per week. Minimum term: 3 months 

Department: Nova: Automation, Operations, Innovation

Reports To: Nova Leader

Professional Volunteering

Professional volunteering at Solution Community is a skills-based service held to the same standard as paid work — consistent, accountable, and high-quality. Volunteers are core contributors, not peripheral supporters.

About Solution Community

Solution Community is an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a platform that connects nonprofits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers to drive real-world social impact. We operate like a distributed tech startup — lean, async, and execution-focused — with volunteers from 80+ countries and team members with backgrounds from Apple, Google, Netflix, Meta, Toyota, Walmart, and others.

Our Mission: To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world's social problems — bridging nonprofits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision: A world where every person has the opportunity to thrive, united by collaboration, compassion, and action. Solution Community is building the infrastructure that makes that possible.

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Business Process Automation Delivery Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of our intelligent automation initiatives. In this role, you will bridge the gap between business operations and IT, ensuring that automation projects align with organizational goals and meet deliverable timelines. You will drive digital transformation by turning complex manual processes into streamlined, automated solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Pipeline & Intake Management: Oversee the intake process for automation requests. Assess technical feasibility, calculate projected ROI, and maintain a prioritized project pipeline that balances quick wins with high-value strategic initiatives.
• End-to-End Delivery: Lead project planning, scoping, and execution. Guide solutions through the full cycle, ensuring a smooth transition from proof-of-concept (PoC) to production deployment.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with process owners and executive leadership to define requirements, document as-is/to-be processes, and communicate project status, risks, and outcomes.
• Team Leadership: Direct and mentor a cross-functional team of automation developers, business analysts, and QA testers. 
• Governance & Standardization: Ensure all automation solutions comply with IT governance, security protocols, and audit requirements. Enforce coding standards, reusable component development, and robust documentation.
• Performance Tracking: Define and monitor SLAs for end-to-end automation support. Conduct post-implementation reviews to validate business benefits and optimize future delivery methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in technical project or delivery management.
• Education:.
• Methodology: Proven expertise in Agile methodologies and structured change control processes.
• Technical Acumen: Deep functional knowledge of leading automation technologies and a high-level operational understanding of enterprise software ecosystems, cloud platforms, and APIs.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and executive reporting skills. Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business terms.

What We Offer

• Direct collaboration with a global leadership team (Apple, Google, Netflix, Meta, and others)
• Real ownership and decision-making authority — this is not a support role
• A multicultural team spanning 70+ countries
• Async-first, fully flexible work — no micromanagement
• Meaningful impact on global social causes
• Formal recommendation letter upon successful completion of your volunteer term
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth within a mission-driven organization.

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

September 2026, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class), Monday - Thursday between 16:30 and 20:30.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals frommarginalisedand disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. Weendeavourto help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life. 

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by: 

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g.Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, familyprogrammeand volunteering

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing –focussingon challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals,organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families were thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Funding Officer (Self-Employed) | Flexible Remote Working | 15% Commission on Secured Funding

Do you have a proven track record in fundraising, bid writing, or securing grants? Are you looking for a flexible role where your success directly supports vulnerable individuals and families?

Compassion is seeking a driven and experienced Funding Officer to help secure vital funding that enables us to tackle and prevent domestic abuse across Babergh, West Suffolk, and beyond.

Join a growing charity, work remotely on a flexible schedule, and use your expertise to create meaningful social impact while earning 15% commission on all funding secured.

✅ Flexible remote role (typically 2–3 days per week)
✅ Commission-based earnings
✅ Make a genuine difference in your community
✅ Build strategic partnerships and secure life-changing funding

Your skills could help transform lives. Apply today and become part of Compassion's mission to create safer communities for everyone.

Location: Flexible / Remote (primarily covering the Babergh and West Suffolk area)
Contract Type: Self-Employed
Remuneration: 15% commission on secured and received funding
Hours: Flexible as required, typically 2–3 days per week (may vary)
Reporting to: The Trustee Board

About Compassion

Compassion is a charity dedicated to tackling and preventing domestic abuse, supporting individuals and families to achieve safety, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. We work closely with communities and partner organisations to deliver meaningful support and create lasting change. We see and support almost 300 victims a year

As we continue to expand our impact, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Funding Officer to help secure the resources needed to sustain and grow our services.

The Role

We are looking for a proactive and results-driven Funding Officer to identify, develop, and secure funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, grant-making bodies, businesses, and other third-sector stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong bid-writing and relationship-management skills to make a real difference. Working independently and flexibly, you will play a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the charity by generating new income streams and contributing to a strategic funding approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify suitable funding opportunities aligned with Compassion’s mission and objectives.
• Prepare and submit high-quality funding applications, grant proposals, and expressions of interest.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, grant-makers, and sector partners.
• Develop a pipeline of funding opportunities and maintain records of applications and outcomes.
• Work closely with leadership to understand organisational priorities and funding requirements.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a strategic funding plan.
• Monitor funding trends, opportunities, and sector developments.
• Support reporting requirements for successful funding applications where required.
• Maximise opportunities to secure sustainable income for the charity.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in grant fundraising, bid writing, or income generation within the charity or voluntary sector.
• A strong track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, or corporate funders.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce compelling and persuasive funding applications.
• Strong research, planning, and organisational abilities.
• The ability to build and maintain productive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• A self-motivated and proactive approach to work.
• An understanding of the challenges faced by charities and the domestic abuse sector would be advantageous.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the wider team.

What We Offer

• Flexible, remote working arrangements.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an important cause.
• Independence and autonomy in managing your workload.
• A commission-based remuneration structure rewarding successful funding outcomes.
• The chance to help shape and support the future growth and sustainability of Compassion.

Remuneration

This is a self-employed position offering 15% commission on all secured funding generated through successful applications and funding bids.

Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join Compassion and help us secure the resources needed to support individuals and families affected by domestic abuse and build safer communities across Babergh, West Suffolk, and beyond.

Finance Committee Member (Volunteer)

British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA)

Are you looking to use your financial skills to support the growth of an exciting and emerging sport?

The British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA) is seeking a volunteer Finance Committee Member to help strengthen our financial governance as we continue to grow participation, develop our national programmes and represent Great Britain on the international stage.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to a small but ambitious National Governing Body. Your expertise will help ensure we remain financially sustainable while investing in the future of horseback archery across the UK.

About the role

Working alongside the Chair and Board of Directors, you'll provide independent financial oversight and support by:

• Reviewing budgets, financial reports and expenditure

• Providing financial guidance on strategic decisions

• Supporting good financial governance and accountability

• Helping monitor organisational reserves and financial sustainability

• Advising on financial policies and processes

• Bringing an objective financial perspective to Board discussions when required

Who we're looking for

We're interested in hearing from people who have experience in areas such as:

• Finance

• Accounting

• Financial planning

• Audit

• Charity finance

• Commercial finance

Professional qualifications are welcomed but not essential. More important is a sound understanding of financial management and a desire to help a volunteer-led organisation succeed.

Time commitment

Approximately 2–4 hours per month, with occasional attendance at online Board meetings if required.

Why join us?

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the future of a growing National Governing Body

• Apply your professional expertise to a meaningful cause

• Support the development of grassroots and international horseback archery

• Work alongside a passionate and collaborative Board

• Gain valuable experience in sports governance

If you're passionate about good governance and want to use your financial expertise to help a unique sport thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

What will you be doing?

SPORT 4 SUCCESS is looking for an experienced marketing or social media professional to lead the development of our marketing strategy and improve how we communicate our work.

We are a UK-based charity that uses sport to help young people develop life skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership. We have delivered a growing number of programmes and events, but our marketing and social media have not developed at the same pace as our delivery.

The volunteer will take leadership of our overall marketing direction, with support from trustees and less experienced volunteers who can help with content creation and delivery.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Creating a practical marketing and social media strategy
• Improving how we communicate our impact through stories, case studies, photos, video and programme results
• Advising on the best platforms, audiences and types of content for the charity
• Creating or directing the creation of social media content
• Helping establish templates, processes and brand guidance
• Reviewing performance data and adjusting the approach where needed
• Providing guidance and creative direction to other volunteers supporting marketing activity

This is a strategic and hands-on role. The volunteer will have freedom to shape our approach and test new ideas, while working closely with the charity’s trustees and wider team.

We are looking for someone with at least three years of professional experience in marketing, social media, communications, branding, content strategy or a related area.

The role is unpaid, UK-based and expected to require around two hours per week, with flexibility around when the work is completed.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with at least three years of professional experience in marketing, social media, communications, branding, content strategy or a related field.

The most important requirement is the ability to develop a clear, practical marketing strategy and turn it into consistent activity. You should be comfortable taking ownership of the charity’s marketing direction while working collaboratively with trustees and other volunteers.

Our ideal volunteer will have:

• Experience creating and implementing marketing or social media strategies
• A strong understanding of social media platforms, audiences and content formats
• The ability to create engaging written and visual content, or provide clear creative direction to others
• Strong written communication and storytelling skills
• The confidence to introduce new ideas and advise a small charity on its marketing priorities

Experience in the charity, education, youth or sports sectors would be useful, but it is not required. Experience supporting a growing organisation, working with volunteers or developing a brand would also be valuable.

You should be creative, reliable and comfortable working within a small team. We are looking for someone who will listen to different perspectives but can also make clear recommendations and lead the marketing approach.

You do not need to produce every piece of content yourself. Other volunteers and team members can support delivery. However, you should be able to set the direction, establish suitable processes and provide constructive guidance.

An interest in helping young people develop their skills and future opportunities through sport and education would be a strong fit with our work.

What difference will you make?

Strong marketing will help SPORT 4 SUCCESS reach more young people, schools, delivery partners, funders and volunteers.

At present, much of our impact happens through our programmes, events and direct relationships, but we do not communicate that impact consistently. This limits our ability to build awareness, attract support and show the value of our work.

Your work would help us create a clearer identity, communicate our purpose more effectively and build a consistent presence across our social media and wider marketing channels.

A stronger strategy would help us:

• Reach more schools and youth organisations
• Attract volunteers with the skills needed to grow the charity
• Build relationships with sports organisations and corporate partners
• Support fundraising and sponsorship activity
• Promote programmes and events
• Share evidence of our impact
• Give young people and schools a stronger voice in our communications

The role will also help us move away from ad hoc marketing and towards a structured approach that the wider team can follow.

As a small charity, this role would have direct influence. The volunteer’s ideas and recommendations would shape how SPORT 4 SUCCESS presents itself, communicates its work and grows over the next stage of its development.

The result will be a stronger platform for helping more young people build skills, confidence and future opportunities through sport and education.

Before you apply

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal online conversation with members of our trustee team. This will be an opportunity to discuss your experience, learn more about the charity and explore how you would approach the role.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may arrange conversations before the closing date. We aim to respond to shortlisted applicants within two weeks of receiving their application.

Fancy combining a Saturday kick-about with actually changing someone's week? We're looking for volunteers to help kick off Route to Roots, a new football and lunch club for asylum-seeking men in Bethnal Green. You'll help welcome people, grab the pizzas, chat over lunch and join in the football if you fancy it – but no skill or sports required, just a friendly face.

About Globe Community Project

Globe Community Project is a grassroots charity working in Tower Hamlets, one of London's most diverse boroughs, for over 20 years. Our mission is to transform loneliness into connection among isolated people and under-served groups. Whoever we're working with, we want to create spaces of joy, friendship and belonging. Our two established programmes, Well Old and Touching Safe Ground, support older people and refugee women and their children. Route to Roots is a brand new project for men who've recently arrived in the UK seeking sanctuary.

About Route to Roots

We’re looking for volunteers of any gender to support this new football and lunch project for male sanctuary seekers in Bethnal Green. We'll bring together 12–14 men each Saturday for an informal kick-about, followed by lunch together. The aim is simply to create a welcoming space where people can connect, build community and enjoy some time together.

What you'll be doing

Your job is to welcome participants to the venue and help create a warm, relaxed space. One lucky person gets to collect the pizzas from a local restaurant. Volunteers will also be chatting with people over lunch, and giving people chance to practice their English. You can join in the football - if you fancy it! No footballing skills or sports action required though - just a friendly face and a bit of time to give.

Dates

Saturday 5 September, 11.00-13:30 | Saturday 12 September, 11.00-13:30 | Saturday 19 September, 10:00-12:30 | Saturday 26 September, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 3rd October, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 10th October, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 17th October, 11:00-13:30 | Saturday 24th October, 11:00-13:30 | 

It’s ok if you can’t make every date - just come to as many sessions as you're able (and let us know).

Who we're looking for

We welcome volunteers of any gender and any background. You don't need previous experience working with refugees or people seeking asylum - just warmth, patience, and a genuine interest in getting to know new people. You'll need to be 18 or over.

Through volunteering with us, you'll meet new people from your local community, learn more about the realities faced by people seeking asylum, be part of a friendly, welcoming team from day one, and help shape a brand new project from its very first sessions.

Monday to Friday (any day welcome) 2 to 4pm

We are looking for a friendly and reliable Resident Engagement Support Volunteer to help create a welcoming and positive environment for residents living in our accommodation in Welwyn Garden City, and Hatfied hostels.

This is a flexible role that will begin with a focus on befriending and social connection. Volunteers will help open the residents’ café, serve teas and coffees, and spend time chatting with residents to help build rapport and reduce social isolation.

As confidence and relationships develop, the role can be shaped around the volunteer’s interests, skills and ideas. We welcome volunteers who may wish to support additional activities such as games, quizzes, crafts, wellbeing activities, cooking sessions, or sharing practical life skills.

No specialist experience is required - just a warm approach, good listening skills and a willingness to engage with people.

Key Responsibilities

· Opening and helping run the residents’ café during the afternoon session.

· Preparing and serving teas, coffees and refreshments.

· Offering a friendly welcome to residents.

· Spending time talking with residents and building positive relationships.

· Encouraging residents to take part in social activities, signposting to staff where additional support is needed.

· Supporting or helping to organise simple activities such as board games, crafts or quizzes.

· Sharing personal skills or hobbies where appropriate (for example cooking, baking or creative activities).

· Co-designing activities based on resident feedback and interest

· Work alongside staff to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for residents.

· Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable, and non-judgemental.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Flexible, reliable, and willing to help in a variety of ways.

· Creativity and good knowledge on specific activities to be delivered

· Able to work as part of a team while respecting professional boundaries.

· Experience of working or volunteering with vulnerable people who may have experienced challenges such as homelessness and mental health (desirable). Volunteers should be able to respond with empathy to residents' emotions, maintain appropriate boundaries, and recognise when concerns or situations need to be escalated to a member of staff.

· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of people from all backgrounds.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness and Manual Handling where appropriate.

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference

Additional Information

· You will be required to undergo a DBS check

· Two references will be required

Volunteer / Student Counsellor Placement

Organisation: OPTION180 Ltd
Contract Type: Student Placement (Voluntary)
Hours: Part-time, Term Time Only (Approx. 3 hours per day)
Location: School-based settings
Expenses: Lunch provided + travel expenses covered (up to 3 miles)

About OPTION180 Ltd

At OPTION180, we value our people and the dedication, compassion, and expertise they bring to our service.

Working with us means making a real difference every day, supporting children, young people, and families to recover from trauma and build brighter futures.

We are a specialist social care and family support service offering therapeutic interventions alongside comprehensive family assessment and support. Our work addresses the complex challenges families may face, including:

• Parental substance misuse
• Mental health difficulties
• Domestic abuse

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower families not just to survive, but to thrive despite adversity.

As a growing organisation with plans for national expansion, we are seeking passionate trainees and qualified clinicians who are willing to volunteer their time to gain valuable, hands-on experience with our client groups.

Counselling Placement Opportunities

We offer enriching placement opportunities for trainee Counsellors and Play Therapists looking to develop their clinical skills in real-world settings.

You will work therapeutically with:

• Children and young people
• School staff
• Parents and carers

across primary and secondary education settings.

Within a safe and supportive environment, you will use a combination of:

• Talking therapies
• Creative and play-based approaches

to help young people explore and manage challenges such as:

• Anxiety and stress
• Low mood
• Relationship difficulties
• Emotional and behavioural concerns

What We Offer

• Safeguarding training
• Specialist training in working with children and young people
• Clinical hours that contribute towards accreditation
• Weekly (half-day) placement during term time
• Ongoing supervision and professional support
• Exposure to wider family support and assessment services

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold student membership with BACP, NCPS, or an equivalent professional body
• Be currently enrolled in a Therapeutic Course
• Must have their own Enhanced DBS check

Please note:

• This is a voluntary placement and not a salaried role