Volunteer roles in Welling

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

To enjoy this role you will need good communication skills, friendly & supportive with commitment to confidentiality. Confident using the telephone and sending emails, with basic IT skills for record keeping.

To enjoy this role you will have a passion to see every adult have the opportunity to learn to read that they deserve.

Your good communication skills, and resilient, patient, friendly & supportive attitude will help you make the connections needed.
 
You will be confident using the telephone, sending emails and have some basic IT skills for record keeping.

To enjoy this exciting opportunity to pioneer a new group you will be:

• energetic, enthusiastic and keen to make a difference 
• self-motivated and organised
• good at networking and communicating
• able to inspire and engage others 

To enjoy this role you will be able to volunteer independently using your initiative. 
You will be confident using IT and have experience in using a range of devices and software, including Microsoft SharePoint. 

You will be patient with good communication skills  - and a sense of humour can help too! 

TREASURER – ALL NATIONS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE (ANCC)

Bring your financial expertise to a global mission training college as it expands its reach to train and equip Christian workers in every corner of the world.

All Nations Christian College trains and equips Christians for cross-cultural mission, welcoming students from all over the world. The College is entering an exciting new chapter, moving from a single UK campus to a global delivery model of digital learning, hybrid courses and partnerships with churches and colleges around the world, so it can reach many more students, in many more places, than ever before.

This is a genuinely pivotal moment to join as Treasurer. You'll help the Board build the financial model for a distributed, international college, working closely with the CEO and Head of Finance at the exact point when decisions about resourcing, risk and investment will define the College's next decade of global mission impact.

As Treasurer, you will:

• Help fund and resource an ambitious global expansion of the College's mission training
• Advise the Board on financial strategy as it builds a new international operating model
• Oversee financial systems, controls and risk management
• Liaise with auditors and ensure legal and regulatory compliance
• Chair the Finance & Resources Committee, meeting quarterly online

We're seeking a prayerful, financially astute leader with strong judgement and a heart for global mission. 

The Board meets three times a year in a hybrid format, with the hope of gathering trustees in person once a year.

Please contact Adam Stacey, CEO, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include a comprehensive CV and a supporting statement (no more than two pages), explaining how you match the requirements of the role and describing any potential conflicts of interest.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: 20 September

First stage interviews (online) with ANCC: w/c 5 October

Second stage interviews (in person) with ANCC: w/c 12 October

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a committed Christian and fully supports the objectives of the College.

Help a young person take their next step after school or college

Inspire the next generation of tech talent from just 1-2 hours a week

Thousands of young people across the UK are interested in technology but have never met someone who works in the sector. They've never had the chance to ask questions, explore pathways into the industry, or hear someone say, "You can do this too."

As an IntoTech online mentor, you can help change that.

Brightside is recruiting 700 volunteer technology professionals to support young people aged 14-16 as they explore careers in technology. Delivered in partnership with Futures for All and generously funded by the Hg Foundation, the programme will launch in January 2026, connecting more than 2,000 young people with professionals working across the tech sector.

Over 12 weeks, you'll connect with a young person through Brightside's secure online mentoring platform, sharing your experiences, answering questions, and helping them build confidence about their future. Young people choose their own mentor, creating meaningful conversations that broaden horizons and bring careers in technology to life.

The mentoring is entirely text-based and asynchronous, so there's no need to coordinate diaries or attend regular calls. You can respond at times that suit you, making it easy to fit around work and other commitments. Most mentors volunteer for just 1-2 hours a week.

You don't need any previous mentoring experience. We'll provide training, guidance and ongoing support, and we'll complete your DBS check before the programme begins. Onboarding will take place between now and December, with opportunities to get involved in other Brightside mentoring programmes in the meantime.

With 23 years' experience supporting young people through mentoring, Brightside operates the UK's safest online mentoring platform, enabling meaningful, moderated engagement between volunteers and young people.

By sharing your story, you can help a young person discover opportunities they may never have considered and take a confident step towards a future in technology.

Join us and help make the tech sector more accessible, diverse and inclusive for the next generation.

Are you looking to get involved in the local community or perhaps have an interest in mental health?

We are looking for a volunteer to facilitate a Men’s group in a local cafe. The group provides a safe, welcoming place for people to meet, share experiences and support each other’s growth whilst connecting over board games.

What you will be doing

• Meet service users in a local Cafe every Thursday from 11-12pm to play board games and facilitate discussions
• Create a supportive environment for men to connect, share experiences, and empower each other
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings.

The skills you need

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

What's in it for you

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

Cards for Bravery is a charity dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of hospitalised, seriously ill and chronically ill children and young people across the UK. We provide a range of services including the distribution of items such as handmade cards, activity packs, care packages and other initiatives designed to bring comfort, connection and support during difficult times.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Outreach Volunteer to help build meaningful relationships and partnerships with businesses, schools, community groups and other organisations.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with people and building relationships. Working closely with the Founder and the wider team, you'll help raise awareness of Cards for Bravery, develop new and existing partnerships and inspire communities across the UK to support our mission.

A DBS Check will be required for this role, completed by the charity.

Candidates must hold a relevant laptop/tablet or other IT device to complete this role.

Any relevant expenses will be reimbursed.

An ideal match:

• Someone who is friendly and confident

• Someone with great communication and relationship building skills.

• Someone who is confident working independently while also collaborating with a remote team.

• Someone who is passionate about making a difference to children and young people.

• Someone who enjoys networking and spotting opportunities.

• Basic computer skills - such as email and spreadsheets

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships, or community engagement is desirable but not essential.

The role will include activities such as:

• Researching and building relationships with businesses, schools, universities and community groups.

• Identifying and developing opportunities for fundraising, sponsorship, donations and corporate volunteering.

• Encouraging organisations to support the charity through partnerships, fundraising and volunteering.

• Promoting Cards for Bravery within local communities to help raise awareness of our work and mission.

• Supporting applications for Charity of the Year partnerships and other community partnership opportunities.

• Maintaining records of partnerships and helping track opportunities and communications.

• Working alongside the charity to develop new ideas for community engagement and long term partnerships.

Benefits:

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your existing commitments.

• Gain valuable experience in community engagement, partnership development, networking and the charity sector.

• We are committed to being flexible and inclusive, particularly for volunteers who are chronically ill, disabled or have other circumstances that may require adjustments.

• Join a friendly, supportive and passionate team making a real difference to children and families across the UK.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer for Cards for Bravery! It is a unique and fun way to make a difference. 

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within the next few weeks with further information on informal interviews.

Volunteer Advocate in East Sussex area - Are you passionate about advocacy and want to support others in their personal growth?  This role may be perfect for you!

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) is a dedicated charity specialising in independent advocacy within the community. Our mission is to empower individuals by helping them express their needs, secure their rights, and access essential services while promoting social inclusion and justice.

We are seeking passionate Volunteers to join our team at SWAN in East Sussex. As a Volunteer, you will play a vital role in empowering individuals to develop essential self-advocacy skills and confidence. Your contributions will help ensure that individuals can voice their needs and receive the assistance they require.

SWAN appreciates that life experience can make you the ideal volunteer for a role such as this. We are keen to hear from people who have lived experience and would like to help empower others.

Do you have the following skills and experience:

• Experience working with people who are described as vulnerable, or who have additional support needs.
• Good communication suitable for a wide variety of people, some of whom may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues or have been assessed as lacking capacity.
• A commitment to the belief that everyone has a right to be heard, have choice and control, to be safe from harm and to live the life they choose.
• Can you commit to giving approximately 3-6 hours per week.

If you are ready to make a difference in your community and support those who need it most, please request an application form. If you require any assistance with completing the application please get in touch.

Equality and Diversity Statement

Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to SWAN’s values. It is important that our workforce reflects the diverse communities in which we work. We therefore welcome applications from people who represent the diversity of the people we advocate for and the communities we work in.

Tall Stories is seeking a dynamic Chair or Co-Chair to lead our Board of Trustees through an exciting period of growth. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping shape the future of a leading theatre company, ensuring our work continues to inspire children, families and communities. Working closely with the Board and Executive team, you will provide strategic leadership, strengthen governance and help us deliver our vision of creating stories that broaden horizons, inspire generations and bring joy. As we develop our 2027–2030 strategy, you will help us increase our artistic ambition, deepen community engagement and strengthen our long-term sustainability.

We are looking for someone with:

• Strategic leadership experience – the ability to shape direction, identify opportunities and support organisational growth.
• Commercial and entrepreneurial thinking – experience developing sustainable business models, income streams or scaling organisations.
• Strong governance knowledge – an understanding of trustee responsibilities, charity governance and effective Board practice.
• Financial confidence – the ability to understand financial information and support long-term resilience.
• Collaborative leadership skills – experience bringing people together, facilitating constructive discussions and building consensus.
• Independent judgement – the confidence to provide challenge, ask thoughtful questions and support effective decision-making.
• Organisational development experience – experience leading, growing or transforming organisations, services or products.
• Passion for theatre and impact – a commitment to Tall Stories’ vision and the role theatre can play in enriching lives.

This fundraising role is enjoyable, very varied and could involve tasks such as:

· Helping out on a stall for a few hours at a fair.

· Raising awareness of HOLG at corporate/commercial partner events.

· Helping out on one of our social fundraisers such as quiz nights, theatre nights, concerts etc.

· Running a raffle or tombola.

· Being an ambassador to raise awareness to the work of HOLG.

· Prepare, set up and take down for events (including gazebos, etc).

The list is not exhaustive and will often depend on what fundraising opportunities we have through the year!

We are also keen to establish a team of helpers to identify locations and distribute and manage our collections boxes at restaurants, shops, pubs, leisure centres – indeed, anywhere that would be willing to host!

This role is working therapeutically alongside a child/young person on one of our bereavement support programmes in a group setting.  Ideally you will have experience in working with children.

You will be working therapeutically with your allocated child.  You will have a group leader who will guide you through the structure of each day. There is also a program manager who will oversee and facilitate the whole weekend program.

You will also be expected to attend a debrief at the end of the weekend and also complete detailed documentation on the child/ young person you have been working with.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided during a weekend.  We will pay 45 pence per mile to cover your travel expenses. We will provide training (Safeguarding Children, Volunteer Induction Day and other specialist training days).

You will also have the opportunity to observe a weekend programme in action before you work with a child / young person. We will pay for your DBS check and provide you with a t-shirt with our logo on.