Volunteer roles in West midlands

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Fight for Home Group Member [Birmingham] 

Are you keen to use your creative energy or organisational skills to bring people together to fight for home? 

Information about the role 

This role gives you the chance to work as part of a team to come up with ideas, plan, organise and deliver fundraising events. As well as raising funds, you’ll also be sharing awareness of the local housing emergency within your local area.

Location: Birmingham

Suggested contribution: It’s flexible, but at least once a month, with potential for more volunteering in the lead up to an event.

Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with meetings and events likely to take place in evenings and weekends. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on more for details.

Main activities may include: 

• Support with planned Shelter activity including fundraising in your community

• Generating fundraising ideas with the group 

• Organising and hosting your own fundraising events 

• Inspiring your network of contacts to support the fight for home 

• Attending local events, such as Rotary meetings or community fairs, to raise awareness of Shelter and collecting donations 

• Speaking about what we do and promoting national campaigns in your community 

• Raising awareness of our local Community Hubs 

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience  

Creativity and organisational skills may be useful, and you’ll need to be willing to collaborate as part of a team. But the most important thing is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home! 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

After you reply, we will get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved.

Please contact us if you require more information. 

 End of document

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

· Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time

· Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances

· Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance

· Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support

· Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

· Friendly and approachable

· Great written and verbal communication skills

· Non-judgemental

· Reliable

· Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

· Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team

· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

· Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Onja

We train underprivileged Malagasy youth into remote software developers for global tech companies.

PR Specialist

Onja, a social enterprise based in Madagascar, is looking for an experienced PR professional to help us refine and implement our media strategy. As we enter an exciting new chapter in our growth, we want to share our story with tech firms and social impact investors in Europe, the UK and the US.

Since 2017, our innovative model has allowed us to co-create sustainable economic mobility pathways for Malagasy youth with the highest need and highest potential. Their success is helping to build a more prosperous Madagascar. 

How you will help Malagasy youth fulfill their potential
With a verified, scalable model in place, and some fantastic achievements under our built with our inaugural cohort (Wave 1, 2019-2021), we want to show the world a better way of doing development by sharing our success.

We're looking for a proactive PR professional who is passionate about our mission to help us tell our story in the tech and social impact ecosystems. This role will work with Onja's Communication Manager and we anticipate a time commitment of two hours/month for three months.

Minimum Hours per Week:

0-1 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Zero Waste Palestine

We empower households across the Arab world to adopt waste-free, sustainable, and healthier everyday practices.

Grants Researcher & Writer

We're looking for a motivated volunteer or intern to support our grants and funding efforts. This hands-on role offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental and social impact while gaining practical experience in the development sector.

**What you'll do**

You will decide how to track opportunities, what to prioritise, and how to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. This will likely involve researching funding sources both locally and internationally, identifying the right opportunities at the right times, and writing proposals.

**What we're looking for**

• Strong research instincts
• Someone who builds their own structure and can work independently.
• Organised and reliable 
• Curiosity about environmental issues, sustainability, or the nonprofit sector.

*This role is suitable for students or early-career individuals. We are happy to provide a reference letter or support academic credit requirements where applicable.*

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

LUXEED Robotics

We deploy AI-driven laser weeding robots to eliminate herbicides and protect soil, water, and yields.

Plant Sciences & Computer Vision (Agronomy)

Responsibilities:

• Periodically identify and document various weed species, phenotypes, and BBCH-Scale versus carrot and spinach crops in real-world conditions.
• Selective Field Analysis: Conduct onsite assessments primarily when moving to new fields.
• Organize botanical data and labels to help the AI team improve real-time weed detection and tracking.
• Create guidelines and documentation to help image-labellers with their job.
• Act as the final reviewer on our labelling platform to identify wrong labels.
• Plant Growth Documentation: Identify crops and weeds across all growth stages to ensure reliable depth estimation and perception.
• Evaluate the biological and optical fidelity of computer-generated images to ensure generated images accurately reflect real-world field conditions.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in Applied Biology or Horticulture & Business Management BSc
• Strong Botanical Eye: You can reliably tell the difference between a carrot cotyledon and a blade of grass.
• Tech-Curious: You don't need to be a coder, but you are comfortable working with digital tools
• Detail-Oriented: Precision is everything when lasers are involved.
• Language: English; Dutch is a plus

What We Offer:

• Hybrid & Task-Based: A flexible schedule (~10-20 hours/week) that fits your studies.
• Impact: Work on cutting-edge technology that directly eliminates chemical use in agriculture.
• Innovation: Be part of a fast-paced R&D environment in the heart of the Limburg agtech scene.
• Free transportation when needed for field visits.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI)

We restore degraded landscapes and empower rural communities with sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, and green livelihoods.

Grant and Resource Mobilization Specialist

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is seeking a passionate and skilled Grant and Resource Mobilization Specialist  Volunteer to support our mission of restoring ecosystems, empowering rural communities, and advancing climate resilience in Nigeria. The volunteer will play a vital role in identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and building relationships with donors and funding partners.
Key Responsibilities:
Research Funding Opportunities: Identify and monitor grant opportunities from foundations, international donors, corporations, and government agencies aligned with RUWAI’s mission.
Proposal Development: Draft, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, letters of inquiry, and donor communications.
Donor Engagement Support: Assist in developing pitch materials, case statements, and progress reports to engage current and prospective donors.
Collaboration with Team: Work closely with program leads to gather relevant data, impact stories, and budget details for funding proposals.
Grant Calendar Management: Help maintain a calendar of deadlines and reporting requirements, ensuring timely submissions.
Reporting and Documentation: Contribute to writing donor reports, impact summaries, and narrative updates to strengthen funder relationships.
Fundraising Strategy Input: Offer ideas to diversify and strengthen RUWAI’s fundraising efforts, including exploring crowdfunding, partnerships, or campaigns.
Ideal Candidate Should Have:
Excellent written communication and storytelling skills.
Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit communications (preferred but not required).
Strong research and organizational abilities.
Passion for sustainability, rural development, and environmental justice.
Self-motivated, collaborative, and detail-oriented.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

United Colors of Cancer

We gather culturally responsive BIPOC cancer data to inform policy, research, and equitable care.

Strategic Partnerships & Growth Lead (BIPOC Cancer Initiatives)

We are looking for a proactive relationship-builder and storyteller to help United Colors of Cancer expand the reach and impact of our core programs.
As our Strategic Partnerships & Growth Lead, you will play a key role in opening doors, building partnerships, and growing awareness for:

• BIPOC Cancer Survey™ – capturing critical, missing data
• NURU™ Child Companion – supporting children and families impacted by cancer
• Additional programs focused on equity, advocacy, and support

You will help bridge the gap between our mission and the institutions, communities, and partners who can bring it to life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stakeholder Storytelling: Develop clear, compelling messaging and materials to engage partners, funders, and community organizations.
• Partnership Outreach: Identify and initiate relationships with nonprofits, healthcare institutions, universities, and advocacy groups aligned with cancer equity.
• Program Growth Strategy: Support rollout and adoption of the BIPOC Cancer Survey™ and NURU™ through strategic partnerships and outreach.
• Digital & Field Marketing: Contribute to campaigns that grow awareness, participation, and engagement across online platforms and community networks.
• User & Community Growth: Help expand participation and build a strong, engaged audience around UCC’s mission and programs.

Required Skills (What You Need to Succeed):

• Proactive Outreach Ability: You are comfortable reaching out cold (email, LinkedIn, etc.) and starting conversations without waiting for direction.
• Strong Communication & Persuasion: You can clearly explain ideas, write compelling messages, and adapt your tone for different audiences (community members, researchers, executives).
• Relationship Building: You know how to build trust, follow up consistently, and move conversations toward collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: You can spot partnership opportunities and think beyond one-off interactions toward long-term impact.
• Execution & Ownership: You don’t just suggest ideas—you take initiative and follow through.
• Basic Digital & Marketing Skills: Comfortable using platforms like LinkedIn, email outreach tools, or social media to support growth efforts.

Nice to Have (Not Required):

• Experience in healthcare, nonprofits, public health, or social impact
• Background in business development, partnerships, or sales
• Experience with community engagement or advocacy work

What You’ll Gain

• Real-world experience in partnership development and growth strategy
• Opportunity to contribute to high-impact health equity initiatives
• Hands-on involvement in building programs from early stage to scale

Why This Role Matters

This role is not passive. It’s not observational.
It’s for someone who can step into ambiguity and create momentum.
Because every email sent, every call taken, every partnership formed…
pushes these programs closer to the people who need them most

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months