340 Volunteer roles for the Social Welfare sector

We are looking for a reliable, confident volunteer with strong communication, literacy and digital skills to help older people access the support they are entitled to.

About the Service

Our Information & Advice service provides free, confidential and independent support to people aged 50 and over. We are looking for a reliable and confident volunteer to help clients complete important paper and online forms.

About the Role

As a volunteer, you will help older people complete welfare benefit applications, online application forms, and other documents in person, by telephone or during a home visit. Your clear and accurate support can help clients overcome complex forms, health barriers or limited digital skills.

Task may include:

• Help clients complete paper and online forms accurately.
• Explain practical next steps within the boundaries of your training and role.
• Support appointments at our offices and outreach venues, by telephone, and in clients’ homes.
• Data entry to ensure clear and accurate records of client contact
• Work closely with staff and other volunteers

Where?

Various Locations in Sandwel with home visits - a link to a pin pointed map of key areas can be provided

Who would this role be suitable for?

· This role would suit someone who is patient, caring and non-judgemental, with strong communication, literacy and digital skills.

· You will need to be confident using IT systems and online forms, able to explain information clearly and comfortable handling personal information confidentially.

· Experience in administration, advice, teaching, health or social care may be helpful, but it is not essential.

· Full role-specific training will be provided before you begin supporting clients independently.

Training

You will receive core volunteer training, GDPR and data protection training, form-filling training and guidance on lone working. You will initially work alongside experienced staff in office and outreach settings.

There may also be an opportunity to work towards a Level 2 qualification in Information, Advice or Guidance and to access optional adviser training over approximately 12 months. Although this does not guarantee employment, it can provide valuable knowledge, skills and experience.

Due to the training involved and the nature of the work, we are ideally looking for volunteers who can offer regular, longer-term support.

Working Safely

The service completes a risk assessment before every client home visit. Volunteers must use the lone-working app and follow all agreed safeguarding, confidentiality and safety procedures.

DBS

A DBS check is required for this role. Risk assessments are completed before home visits, and volunteers are supported to follow all safeguarding, confidentiality and lone-working procedures.

Help people reconnect with nature, build confidence, and feel part of their community.

Penrose Roots delivers a range of inspiring recovery projects across Luton, including community gardens, social groups, and bike maintenance initiatives. We're looking for enthusiastic, supportive volunteers to help people take their first steps into these life-changing activities.

As a Community Buddy, you'll be matched with individuals who may have experienced long-term isolation, poor health, or a loss of confidence. You'll help them discover local green activities, make a plan to get involved, and, if they'd like, accompany them to their first few sessions until they feel confident attending independently.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference. A friendly face and a little encouragement can help someone build new connections, improve their wellbeing, and rediscover the joy of nature and community.

Location: Based in Luton within a non-residential setting. Unfortunately, this location does not have step free access. 

What is the Commitment?

Because building trust and relationships takes time, we are looking for volunteers who can commit to supporting members regularly - ideally between 4 and 10 hours per week for at least two months.

Volunteering must take place during the service's working hours (Monday - Saturday 10am-3pm) but there is flexibility within that. We will work with you to find a schedule that fits around your life and the needs of the service. 

About You

We’re looking for volunteers who are compassionate, proactive, and ready to make a difference! If you’re someone who can support people going through complex personal situations with empathy and without judgment, we’d love to hear from you.

We also welcome volunteers with lived experience of mental health, social care, or recovery-focused services, as well as those who’ve worked in caring roles or supported loved ones. Your insight and understanding can be incredibly valuable. 

You’ll need to be confident in planning days and journeys in and around Luton independently, and have a positive, encouraging attitude to help others step outside their comfort zones and try something new. Beyond this, we are very open to what you can bring to the team!

What You Can Expect From Us

To support you and set you up for success in your volunteering role with us, you can expect that we will:

• Work with you to find a volunteering arrangement that works for you and for the service. We will be as flexible as we can!
• Reimburse you for agreed expenses relating to your volunteering.
• Welcome you warmly into our team and support you to get the most from your experience.
• Recognise and celebrate your contribution to the team! We can provide references to confirm your achievements and contributions upon request.
• Provide the training and guidance you need to understand the context of our services and to keep you and residents and participants safe
• Provide regular supervision and opportunities to provide feedback on your experience
• You will be eligible to register with Blue Light Discount Card. 

About Us

Penrose Roots delivers community-based recovery services across Luton, from community gardens and social groups to bike maintenance projects. This volunteer role supports our Green Social Prescribing Triage system, helping individuals who have experienced long-term isolation or ill health to access and engage with green projects, build confidence, and reconnect with their community. 

Penrose Roots community-based recovery services are part of the Social Interest Group. SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
 

Additional Information

For information about our volunteer recruitment processes, please see our website and Volunteer Recruitment Policy. 

Ready to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in your community? 

Searching for an impactful volunteering opportunity that works around your schedule? 

Looking to meet like-minded people and work together to support a worthwhile cause? 

At ReachOut we’re offering all that and more through our exciting opportunity to volunteer as a mentor in a local school! 

How it works? 

• Give just two hours of your week to support young people aged 9-14 to build key socio-emotional skills and grow in confidence. 

• Choose a 12-week project at one of our partner schools in your area that fits your schedule. 

• Work with like-minded volunteers with support from ReachOut staff as you get stuck into collective mentoring activities and engaging group games. 

• From creative, to active, to thought-provoking activities on our curriculum, there are so many opportunities to watch your mentees build team-working, problem solving and emotion management skills thanks to your support. 

• If you love it like we think you will, choose to volunteer on as many short programmes as you want! Gain recognition for your hours and through our Mentor of the Term Awards! 

Is this the right opportunity for me? 

• Feel a part of something bigger as you support young people who are constrained by circumstances. 

• Develop your own soft skills that employers look for, including initiative, teamwork, communication and leadership skills. 

• Feel supported by inclusive training ahead of starting and weekly support from your Youth Development Lead on your project, giving you everything you need to excel as a mentor, even if it’s your first time! 

• Don’t be out of pocket! - Simply claim your travel expenses back up to £4/day. We also cover the cost of your enhanced DBS check which is organised for you as part of your onboarding process.

Chelmsford Memory Walk is back for 2026, and so are our amazing volunteering opportunities. Memory Walk is so much more than a sponsored walk. Every year thousands of people come together to remember and bring hope for a brighter future.  It will take a society to beat dementia and by volunteering at Memory Walk you can be a part of it.

This is a walk like no other; this is thousands of people walking for a better future for those with dementia. Join the volunteer team on Sunday 27th September at Hylands Park, in Chelmsford. 

There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event site and along the route. Be part of an unforgettable event experience as you cheer at a marshal point, follow the route as a back marker, sell some goodies or congratulate walkers with their finish line medal. You will have the opportunity to pair up with a friend or another volunteer and we’ll make sure you have everything you need! 

Sign up to volunteer at Memory Walk this September! 

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 18+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but weare flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Volunteer Social Media Assistant

The role of the Social Media Assistant will be to assist the Marketing & Social Media Trustee with ad-hoc tasks and campaign delivery. This remote volunteer role is a fantastic opportunity to hone your social media skills, while helping a growing charity to extend its reach and engagement even further.

You will be working with a team of social media assistants, as well as the events team. This role is varied and provides a great opportunity to be creative; from helping create graphics to promote our events, responding to messages from members of the public, to sinking your teeth into a campaign, the Social Media Assistant role offers a varied and exciting workload.

We welcome applications from minority backgrounds, particularly the queer Muslim community. The post holder would need to be based in the UK

What you’ll be doing:

• Creating graphics and copy for a variety of social media posts

• Helping develop campaigns alongside the Marketing & Social Media Trustee to implement across our social media channels

• Drafting statements in response to relevant global events, to ensure Hidayah is at the forefront,

• Responding to messages on social media channels in a professional and sympathetic manner

• Monitoring engagement on social media channels; responding to messages, engaging with followers and liking/sharing relevant posts from other organisations

Who are Hidayah?

Hidayah LGBT are a UK based charity who are dedicated to supporting and empowering queer Muslims. We operate on a remote and entirely volunteer-run basis, with volunteers based around the UK. We run events for queer Muslims across the UK, from walks and cafe meet ups, to Ramadan Iftars, Pride events, book clubs, and much more. We also provide a safe online community for queer Muslims to connect and find friendships. Our core values of care, connect, and growth, are the heart of everything we do. 

Despite being a small charity, we are growing year upon year. We are in the process of completing our own research, and have created bespoke trauma-informed training programmes for organisations. We want to be able to continue this vital work, and would love to have you be a part of growing our organisation even further.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. As much of the role is ad-hoc, you may find some weeks you devote more hours than others, but we estimate around 2 hours per week are required on average. We appreciate that everyone’s capacities differ; therefore, this is something that can be discussed at the interview stage. 

Knowledge and experience criteria

Essential:

• Have experience of using social media in a professional manner (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn)

• Strong content and copywriting skills; the ability to develop aesthetically pleasing graphics and appropriate, engaging copy 

• Good communication skills

• Creative and proactive attitude, with a willingness to learn

• Can work well independently and as part of a team

• Organised with a good attention to detail; ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines

• Supportive of the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah.

Desirable:

• Have experience of  video editing for social media use/using video editing software

• Previous experience with creating content for charities/non-profit organisations 

• Experience with using social media scheduling tools (Hootsuite) and Canva

• Willingness to attend in-person Hidayah events

• Awareness of issues affecting the queer and/or Muslim communities

What benefits do I get from this role?

• Contributing to Hidayah’s cause. 

• Development of professional and personal skills. 

• Reference for your CV

• Chance to work with some amazing and passionate people

Cardiff Memory Walk is back for 2026, and so are our amazing volunteering opportunities. Memory Walk is so much more than a sponsored walk. Every year thousands of people come together to remember and bring hope for a brighter future.  It will take a society to beat dementia and by volunteering at Memory Walk you can be a part of it.

This is a walk like no other; this is thousands of people walking for a better future for those with dementia. Join the volunteer team on Saturday 26th September at Bute Park, in Cardiff.

There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event site and along the route. Be part of an unforgettable event experience as you cheer at a marshal point, follow the route as a back marker, sell some goodies or congratulate walkers with their finish line medal. You will have the opportunity to pair up with a friend or another volunteer and we’ll make sure you have everything you need! 

Sign up to volunteer at Memory Walk this September! 

Belfast Memory Walk is back for 2026, and so are our amazing volunteering opportunities. Memory Walk is so much more than a sponsored walk. Every year thousands of people come together to remember and bring hope for a brighter future.  It will take a society to beat dementia and by volunteering at Memory Walk you can be a part of it.

This is a walk like no other; this is thousands of people walking for a better future for those with dementia. Join the volunteer team on Saturday 26th September at Ormeau Park, in Belfast.

There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event site and along the route. Be part of an unforgettable event experience as you cheer at a marshal point, follow the route as a back marker, sell some goodies or congratulate walkers with their finish line medal. You will have the opportunity to pair up with a friend or another volunteer and we’ll make sure you have everything you need! 

Sign up to volunteer at Memory Walk this September! 

Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you a fluent Farsi speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships, and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills. 

We are looking for a face-to-face volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour per week who is available between hours 11am – 2.30pm Monday-Friday!

What you will be doing

• To support individuals who are not confident with spoken English to develop their reading, writing and conversational skills through one-to-one sessions.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties
• Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Farsi and English

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 - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

We are looking for a friendly and reliable, qualified volunteer to support a small fishing group. The aim of the group is to reduce social isolation and support wellbeing by creating a relaxed, welcoming space where people can enjoy being outdoors, learn basic fishing skills, and connect with others.

What you will be doing

• Supporting and engaging a small group during relaxed, beginner friendly fishing sessions
• Demonstrating basic coarse fishing techniques and helping clients build confidence
• Encouraging gentle conversation and positive social interaction in a calm, outdoor setting
• Provide a listening ear and friendly, non-judgmental support and encouragement
• Helping to create a safe, inclusive and supportive group environment
• Feedback any relevant observations after sessions
• Supporting with setting up and packing away shared equipment

The skills you need

• A friendly, patient and approachable manner
• Confidence engaging with people who may experience loneliness, low mood or mental health challenges

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.

Read Easy UK is a registered charity that works through affiliated local groups to provide one-to-one reading coaching to adults, using trained volunteers. By enabling people to tackle their reading difficulties, Read Easy also allows each individual to grow in confidence and self-esteem, become more independent, move on to other forms of education if they wish, and improve their employment opportunities. Each affiliated Read Easy group is run entirely by volunteers and aims to provide interesting and rewarding opportunities to all involved to help change lives for the better. 

What you would be doing:

• Developing the literacy skills of an adult Reader who has difficulty with reading
• Meeting with your Reader for two separate half hour sessions each week face to face in an approved venue or remotely on a video call or a combination of both
• Providing non-judgemental literacy support to your Reader
• Utilising your empathy and understanding to support your Reader
• Delivering the phonics based Turning Pages programme with guidance for coaches on every page and using other approved resources
• Keeping records of your meetings
• Liaising with your allocated Coordinator and Literacy Specialist.

Personal Qualities Required to be a Reading Coach:

• Confident reading skills
• Clear communicator
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding whilst maintaining boundaries
• Ability to talk and listen to the person you coach in a patient, positive, encouraging and purposeful way
• A non-judgemental attitude and a positive respect for others, regardless of abilities, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or age
• Ability to focus on your Reader and their needs
• Ability to work alone, seeking support when necessary

What will you be doing?

As part of the Management team you will be responsible for ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.

This will include carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate and provide an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group and to initiate an annual short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting.

Management team meetings are held typically every six to eight weeks, alternating on line and in person.

What are we looking for?

• Experience of adult safeguarding (desirable but not essential).
• Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
• A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
• Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Reasonable confidence in using IT.
• The ability to use initiative and work independently.
• A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
• A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
• Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role. 

What difference will you make?

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life.