Volunteer roles for the Charity Support sector

Harm Reduction Volunteer

Location: The Coffee Tavern, Weymouth

Timings: One day per week

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

Reach Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Dorset. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for adults and young people wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as supporting family members and running campaigns and events that raise awareness of addiction and celebrate recovery in the community.

Reach is delivered in partnership between Waythrough, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and Essential Drug and Alcohol Services. This role is based with the adults service.

We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.

The role:

This role involves supporting the Health Improvement Team(HIT) in delivering community outreach activities across Weymouth and the surrounding areas, often working from the HIT Van to engage with local residents. Volunteers help promote health, wellbeing, and independence among high-risk and vulnerable individuals, providing information, signposting, and encouragement to access appropriate services. The role includes participating in campaign days, community events, and public awareness activities to highlight the support available through REACH Drug and Alcohol Service. A lived experience of overcoming personal challenges is preferred, as this can help build trust, empathy, and meaningful connections with those accessing support.

Tasks may include:

• Supporting with Dry Blood Spot Testing
• Offering Naloxone and delivering Naloxone training
• Campaigning
• Leafletting
• Needle Exchange
• First Point of Contact for referrals

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

Activities Volunteer

Location: Woodcock Court, Gillingham

Timings: 8 Hours per week

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

Reach Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Dorset. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for adults and young people wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as supporting family members and running campaigns and events that raise awareness of addiction and celebrate recovery in the community.

Reach is delivered in partnership between Waythrough, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and Essential Drug and Alcohol Services. This role is based with the adults service.

Activities form part of the holistic recovery offer at Reach, offering the people we support time to connect with each other, with nature and to be more .

The role:

Activity Support Volunteers will support with the running of a weekly allotment group and different projects within the North Dorset team. This is an active volunteer role that will include a range of gardening related tasks but may also include creative activities and group co-facilitation across the North Team within REACH. You will be a friendly, welcoming face to people who join the activities.

Tasks may include:

• Help with setting up and packing away before and after each session
• Providing support and guidance on all things allotment and gardening related; including what to plant when and how to look after the growing plants
• Suggesting how to cook the produce and sharing potential recipes
• Producing charts or information leaflets as required to educate and guide people we support about organic growing from soil to plate.
• (co)Facilitate the sessions, ensuring activities are safe and risk assessed as appropriate
• Report any concerns, including safeguarding related, that may arise in the group
• Support people attending the group to develop their own skills and interests
• Promote the activities on offer with the people we support, through posters, presentations and conversations

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Conduct basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and dependable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Volunteers need to live near Bicester
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

By volunteering with SeeAbility, you can help create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Conduct basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and dependable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Live close to Aylesbury
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

By volunteering with SeeAbility, you can help create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.

At One Degree, our mentors, ambassadors, and teachers are more than just volunteers—they’re lifelines for students often overlooked in their schools and communities. By offering direction, encouragement, and a sense of possibility, our volunteers transform lives while experiencing the profound reward of making a real, tangible impact.

Most of our mentors are young professionals, bringing passion, patience, and empathy to help GCSE/Year 11 students (ages 15–16) navigate their challenges. These volunteers serve as role models, guiding students who might otherwise feel left behind toward brighter futures.

To foster meaningful connections and provide continuity, we ask volunteers to commit to at least three in-person or online sessions per year. This ensures students build trust and form bonds with the people dedicated to helping them succeed.

Join us and be the difference that changes a life.

What time commitments are required?

Preparation

1. Mentor registration (2 minutes)
2. Online mentor training course (30 minutes)
3. Online safeguarding course (30 minutes)
4. Online DBS/CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check (15 minutes)
5. Online personalised 1-on-1 mentor training (2 x 30 minutes)

Total time needed to become a mentor – approximately 2.5 hours

Mentoring

1. Choose availability that fits your schedule – whether it’s 5 hours a week or just 30 minutes a month.
2. Mentor online from anywhere in the world.
3. Adjust your availability as your circumstances change.
4. Focus on mentoring subjects you’re confident in.
5. Access support from our experienced teachers and tutors.

Total time needed to be a mentor – flexible

What it takes

Anyone who meets the following criteria is welcome to apply:

• Able to volunteer a minimum of three sessions per programme
• Patient, empathetic and considerate
• Willing to participate in group activities and sports

Important Note! You do NOT need exceptional skills in Maths or English, or previous mentoring or teaching experience to be a One Degree mentor.

What’s in it for you

Our innovative online version of our in-person programme combines group and 1-on-1 support via our custom-built online network.

We now offer 7-day-a-week mentoring for our GCSE students and programme alumni:

1. This is flexible – with no set days and times, you can make yourself available based on YOUR schedule and you can update availability with our new integrated calendar system (training required here)
2. This is innovative – during our 1-on-1 training we will run through this new addition to our custom-built online mentoring platform where you can a) connect your personal and work calendars b) select provisional availability and c) be booked by One Degree students based on their availability, your availability or by mentor speciality. This also now extends to supporting One Degree alumni.

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

Main duties will include:

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

Requirements:

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

What does the role involve?

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

You will work one-to-one with people in their own home and in the community, providing invaluable practical and emotional support and engaging the person in activities and opportunities that interest them through their wellbeing plan.

What will you get out of it?

• You'll be making a difference to the lives of older people.
• You'll gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact on older people’s lives.
• You'll have an opportunity to build confidence and skills in engaging with people.
• You'll be part of something that is rewarding and enjoyable. 

What is expected of me?

• Volunteers are asked to make regular weekly visits of about to two to three hours on a week day (Monday – Friday), between 9-5pm.
• Interested applicants must complete training in dementia in addition to the other training and induction linked to all our roles. 

Purpose of the Role

As a Collection Tin Volunteer, you’ll play a vital part in supporting Momentum’s fundraising in your local community. This is a friendly, social role that gets you out and about on your local high street, building positive relationships with shop owners, café staff, and pub teams who support our charity or want to start supporting us.

You’ll commit a few hours each month to finding new local businesses to support our cause, as well as visiting existing business supporters to collect full donation tins and replace them with empty ones (at least every three months).

You will be responsible for handling and banking cash in line with the Fundraising Regulator and Momentum’s policies with training and oversight from the Community Fundraiser. To do this, you must hold a valid DBS or be willing to obtain a DBS upon application. Your contribution helps raise essential funds while also spreading awareness of Momentum and the work we do for local families.

We are particularly keen to hear from volunteers able to cover the following areas:

Addlestone, Ashtead, Barnes, Chertsey, Chessington, Cobham, Dorking, Effingham, Epsom, Leatherhead, Shepperton, Sunbury, Sutton, Teddington, Twickenham, and Worcester Park.  Sussex.

By volunteering as a Collection Tin Volunteer, you’ll not only make a meaningful difference locally, but also gain new skills, confidence, and social connections.

Key Responsibilities

· Collecting full donation tins from local shops, cafés, pubs, and other venues

· Replacing collected tins with empty ones in a timely and professional manner

· Researching new areas and businesses for tins to be placed

· Building friendly, positive relationships with local business owners and staff

· Raising awareness of Momentum and its work to encourage new support

· Ensuring all collections follow Momentum’s policies and procedures

· Safely transporting collected tins and returning them as instructed

· Safely counting and banking cash collected in line with the charity’s policies

· Keeping the fundraising team informed of completed collections or any issues

What We’re Looking for in Our Volunteers

We’re looking for people who are:

· Friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic about making a difference

· Trustworthy and reliable

· Comfortable chatting with members of the public and local businesses

· Well organised and able to work independently

· Empathetic and willing to follow policies and procedures, including safeguarding and confidentiality

What’s in It for You?

· Be part of Momentum’s welcoming and supportive volunteer community

· Meet other like‑minded people and build local connections

· Invitations to volunteer engagement and social events

· The satisfaction of knowing you are directly supporting families in need

· Opportunities to get involved in other Momentum fundraising events and activities

How We’ll Support You

You’ll have a dedicated point of contact within the Momentum team and will receive all the information you need before each collection or drop-off, including locations, resources, and contacts. We’re here to support you every step of the way and make your volunteering experience enjoyable and rewarding.

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

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

What does the role involve? 

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

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

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

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

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

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

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

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

We are looking for people who have:

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

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

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

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

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

Volunteering Hours 

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

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

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

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

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

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

We will give you:

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

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

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

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

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

Role Purpose

Our Event Volunteer role is vital in ensuring that we can help families of seriously ill children keep moving forward. From marshalling and providing encouragement at cheer points for those participating in challenge events, helping with running stalls and bucket collections, attending local events to raise our profile to getting into character as ‘Mo’ our owl mascot. The gift of your time is invaluable to our charity.

What we are looking for in our volunteers

We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly, trustworthy people who enjoy being in a group with other volunteers. Depending on the event, you will need to be able to withstand all weather conditions and be happy to be on your feet… or not! Flexibility, self-motivation and the willingness to motivate others are all great traits for Event Volunteers.   

What’s in it for you?

You will be part of the Momentum team of volunteers and will meet plenty of other like-minded, friendly people at whatever event you choose to get involved in. You will gain satisfaction knowing that you have made a difference to the participants and raised the profile of Momentum at the event.

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

What experience do I need?

• You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people
• We ask that you are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people and their families. This involves:

• Spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or their local community.
• You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

• You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with.
• All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your Co-ordinator.

Who am I responsible to?

The parent/carer.

• You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and that clear communication is maintained.
• Feedback must be given to the parent/carer following a visit.

Your co-ordinator and Time2Share@WECIL.

• You must respond promptly to any contact from your co-ordinator.
• You are required to report monthly on any time spent with the child you are linked with, any activities undertaken, and to take part in the annual review.

How often will I be needed?

• We typically ask for volunteers to commit to 2-4 hours a week
• The days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family.
• We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

What about expenses?

• Volunteer travel expenses can be reimbursed on receipt of a claim form. You won’t be left out of pocket.

Time2Share@WECIL is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the children we support. Time2Share@WECIL reserves the right to end a link without notice or giving reason

An exciting volunteer opportunity at Mind in Camden – we are seeking frontline volunteers to help run our busy admin Office and Reception.

We are looking for a friendly and organised person who is able to commit to volunteering for six months as a minimum, ideally for at least one full day a week. We also welcome applicants who wish to volunteer for more than one day a week or who would like to volunteer for longer than six months. Regretfully we cannot consider applications from volunteers who can only commit to half days.

You might be someone with existing administrative skills who is interested in supporting our cause as a mental health organisation or have experience supporting family or friends with mental health challenges or someone who would like to develop their skills and gain administrative experience in an office environment. We provide a range of training of all of our volunteers.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and are happy to discuss any adjustments you may need to the application or role to support any access needs. Please download the role description for a more detailed look at what the role includes and what you can expect.

Role Summary

Working alongside fellow volunteers and staff, you will help keep our gardens and outdoor spaces attractive, safe and well maintained. Our gardens provide a place for reflection, comfort and enjoyment, making your contribution an important part of the experience we offer.

Gardening volunteer opportunities are currently available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. We offer a flexible approach to volunteering, and the time commitment is largely at the volunteer's discretion. Whether you can give a few hours occasionally or volunteer more regularly, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Main duties of this role may include any of the following: 

• Helping to keep gardens and outdoor areas tidy, welcoming and well cared for.
• Weeding, planting, digging, edging, pruning and sweeping pathways as required.
• Assisting with the care and maintenance of flower beds and planted areas.
• Watering pots, containers and garden areas when needed.
• Supporting the upkeep of composting areas.
• Mowing lawns and helping maintain grassy areas.
• Reporting any larger gardening or maintenance requirements to your line manager, such as hedge cutting or tree work.
• Informing your line manager if tools require replacement, repair or sharpening.
• Helping to keep the gardening shed and storage areas organised and tidy.

Experience & qualifications required

· Volunteers will be expected to work independently and should be comfortable undertaking gardening duties with minimal supervision.

· This role does not provide hands-on gardening instruction or training so previous gardening experience is preferred.

Ref: V269 | Communication Partner | Jersey

We’re looking for Communication Partners over the age of 18 years old, based across various locations in Jersey.

You’ll be volunteering: 1 hour visit to a stroke survivor once a week for a period of approx. 6 - 8 weeks. Anytime Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm

The volunteers could be:

• If you are someone who enjoys conversation, meeting new people and likes to try new things, then this role might be a good one for you. 

• To be an effective communication partner you need great listening skills and be able to support people in an empathetic and non-judgemental way.

• Being a communication partner means you gain practical experience of working with people who have been affected by stroke, an understanding of the effects it has on them, and the challenges they face. 

What the role can offer you personally:

• Communication partners also find it helps them develop new skills with a well-respected charity, which can improve their CV and employability. 

• It offers you a chance to meet new people in your community.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role.