Volunteer roles for the Disability sector

We are seeking a qualified barrister or solicitor with at least 15 year’s post qualification legal experience to join our Board of Trustees* as a Legal Trustee, bringing sound legal judgement, empathy and a strong commitment to improving the lives of our beneficiaries.

You will bring:

• Understanding of Court of Protection issues and challenges.
• Experience of working with older people, disabled people or people with a cognitive impairment.
• Warmth, empathy and a non-judgmental approach. 
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and an ability to develop positive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. 
• Judicial Experience is desirable

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to use your legal expertise to make a meaningful, lasting impact.

As a Trustee, you will contribute strategic insight, sound judgement and compassionate leadership to help ensure the Trust continues to meet the changing needs of its beneficiaries.

About Us

The Thalidomide Trust is a unique organisation supporting beneficiaries, now all in their 60s, born with disabilities as a result of their mother taking the drug, thalidomide, during pregnancy. 

They are a remarkable group of people, who have achieved a great deal despite often living with extreme levels of disability, including limb damage, hearing and visual impairment, brain and sensory impairment and damage to internal organs.

Our beneficiaries have very complex and varied needs which are increasing as they age. We have gained an in-depth understanding of their evolving needs through our high level of contact with beneficiaries and our structured programme of three-yearly Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs).

Commitment

• This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
• London / St Neots / Hybrid
• You should also be willing and able to devote approximately 15 – 20 days (plus travel time) per annum to the Trust –and specifically be available to attend three full day board meetings and one morning virtual meeting.

Interested?

If you have the skills, experience, and motivation to help shape the future of the Trust, we would love to hear from you.

More information:

• No contact from agencies or media sales.
• We particularly welcome applications from the BAME community and people living with disabilities.

Application deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 9am

Date for Interview: Wednesday 14 October 2026 (Central London)

* Following a restructuring exercise in January 2018, your formal title will be a Director of the Thalidomide Trust Company. However, you will operate as a charitable Trustee and will be governed by the Charity Commission.

Job Overview
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our drop in group in Crawley that take place on 1st and 3rd Monday of month, 10:30-12:30. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience or perhaps someone looking to train as a speech and language therapist.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

�� Important Eligibility Note: This is an onsite, self-funded international volunteer placement located in Ghana. This opportunity is open ONLY to international volunteers and applicants traveling from outside the African continent (including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica). Because SFLIG operates on a sustainable, grassroots model, volunteers must fully fund their own experience, including international flights, visa arrangements, and the program fee which covers safe community housing, daily meals, airport pickup, and 24/7 onsite support. Local applications cannot be considered for this international framework.

Program Overview

Gain a profound understanding of global maternal health and clinical obstetrics by joining SFLIG Volunteers’ Midwifery placement in Ghana. Tailored specifically for midwifery students, aspiring labor and delivery nurses, OB/GYN residents, and pre-health students, this program offers an immersive look at pre-natal, labor, and post-natal care in resource-limited settings.

Participants shadow local midwives and obstetric nurses in bustling regional hospitals and rural clinics, witnessing firsthand the resourcefulness, cultural practices, and challenges unique to maternal healthcare delivery in West Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Observation & Shadowing: Shadow skilled local midwives and obstetric staff during prenatal consultations, active labor, deliveries, and postnatal evaluations.

• Maternal & Neonatal Triage Support: Assist staff under direct supervision with routine tasks such as measuring maternal vitals, tracking fetal heart rates, and charting patient progress.

• Postnatal Care Assistance: Observe and assist with newborn checkups, maternal recovery monitoring, and educational support for new mothers regarding breastfeeding and infant wellness.

• Community Public Health Outreaches: Participate in local community health caravans focused on reproductive health education, family planning resources, and neonatal care in rural villages.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Current student or graduate in Midwifery, Nursing (with a focus on Labor & Delivery), Pre-Med, Public Health, or a related field.

• A deep commitment to patient privacy, clinical ethics, and respect for cultural birth practices.

• Emotional resilience, high adaptability, and the ability to maintain composure in fast-paced, high-stakes clinical environments.

• Strong interpersonal skills and an eagerness to learn from local, experienced midwives.

• Onsite Commitment & Self-Funding: Ability to travel to and reside onsite in Ghana for the duration of your placement, with the financial capacity to cover all associated travel and program expenses.

Cultural Experience & Weekend Tours

Volunteering with SFLIG is more than just clinical work; it is a full cultural immersion. Beyond your hours in the clinic, you will experience the famous warmth and hospitality of Ghana through local language lessons, traditional cooking sessions, and community gatherings.

On the weekends, you will have the opportunity to join coordinated group excursions to explore Ghana's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Depending on your placement region, weekend tours can include:

• Walking the canopy bridges at Kakum National Park.

• Exploring the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.

• Visiting the vibrant cultural markets of Kumasi.

• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the coastal region.

Program Flexibility & Hours

• Flexible Start Dates: This is an all-year-round opportunity. Volunteers select their own arrival and departure dates to align with their personal, professional, or academic schedules.

• Customizable Schedules: You have the flexibility to determine your daily hospital/clinic shift lengths and the total number of hours you wish to commit each day, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the local culture.

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As Buttons & Bubbles continues to grow, we are hoping to put together a team of assistants who will be responsible for attending in-person fundraising opportunities. Volunteers will help with small tasks at the events we attend and organise. This may include helping children take part in our activities, setting up and packing away equipment, and engaging with families and members of the public. 

Who Are We Looking For? 

• Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging. 

• No prior experience is necessary, but an enthusiasm for creating events and supporting fundraising efforts is essential. 

• You should be happy working as part of a team while also being confident in taking on tasks independently. 

• Be able to commute to Surrey and Berkshire for our events. 

What Do We Expect? 

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you. 

• Have a DBS check (preferably be on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us. 

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us, we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.) 

• Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness. We’re always happy to answer questions about this. 

What Can You Expect? 

• A kind, caring, and nurturing company that values its people, staff, and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work. 

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Therefore, you don’t have to commit your time regularly only when it suits you. 

• A positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations you require will be made. If you’d like to discuss something privately, please email us to arrange a confidential chat. 

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

• Make a difference in your community. 

• Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

• Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

• Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

• Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

• Build your confidence. 

• Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 
• Reasonable volunteer expenses reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a distinctive and values-driven organisation. We are seeking a new Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees and play a crucial role in supporting the organisation’s sustainable future. While prior knowledge of brain injury is not required, the Treasurer is expected to demonstrate an interest in  brain injury, as well as in the Headway community, and to share the organisation’s mission and values.

The Treasurer will lead on the financial strategy, work closely with the Director of Finance, ensuring that financial insight informs the Board’s strategic thinking. This will include thorough pre-review of financial reports ahead of each Board meeting, chairing Finance & Audit Committee meetings, and presenting financial reports to the Board and at the AGM.

The role holder, will support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the charity’s ambitious strategy and governance. They will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and provide guidance to the Director of Finance and Chief Executive on the strategic management of finances.

Other

Apply the Headway London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

Volunteer with halow!

Make a difference, have fun, and be part of our community

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping halow’s young people enjoy new experiences, build friendships, and take part in activities they love. As a Sports & Fitness Volunteer, you’ll support our young people as they take part in a variety of sports and fitness activities. You'll help encourage an active lifestyle, build confidence, and create a fun, inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy getting active and trying new sports. Although our offices are based in Guildford, we welcome volunteers from various places, as opportunities for their support arise all over Surrey. They are not expected to come to us with any previous experience; all we ask for is commitment and a willingness to work with our young people.

Who can volunteer?

No previous experience is needed,we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to support our young people. Although our office is based in Guildford, volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey

Why volunteer for halow?

Our volunteers enjoy the fun of our events and can gain valuable work experience whilst enjoying giving something back to the community, taking on new challenges and sharing their skills to help others. Other benefits include:

• To try something new
• To have fun
• To give something back to the community
• To do something that you feel is important to you
• To meet new people
• To gain valuable work experience
• To take on new challenges
• To share your skills in order to help others
• To build confidence

Join us and help create meaningful experiences and memories for young people across Surrey.

Volunteer with halow!

Make a difference, have fun, and be part of our community

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping halow’s young people enjoy new experiences, build friendships, and take part in activities they love. As an Arts & Crafts Volunteer, you’ll support our young people as they explore a variety of creative activities, including drawing, painting, pottery, and sculpture. You'll help encourage creativity, build confidence, and support them in developing new artistic skills in a fun and welcoming environment. Although our offices are based in Guildford, we welcome volunteers from various places, as opportunities for their support arise all over Surrey. They are not expected to come to us with any previous experience; all we ask for is commitment and a willingness to work with our young people.

Who can volunteer?

No previous experience is needed,we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to support our young people. Although our office is based in Guildford, volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey

Why volunteer for halow?

Our volunteers enjoy the fun of our events and can gain valuable work experience whilst enjoying giving something back to the community, taking on new challenges and sharing their skills to help others. Other benefits include:

• To try something new
• To have fun
• To give something back to the community
• To do something that you feel is important to you
• To meet new people
• To gain valuable work experience
• To take on new challenges
• To share your skills in order to help others
• To build confidence

Join us and help create meaningful experiences and memories for young people across Surrey.

Volunteer with halow!

Make a difference, have fun, and be part of our community

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping halow’s young people enjoy new experiences, build friendships, and take part in activities they love.

As a Social Activity Volunteer, you’ll support a range of fun activities based around the interests of our young people, including bowling, theatre trips, discos, and days out. Whether you can volunteer once a week, once a month, or a few times a year, your time and support can make a real difference.There is no minimum time constraint, all we ask is a commitment from volunteers

Who can volunteer?

No previous experience is needed,we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to support our young people. Although our office is based in Guildford, volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey

Why volunteer for halow?

Our volunteers enjoy the fun of our events and can gain valuable work experience whilst enjoying giving something back to the community, taking on new challenges and sharing their skills to help others. Other benefits include:

• To try something new
• To have fun
• To give something back to the community
• To do something that you feel is important to you
• To meet new people
• To gain valuable work experience
• To take on new challenges
• To share your skills in order to help others
• To build confidence

Join us and help create meaningful experiences and memories for young people across Surrey.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role you can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 
• Reasonable volunteer expenses reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

Our values:

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

Volunteer with halow!

Make a difference, have fun, and be part of our community

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping halow’s young people enjoy new experiences, build friendships, and take part in activities they love.

As a Gardening Volunteer, you’ll support our kitchen allotment, helping to plan, grow, and care for a variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants. The produce grown can be used in our cooking sessions or shared with local community groups. Although our offices are based in Guildford, we welcome volunteers from various places, as opportunities for their support arise all over Surrey. They are not expected to come to us with any previous experience; all we ask for is commitment and a willingness to work with our young people.

Who can volunteer?

No previous experience is needed,we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to support our young people. Although our office is based in Guildford, volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey

Why volunteer for halow?

Our volunteers enjoy the fun of our events and can gain valuable work experience whilst enjoying giving something back to the community, taking on new challenges and sharing their skills to help others. Other benefits include:

• To try something new
• To have fun
• To give something back to the community
• To do something that you feel is important to you
• To meet new people
• To gain valuable work experience
• To take on new challenges
• To share your skills in order to help others
• To build confidence

Join us and help create meaningful experiences and memories for young people across Surrey.

Help shape the future of ABCD Bethlehem as our Trustee (Fundraising Strategy Lead). Help us improve the lives of children with disabilities across Palestine.

As we approach our 40th year, we're developing an ambitious five-year strategy to strengthen our impact, grow our supporter base and build long-term financial sustainability. This new trustee will play an important role in helping us achieve those ambitions.

You don't need previous trustee experience—we welcome applications from first-time trustees as well as those with Board experience. What's most important is that you can bring strategic thinking, good judgement and a collaborative approach.

We're particularly interested in people with experience in one or more of the following:

• Developing or leading fundraising strategy
• Trusts and foundations fundraising
• Individual giving and donor development
• Legacy fundraising
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorship
• Major donor fundraising
• CRM systems, supporter insight or fundraising data
• Supporter engagement and stewardship
• Growing income within a charity or non-profit organisation

You'll also be someone who:

• Shares our commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities across Palestine
• Can think strategically while offering practical advice and support where appropriate
• Is willing to provide constructive challenge and fresh ideas
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a small, committed Board
• Understands the opportunities and challenges facing small charities
• Is willing to champion ABCD Bethlehem within your networks where appropriate

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We particularly encourage applications from people whose experiences and perspectives are currently underrepresented in charity governance.

If you're excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of ABCD Bethlehem and use your skills to create lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Puppy Raiser Volunteers Needed in Cheshire and Lincolnshire

Are you able to welcome a puppy into your home and support them during the early stages of their development? 

Autism Dogs Charity is seeking dedicated puppy raiser volunteers to provide safe and loving homes for puppies as they begin their early training in the Cheshire and Lincolnshire areas.

Placements can be up to 8–10 months when a dog is placed as a puppy. During this time, you’ll help with day-to-day care, routine, socialisation and gentle early learning, with guidance from our team.

We’re based in Cheshire, but puppy raisers can live anywhere in England.

What’s provided?
Food, essential equipment and key supplies are provided, along with support from Autism Dogs Charity.

Could you help?

We are a Manchester based dementia support charity, looking to recruit a team of Volunteer Minibus Escorts, to accompany our drivers onboard our two Together Dementia Support minibuses - helping to pick-up and drop-off our service users before and after groups.

Drivers and Escorts are a key part of our service user experience – you’ll be their first and last contact with Together Dementia Support each week, so we rely on our escorst  provide a to be positive, supportive and enjoyable experience.

Volunteer Escorts will board the minibus with our drivers in the morning (at the Kath Locke Centre, M15 5DD) ready to pick service users up and transport them to the group, which will run for 2 hours. Depending on your availability, once the group has ended there is an option to finish your volunteering shift, or support members on the minibus for the return journey – finishing back at the Kath Locke Centre. We may also ask you to begin your volunteering shift at the group, and then support on the return journey.

You’ll be responsible for our service users boarding and disembark the minibus safely, and engaging with them throughout the journey. You also be expected to stay in good contact with our service users and carers around pick-up times, delays or issues. You’ll also stay in good contact with our office and the group Dementia Support Co-ordinator around any issues or problems.

All volunteers are also expected to adhere to the following Together Dementia Support policies – Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality Diversity & Inclusion, and any other policies deemed relevant.

Minibus Escorts will recieve comprehensive Induction Training, and Moving & Handling Training. You will also have to understake a DBS Check, which we cover the cost for.

Perks & benefits:

• Travel expeneses covered
• On site, free parking available
• All training provided - no experience necessary
• Great experience of working within a health and social care environment
• Opportunity to learn more about dementia, and how it affects those living with the condition
• Opportunity to join a diverse volunteering community, and support local people living with dementia to live better

Benefits:

• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• On-site parking