Volunteer roles for the Mental Health sector

MHFA England are seeking a Non-Executive Director with expertise in marketing, communications, and branding to assist in agreeing and supporting MHFA England’s strategy, ensuring the delivery of our overall purpose and mission as a social enterprise.

The Non-Executive Director will ensure the human and financial resources are available to achieve MHFA England’s objectives by providing expertise and guidance.

Reasonable travel expenses are covered.

Principal duties

1. Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
2. Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
3. Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
4. Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships
5. Providing expert insight, understanding, and experience relating to marketing, communications, and branding

Person specification

• Board-level or executive experience leading marketing, communications, public affairs or corporate affairs functions.
• Demonstrable experience in Marketing strategy, brand development and B2B marketing
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk, and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Highly developed communication, interpersonal, and teamworking skills
• Collaborative, solutions-focused and able to provide healthy and supportive challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• A strong personal commitment to workplace equity
• Desirable:
  • Demonstrable experience of PR, public affairs, government relations or lobbying.

Application details

Please submit

• A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role
• A supporting statement. This should clearly set out how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in your statement; and not simply a broad claim to have done it - give us examples and dimensions; tell us what this achieved and how it helped meet your organisations' goals
• Please ensure that you indicate in your application any dates when you will not be available, or where we might have difficulty in contacting you
• Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations you may require

Treasurer

Voluntary position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year, held in person, and four online Finance and Risk Committee meetings. There will also be ad hoc engagement with the Finance Director and Chief Executive, and one annual team day.

Our client is one of the region’s leading homelessness and social inclusion charities, supporting around 6,000 people each year to build safe, independent lives. For more than 50 years, they have helped people facing homelessness, poverty, poor mental health and social exclusion by providing compassionate, person-centred support that drives lasting change.

Our client is looking for a finance professional to join the Board of Trustees as Treasurer and help shape the future of a charity making a real difference within the communities it serves.

As Treasurer, you’ll provide strategic financial oversight, chair the Finance and Risk Committee, and support confident decision-making with the Chair, trustees, Chief Executive and Finance Director.

Person specification:

• Financial leadership: A proven track record of providing strong financial leadership and working collaboratively with senior staff, including a Finance Director.
• Financial expertise: Strong knowledge of financial management and practice, ideally with experience in the charity sector and familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. the Charities Act).
• Governance understanding: A clear understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Financial analysis: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess financial data, evaluate proposals, and understand their broader implications.

Our client is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and especially encourage applications from individuals with lived experience and underrepresented groups.

We know that diverse perspectives make organisations stronger. Our client is committed to building an inclusive and equitable organisation and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Applications are particularly encouraged from people with lived experience of homelessness, poverty, mental ill health, or social exclusion, and from communities currently underrepresented in charity leadership.

To apply

For further information about this opportunity and details of how to apply, please view the appointment brief on Prospectus website.

Closing date: 5 August

Interviews: Week commencing 10 August

 OVERALL PURPOSE

This role requires a hands-on communicator who is passionate about profiling service user’s voices and creating opportunities for collaboration. You’ll work with local partners to showcase the impact of WFRC’s projects & initiatives, help generate support for the charity, and profile learning, impact and successes back into the wider community.

For the role to be truly transformational the Volunteer Communications, Engagement & Partnerships manager will need to:

· Build relationships with service users, stakeholders and local partners,

· Generate compelling stories, and support communications strategies that amplify WFRC & its impact in the region.

 OPERATIONAL TASKS

  Communications Strategy Development:

® Co-develop and implement a communications strategy for the WFRC’s projects & initiatives as needed.

Content Creation:

® Generate engaging stories, case studies, and digital content featuring service users, stakeholders and local partners.

® Work with stakeholders to create and share their own content, empowering them to tell their stories.

Digital and Media Engagement:

® Profile local activities and partnerships, creating content and stories for social media and other digital platforms.

® Build relationships with local media to amplify the work of WFRC and its stakeholders.

 Engagement Partner Collaboration:

® Work with the project managers and our local stakeholders to identify opportunities to increase the charity’s profile.

® Attend online and in-person meetings with local partners in Wolverhampton to profile our work.

® Generate partner commitment to WFRC’s campaigns and initiatives.

® Work collaboratively with local stakeholders to deliver communications and engagement strategies that showcase our partnerships and impact.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

· Proven experience of general administrative work, including excellent IT skills (using Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint & Access).

· Proven experience of team management.

· Ideally, some experience of working in the charity sector.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Leadership and the ability to ‘make things happen’

· Good time management skills and the ability to work pro-actively & meet tight deadlines.

· Ability to communicate with a variety of people in a friendly, professional and confident manner.

· Ability to relate to and engage with women & families.

At SARA, we know survivors are the experts in their own experiences. We’re looking for women with lived experience of sexual violence and abuse to join our Expert Advisory Panel and help shape our services, campaigns, and community work across Greater Manchester.

This is a chance to share your insight and ideas in a safe, supportive, survivor-centred space and help drive meaningful change.

You don’t need to have used SARA’s services or reported to the police—your perspective is still valuable.

You may be involved in:

• Giving feedback on services and support
• Helping evaluate and improve SARA’s work
• Contributing to campaigns, projects, and resources
• Taking part in workshops, consultations, and co-production
• Influencing future decision-making

You will never be asked to share personal experiences publicly, and you remain in control of what you choose to contribute.

Treasurer Trustee

Join the Board of Blue Smile 

• Board meetings are held 6 times a year, online

• Finance Committee – meetings are held six times a year, online 

• Occasional in-person meetings/events - including strategy review and planning day once per year, in person 

Salary: Voluntary trustee role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) 
Time Commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per month 

We are seeking a Treasurer Trustee to join our Board and help ensure the charity remains financially strong, sustainable and able to continue delivering life-changing support to children and young people 

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who wants to use their skills for social impact while contributing to the governance and strategic leadership of a respected local charity. 

About the Role 

As Treasurer Trustee, you will be the Board's lead on financial governance and oversight, working closely with fellow trustees and the Charity Director. The role is strategic rather than operational and focuses on ensuring good financial management, sustainability and compliance. 

You will: 

• Support the Board in understanding and fulfilling its financial responsibilities.

• Chair finance committee meetings. 

• Review management accounts and monitor financial performance.

• Oversee budgeting, reserves and financial planning.

• Help identify and manage financial risks.

• Support the approval of annual accounts and financial reports, including the independent examination. 

• Ensure the charity's resources are used effectively in pursuit of its charitable objectives.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of Blue Smile 

Who We're Looking For 

We would love to hear from you if you have: 

• A professional background in finance, accounting, banking, auditing or financial management.

• Experience of budgeting, financial reporting and financial oversight.

• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.

• Strong analytical skills and sound judgement.

• An interest in supporting children's mental health and wellbeing.

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) and/or previous charity experience would be advantageous, but we welcome applications from individuals with transferable financial expertise.

Why Join Blue Smile? 

As a Trustee, you will: 

• Make a lasting difference to children's lives. 

• Use your professional skills to support an established local charity. 

• Gain valuable charity governance experience. 

• Work alongside a committed and supportive Board. 

Our Commitment to Inclusion 

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from individuals from under-represented groups, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities, disabled people and younger trustees.

Safeguarding 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities. Trustees will be expected to support and uphold our safeguarding culture and may be required to complete an appropriate DBS check. 

We're excited to be recruiting a brand new Social Media & Digital Marketing Volunteer to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in marketing and social media management for a non-profit, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people struggling with loneliness.

Key Responsibilities

- Content Creation: Develop original, captivating, and platform-relevant content for social media that embodies the organisation's mission and resonates with the target demographic.]

- Photography and Filming: Capture high-quality photos and videos at events, for campaigns, and for daily content needs, ensuring visuals align with the brand's voice and messaging.

- Social Media Strategy: Keep up-to-date with social media trends, create content plans, and ensure consistent posting to maintain and grow the platform's following.

- Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with partners and agencies to promote our content across other channels and vice versa.

- Social Media Management: Support with the growth of other organisation's social media platforms

- Create engaging content, schedule posts, and interact with the online community to promote events, initiatives, and success stories.

Qualities/Attributes

- Driven by the project's vision and dedicated to addressing loneliness among young adults.

- Outstanding ability to conceptualise and execute trending content.

- Basic video editing skills and familiarity with mobile content tools.

- Independent, organised, and self-directed.

- Welcoming of constructive critique and eager to evolve and collaborate within a team setting.

Your Role

As a Social Media & Digital Marketing Volunteer, your help will not only contribute to immediate outcomes such as increased event attendance and community engagement but also play a pivotal part in the organisation's larger mission of reducing loneliness among young adults and creating a lasting positive impact on their lives.

This is an unpaid role suitable for individuals seeking valuable experience in the non-profit sector, and looking for opportunities for skill development, networking, and making a meaningful contribution to the community. 

When you've submitted your application, you will be contacted and asked to complete a series of questions, so that we can consider you for this role.

Cards for Bravery is a registered charity dedicated to brightening the days and improving the emotional wellbeing of hospitalised and seriously ill children through services such as the distribution of positive handmade cards, care packages, and activity packs.

As part of our charity, we distribute 'Bravery' Packages to seriously ill children. These are care packages full of gifts to help brighten the days of seriously ill children and their families.

As a Bravery Package volunteer, you will assist the charity with coordinating and putting these packages together.

This is a vital role for our organisation and we are looking for reliable applicants. Applicants will work alongside one of our current Bravery Package Volunteers.

This role is hybrid, with remote work online but also requires some volunteering to be completed in person in Braintree, CM7 2NL area. Applicants must be able to travel to this area when needed and travel expenses can be reimbursed if needed. The office is wheelchair accessible. In-person timings can be flexible including weekdays and weekends.

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

An ideal match:

• Someone who is positive, dependable and hardworking and is dedicated to helping us bring smiles to seriously ill children’s faces
• Someone with clear communication, teamwork and time management skills
• Organisational skills
• Creativity skills
• Basic computer skills for using emails, Google Forms and Google Sheets (informal training will be provided but basic IT skills is helpful).

The role will include activities such as:

• Helping to maintain the dedicated bravery package email
• Helping to maintain and oversee the nomination form
• Creating and packing Bravery Packages
• Contacting businesses for potential donations
• Keeping track of stock of donations of items
• Support with distributing and posting Bravery Packages

As a team member, we also require you

• Attend at least 3 monthly team meetings a year (out of 6, remote via Google Meets)
• Be part of a unique team and give ideas to help broaden Cards for Bravery
• Regularly communicate and keep in contact with your volunteer coordinator

Benefits:

• Time arrangements are flexible
• Volunteer hours and certificates can be made available if required
• We will be flexible and understanding to those with additional circumstances such as those who are chronically ill/disabled themselves
• Joining a positive and friendly team!

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly.

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

Love social media, photography or content creation? This is your chance to build real experience while helping a meaningful community project grow.

Join AkiOke and gain hands-on experience capturing and sharing the energy of a music club for young adults with learning difficulties.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to help grow AkiOke — a welcoming music club.

Social Media Volunteer

• Attending sessions help us with our social presence
• Help us share our story on Instagram & Facebook
• Support us in capturing the energy of the group

 Real-world experience in social media and content creation
 Hands-on photography and video skills

 Strong content for your CV or portfolio
 Opportunity to take ownership and shape our online presence
 A chance to build confidence and creative skills
 Flexible, low-pressure environment

WHO THIS ROLE SUITS:

• students or early-career creatives
• Anyone interested in social media, photography or marketing
• Friendly, reliable people who enjoy working with others
• No formal experience needed — just enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Currently looking for applicants within the Belfast Area only!

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.

Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in your community? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people and live in the Edinburgh and Lothian area? If so, we want you to come and join us as a Volunteer Driver.

Our volunteers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten the days for the people they drive. Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.

If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires membership of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme (Children and Adults) and 2 references.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Additional location information

• Edinburgh & Lothian

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Reliable and punctual
• Willingness to work independently

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

We are looking for two volunteers to join our team and cover our reception once a week for 3.5 hours. 

Our office is just a 10-minute walk from London Bridge, staff are friendly and welcoming, and volunteers tend to stay with us for long periods. Shifts are on Mondays or Tuesdays from 12:30 - 4:00pm. Preferably, you will be free and able to commit to a weekly shift for six months, longer if possible. 

In this role, you will:

• use Outlook to check staff availability and whereabouts 
• screen and transfer phone calls to staff or take message to pass on by email 
• give visitors a warm welcome and ensure they sign in and out 
• respond to requests to send information out, mainly application packs and letters
• assist with outgoing mail, franking and posting 
• help with occasional admin tasks as they arise 

You will need to speak fluently in English, to be a good listener and confident screening phone calls; our clients are Scottish and some have strong accents.  Reliability, commitment and good time keeping are key.

In return, we offer:

• Travel expenses (with proof of purchase), and access to free tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits 
• Training, induction and support, to help you feel confident in your role
• Regular newsletters and annual volunteer social events
• An opportunity to work within a small friendly team (25 staff working from home, office and in the community) 
• Opportunities to help in other areas of our work if you are interested in doing more
• A very warm welcome.

Our office can be quiet sometimes, but not always, and your support will be vital to the smooth running of our office, particular when staff are in meetings or on phone calls.

If you're unsure if this is the right role for you, we can offer a trial period with a review after four weeks, and you are welcome to drop by for a coffee and a chat before you apply. 

You must be 18 or over and live in the London area. Our office has no step free access. 

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate counsellor to volunteer their time to facilitate weekly emotional support groups for people living with sight loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for members to share experiences, build resilience, and reduce isolation.

You will lead one or more specialist peer groups, which may include:
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Support Group
• Sight Loss After Stroke Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Support Group
• Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Support Group

Each group brings together individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual understanding and connection. Your skills as a counsellor will help guide conversations, support emotional wellbeing, and foster a caring, inclusive environment.

You will:
• Facilitate a weekly 2 hour emotional support group.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and non judgemental atmosphere.
• Encourage group discussion and peer support while managing boundaries.
• Offer emotional support and signposting where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with ethical guidelines.

What We Offer:
• Full induction and training related to visual impairment awareness.
• Ongoing support and supervision.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by sight loss.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 2 references and a criminal record check.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, South West, South East, North West, North East, Greater London, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, East Midlands, East of England

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• This is an online/remote role.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• We are looking for someone who is: • A qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). • Warm, empathetic, and confident in group facilitation. • Passionate about supporting people affected by sight loss. • Comfortable working with individuals who may be newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in their vision. • Able to commit to 2 hours per week on a regular basis. Experience working with visually impaired people is beneficial but not essential - training and guidance will be provided.

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month)

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• We are particularly looking for Volunteers to Support the West Belfast walk every Friday in Falls Park 10.30 am-12pm We are particularly looking for volunteers to provide support and sighted guiding for the 18-35 meet ups that happen once a month usually in Belfast but may travel from Belfast to other areas for example Hillsborough. It’s one Saturday per month

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.