198 Volunteer roles for the Mental Health sector

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above-mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Support groups are essential for parents and families seeking support. They provide an opportunity for families to meet others who are also living with a family member who has autism, they provide a safe environment for people with autism and their families to attend and meet and they offer an opportunity for families and individuals to share their own experience and listen to others.

What you will be doing

• Ensuring members are informed when there are support groups meetings coming up (via official branch NAS e-mail, social media or text, for example).
• Advertising the support group (posters, leaflets, etc.)
• Attending the weekly support group sessions.
• Sharing information (full training will be given).
• Signposting to other support, professionals, organisations etc.
• Welcoming new members.
• Liaising with other volunteers to ensure there is a volunteer present for the duration of the meeting.
• Accompanying group members in local outings.

Job Title: Online Yoga/Pilates Volunteer Teacher

Reports to: Head of Digital Operations

Job type: Voluntary - unpaid

Hours: Max 1hr/week (30min to 45min class + 15min admin time)

Role purpose:
 

• Deliver accessible, high-quality online Yoga, Pilates or soft fitness/stretching/movement sessions tailored to a diverse community with varying English proficiency levels on Zoom.

• Create an inclusive, welcoming digital environment by utilising gentle, low-impact movements like chair yoga, chair Pilates, and equipment-free stretching. 

• Provide simple, adaptable fitness instruction designed for small living spaces and requiring zero specialised equipment.

Main responsibilities:
 

• Plan and lead engaging weekly 30- or 45-minute online classes using clear, simple English to ensure instructions are easy to follow for all participants. 

• Adapt exercises for limited spaces and ensure all routines require no equipment, focusing on bodyweight stretching and gentle movements. 

• Modify poses and movements to offer accessible formats, including seated options like chair yoga or chair Pilates, catering to different physical abilities. 

• Maintain regular communication with the Head of Digital Operations and track session details reliably using a simple Google Sheet.

Available Times (subject to change):

Fridays (preferred day)

• From 10am to 10.30/10.45am;

• Any time between 12pm and 3pm.

OR

Tuesdays

• Any time between 12pm and 1.45pm.

Yoga / Pilates / Fitness Teaching experience and confidence using Zoom and Google Sheets are essential for this role, as well as a reliable internet connection and your own space to deliver the sessions from.

If you are interested in this role, please end us your CV, contact info, availability, and let us know why you would like to volunteer with us and what you would like to gain from this experience.

SEL Mind’s Benefits Support Service is making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges in the boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Lambeth and Southwark. We empower people by providing compassionate guidance and practical assistance as they navigate the often-complex process of applying for disability benefits.

We are looking for a thoughtful, motivated and committed volunteer with good listening and communication skills to join our Benefits Support Service. You will have experience of working with people with mental health issues, either through work, volunteering or lived experience, and some knowledge of welfare benefits gained through work, volunteering or personal experience. Comprehensive training will also be provided.

The role will involve:

• Supporting clients on a one-to-one basis, either in person or over the phone, to complete Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Work Capability Assessment (WCA) forms
• Helping clients to articulate how their mental health and any related conditions impact their daily lives
• Helping clients prepare for health assessments and, where required, attending assessments with them to provide emotional support and help ensure their needs and challenges are fully heard
• Maintaining organised and up-to-date casework records and documentation
• Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• Keeping the Benefits Support Volunteer Manager and/or Advice Project Coordinator updated about client interactions and your location, in line with safeguarding and health and safety best practices
• Participating in regular support sessions and meetings as part of a collaborative and supportive volunteer team

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

How to apply:

Please visit our website for instructions on how to apply for this role.

South East London Mind is excited to be recruiting for committed volunteer telephone counsellors for our Mindline service.

The Mindline and Crisis Counselling Service in Greenwich has been supporting people for approximately 35 years. The service aims to reduce risk to people in crisis, to strengthen people’s ability to manage emotional difficulties and mental distress, and to seek to prevent people being admitted to hospital. It is highly valued in the community both by those that use the service and those who signpost people to this support.

Telephone support via Mindline is available Monday to Saturday. This includes 4 evenings during the week, and Saturday mornings.

This important role will work under the support and guidance of both our Mindline day and evening coordinators to provide telephone support to those who call the service. You will provide emotional support and, where necessary, signpost callers to more appropriate services to meet their needs.

We ask that our volunteer telephone counsellors commit to an extensive 6 weeks training once a week, undertake a period of shadowing experienced telephone counsellors before being able to take on the role with confidence. We then ask that you commit to a minimum of one 3-hour session each week for at least 1 year.

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

How to apply:

Please find details on how to apply on our website.

Mind In Enfield and Barnet combines over 50 years of experience to improve peoples mental health in Enfield, Barnet and beyond. We are led by lived experience and driven by a passion to support and protect people’s mental health in ways that they want.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Volunteer Meet and Greet to support the Therapy Team at Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB). This role involves sitting at the reception desk and acting as a first point of contact, helping to create a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment for clients, visitors and staff. You will offer clear directional guidance, practical assistance and information about services and activities, helping people feel safe, comfortable and supported when they arrive. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys engaging with others and contributing to a positive, inclusive space for individuals accessing mental health services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help create a friendly and inclusive environment by greeting clients and visitors in a warm and professional manner

• Cover the reception desk and act as a first point of contact for enquiries

• Provide clear directional guidance and escort individuals to their destination where appropriate

• Ensure clients, visitors and staff sign in and out accurately

• Maintain accurate logs of calls and emails in line with service procedures

• Help maintain a tidy, calm and welcoming reception and waiting area

We welcome individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to apply.

Within our organisation, volunteers are highly valued and essential to delivering our services effectively. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of their background. This includes people who have personal or professional experience with mental health challenges. We focus on providing comprehensive training, guidance, and supervision to ensure volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles. We support our volunteers' success and offer opportunities to network and socialise with trustees, staff, and fellow volunteers. We are committed to recognising the meaningful contribution every volunteer makes to our community.

This is a part-time, volunteer (unpaid) role with flexible hours ranging from a minimum of 1 day (3–5 hours) up to 20 hours per week. Hours can be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10:00am and 3:00pm. Please see the attached document for further details.

Please apply to the volunteering email address attached, with a current CV and covering letter explaining your interest in this role. 

Honorary Therapist Placements: London Schools & Specialist Trauma Service 

Are you a trainee or newly qualified therapist looking to develop your clinical practice within a highly specialist service? 

Respond is seeking honorary therapists to join our schools and clinic-based psychotherapy services supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, abuse and adversity. 

We welcome applications from trainees and newly qualified practitioners in counselling, psychotherapy, dramatherapy, dance movement psychotherapy and other creative arts therapies. 

In return, we offer: 

• Specialist experience within a nationally recognised trauma-informed service

• Clinical supervision from experienced HCPC/BACP/UKCP registered clinicians

• Experience working with autistic people and people with learning disabilities

• Opportunities to contribute to assessments, individual therapy and multidisciplinary working

• Ongoing training and professional development

Placements available in Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey and Shoreditch. 

Join us in helping people move from trauma towards recovery and empowerment. 

Breakfast Club Volunteer

Locations: Amadeus House, 18 Corfton Road, Ealing, London, W5 2HT

Timings: Each Tuesday morning approximately 10.00 – 12.00

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. 

The Crisis Recovery House supports people experiencing a mental health crisis, as an alternative to hospital admission, where appropriate. It also helps individuals discharged from hospital who need a brief period of intensive support.

This volunteer role supports the smooth running of the Tuesday Breakfast Club, creating a warm, welcoming and safe space for people accessing the service. As a Breakfast Club Volunteer, you help set up the space, greet attendees, support light activities and conversation, and contribute to a positive community atmosphere. You play an important part in helping service users build routine, confidence and connection as part of their recovery journey.

Tasks may include:

• Prepare the breakfast area in line with Food Hygiene regulations (training can be provided) and service guidance.
• Set up equipment, supplies and the environment to ensure the session starts smoothly and clearing up at the end of the session
• Welcome all guests warmly, helping to create a relaxed and inclusive space.
• Keep an accurate register of attendees, ensuring food allergies and dietary needs are recorded appropriately.
• Prepare and serve hot drinks and toast, ensuring hygiene and safety throughout.
• Introduce new customers to the Breakfast Club and explain what they can expect from the session.
• Support introductions among service users to help build confidence and social connection.
• Encourage the use of weekly planners or similar tools to support routine-building and recovery goals.
• Help facilitate informal group conversations and light activities, where appropriate.
• Liaise with the staff member on duty regarding any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns.
• Assist with clearing and cleaning the space at the end of the session.
• Follow all relevant Waythrough policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, information governance and health & safety.
• Support the development and potential expansion of the Breakfast Club, including new ideas for activities, themed mornings or discussions.

Skills/qualities we would like you to bring to the role:

• Warm, friendly and approachable manner when engaging with service users
• Good communication skills and the ability to make people feel welcome
• Ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds
• Comfortable chatting informally and supporting light group conversations
• Awareness of personal boundaries and when to seek staff support
• Organised and reliable, with good time‑keeping
• Caring, understanding and non-judgmental approach towards people with lived experience
• Able to work as part of a team and take direction when needed
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

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.

Hope and Vision Communities is a small charity providing supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.  We have a Christian ethos, where everyone can be loved and accepted with a sense of belonging, with the hope and opportunity of a new life.  We are growing to expand who we can help to other geographical areas. 

We are seeking a volunteer to help our team with reconciling day to day accounts and bookkeeping, as well as some controlling and administration tasks depending on availability. Our ideal candidate would also be able to compute our annual accounts ready for review by an independent examiner.

In return we will give you support to succeed, a great group of people to work with and the chance to make a real difference to the people we support.

Our phone support volunteers have the important task of calling patients with upcoming appointments to remind them of their visit, provide information for them to change or book hospital transport and to give information about our move to our new Moorfields centre in summer 2027. 

This role is fully remote and we require a minimum of a morning/early afternoon once a week. 

Friends of Moorfields volunteers perform an extremely important job ensuring that all patients who come to Moorfields feel comfortable, reassured and receive the best possible treatment regardless of the outcome of their appointment.

We require all volunteers to undergo the recruitment process which includes some online training and a DBS check.

We will happily provide references/UCAS statements for all volunteers and can provide support in finding work opportunities.

As a train station guide you will be based at either Kings Cross/St. Pancras or Euston station to help direct our patients to the new Moorfields centre based at St. Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE. This may include guiding patients to find the green line which directs to the new site, giving directions to patients to find services such as toilets, bus stops etc. and reassuring our patients that they will be able to locate the new site. 

The training for this role will begin in Feburary/March 2027 and the role will begin from April 2027. If you wish to apply for this role early we can take you on to volunteer in another role but will save your interest in this role. 

Friends of Moorfields volunteers perform an extremely important job ensuring that all patients who come to Moorfields feel comfortable, reassured and receive the best possible treatment regardless of the outcome of their appointment.

We require all volunteers to undergo the recruitment process which includes some online training and a DBS check. All volunteers must be willing to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week for 6 months. 

BFUK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable GCSE tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable GCSE tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.

We are currently looking for tutors in the subjects of:

• Maths

• English

• Science (combined and individual subjects)

• History

• Revision skills for exams

What will you be doing?

• Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person.

• Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to GCSE subject specifications.

• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What are we looking for?

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of GCSE concepts and specifications.

• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

The opportunity to fight education inequities and make a difference in a young person's life

Enhanced DBS Certificate

Safeguarding level one training

Skill development opportunities and practical experience

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Related to

• Teaching

• Education

• Wellbeing

• Children

• Youth

About Bright Futures UK

Bright Futures UK is the only charity dedicated to providing complete and inclusive education support for children and young people facing serious illness. We understand firsthand how a long-term illness can disrupt not only a young person’s health, but also their education, friendships, and future opportunities. Our mission is simple: to bridge the gap between education and illness by offering personalised, flexible support to young people across the UK whose learning has been interrupted by prolonged health conditions.

ABOUT US 

Central and North West London (CNWL) Trust has almost 7,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. 

Arts in Health (AiH) is a step-down service from the Community Mental Health Hubs (CMHH), offering a programme of regular creative activities to support adults with lived experiences of mental health difficulties.

Our programme consists of weekly sessions on a Thursday – taking place at an art studio in W9 and cultural visits to museums and galleries across Central London. 

Participants can attend Arts in Health for roughly 8 months. Therefore, we request that volunteers commit to 8 months (1 term) or the whole year (2 terms) if possible. 

Term 1 runs from Sept 2026 – March 2027 and Term 2 runs from April 2027 – Dec 2027.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We are looking for a local volunteer ‘travel buddy’ to accompany and support a participant from home to the Arts in Health session locations, every Thursday. This would best suit someone living close to Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea due to travel time, but we are open to further afield. 

Participants may need support because they feel anxious travelling alone, going to a new place, taking public transport, have fluctuations in their mental health, or need the accountability of having a travel buddy.

You won’t be attending the 2 hour sessions (2-4pm) of the project, but you will be free to spend those two hours looking at shops, museums, reading, or going to a cafe.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION 

You will need to be available on Thursday afternoons, from late September, to provide weekly support - arriving with your participant at the selected venue by 1.45pm and picking up just after 4pm. This means you'll approximately be needed from late morning until early evening, depending on travel times. 

Travel buddies will have an online induction with the Arts in Health team before the project starts to share more about the project, learn about safeguarding within the team and to answer any questions. 

Programme dates and locations for 2026-27 confirmed once in post. 

Locations 

1. Art Studio -Maida Vale area W9

1. Cultural visit to a museum / gallery* - various locations across central London

*There may be slight changes to time on occasion according to the venue 

KEY TASKS 

• Travel to the participant’s home or a mutually agreed location nearby; meet them outside 

• Supporting a participant to travel to and from the venue, from their home, using public transport, to ensure they get to the session with time to settle before it starts

• Plan the journey from where you greet participant, to the session location in advance 

• Wait patiently for two hours without attending the session, and then travel back to their home location at the designated time

• Encourage the regular attendance of participants 

• Report any issues or concerns to the AiH team 

• Read and follow our policies & procedures - designed to keep you safe, including guidance around confidentiality 

KEY TRAITS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A kind, caring and supportive nature, with an ability to relate positively with both staff and clients 

• Be organised, with the ability to plan travel routes and travel confidently using public transport 

• Empathetic, compassionate, patient, tolerant and considerate 

• Good communication skills, including responding to emails and calls in a timely manner 

• An interest in working with mental health, adults with complex needs and learning more about using the arts for wellbeing and self expression. 

• An understanding of individual patients’ needs taking into consideration cultural and religious requirements 

• Reliability: to be someone we can rely on 

• Committed: to be consistent and dependable

• The ability to work independently whilst staying within the role’s boundaries, recognising what should and shouldn’t be done, when to seek advice or report concerns. 

• Committed to the values and policies of the Trust, including Data Protection and Equal Opportunities

WHAT IS IN THERE FOR YOU? 

• The opportunity to gain experience and develop knowledge and skills of working with adults with experiences of mental health issues 

• Provide a supportive and empathetic service 

• Learn about safeguarding adults 

• Learn more about the ethos and work of Arts in Health 

• Experience and insight into working within the NHS and healthcare sector, and working within a community environment

• Full support and a range of relevant training, including local induction and orientation 

• Access to the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme to support you enter careers in the NHS through volunteering once 30 hours of volunteering have been completed 

• A reference for future volunteering or employment, following completion of at least 60 hours of volunteering 

• Following our expenses policy, reimbursement of agreed expenses

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.