348 Volunteer roles for the Social Welfare sector

Could you spare just 1 hour a week to make a real difference in Sandwell?

Age UK Sandwell is looking for a friendly Activity Group Volunteer to help run a weekly social group for older people at Hamstead Library, Great Barr.

• Tuesdays, 2–3pm
• Help people stay active, connected and supported
• Training and support provided

Bring your listening ear, positive attitude and a caring approach then we’ll help with the rest.

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Wellbeing Team at Age UK Sandwell supports people aged 50+ to improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through social, physical and community activities. The service helps reduce loneliness and isolation by encouraging community connections, offering one-to-one support, befriending and signposting, and working with volunteers and local partners to help older people stay active, independent and connected.

About the Role

The volunteer for this social group will be responsible for facilitating weekly activity groups for older people. Specific tasks may include:

• To keep a record of attendance
• To facilitate the session on a weekly basis
• To prepare any resources and equipment required to deliver the group
• To report any concerns to your line manager
• To attend team meetings/supervision when required
• To help promote the group and encourage attendance from older people in the community

You will be supported by a staff member in the initial weeks to prepare you to run the group.

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Good listening and communication skills

· Patient, caring and non-judgemental approach

· Relevant skills, knowledge or interest in the activity

· Commitment to supporting the wellbeing of older people

· Reliable, flexible and positive attitude

Training

· Core training (including Safeguarding, GDPR, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity) will be provided digitally or in print as part of your volunteer registration pack.

· Role-specific training will be agreed with your line manager and delivered through a mix of digital and face-to-face sessions.

· You will also complete the Age UK Sandwell induction programme and any additional training relevant to your role.

Join our team of befrienders!

You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community, including individuals with complex needs, to reduce feelings of loneliness, build meaningful friendships, and improvement well-being. You will support people to recite a passion for a hobby or an interest, or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

Through regular companionship and encouragement, you will help individuals rebuild their lives beyond crisis, increase their confidence, and strengthen their connection with their local community.

This is a complex needs service, and we are looking for volunteers who are confident, non-judgemental, and are able to support individuals facing a range of challenges.

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

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

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs.

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.

Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full.

Why we want you

As one of our wonderful volunteers, you can get involved in:

• providing support and services to the MS community
• increasing awareness of, and delivering resources to, people affected by MS
• raising vital funds to help stop MS
• boosting our community voice by advocating for MS research and policy.

What you will be doing

• Creating content for, promoting and moderating group social media channels
• Writing and editing newsletters and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines
• Updating group information resources
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

The skills you need

• Skills and/or experience in what you'll be doing
• Commitment to MS Society policies and procedures
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office, the internet and email will be required for some volunteer roles
• Compassion and sensitivity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required
• A willingness to support the work of MS Society and be a positive representative for the MS community

What's in it for you:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses while carrying out your role

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll provide much-needed help looking after fundraising relationships, and with fundraising activities and events. You’ll help us look after the supporters who are fundraising for us — to make sure they’re happy and feel part of what we do. You’ll also support us with planning and running events, including preparation and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

In this role you’ll develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

Why we want you

As one of our wonderful volunteers, you can get involved in:

• providing support and services to the MS community
• increasing awareness of, and delivering resources to, people affected by MS
• raising vital funds to help stop MS
• boosting our community voice by advocating for MS research and policy.

What you will be doing

• Raising vital funds as part of a team or fundraising group
• Assisting at fundraising events
• Promoting the group’s Enthuse fundraising page
• Contacting our fundraising supporters to keep them updated and involved
• Identifying and participating in local fundraising opportunities
• Following our health and safety guidance
• Coordinating and supporting other volunteers involved in fundraising
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities.

The skills you need

• Skills and/or experience in what you'll be doing
• Commitment to MS Society policies and procedures
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office, the internet and email will be required for some volunteer roles
• Compassion and sensitivity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required
• A willingness to support the work of MS Society and be a positive representative for the MS community.

What's in it for you:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role

As a Care Home Support Volunteer you will provide valuable support to the care home team by offering a flexible approach and completing or assisting with tasks as required.

There are so many things to help with, either with residents directly or supporting staff and we would like volunteers to be flexible but also to choose what they are comfortable with. Tasks could vary week to week and include supporting with activities, admin, serving meals and refreshments and more.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a current resident of the UK.
• Must have the legal right to volunteer in the UK.

Volunteers Wanted! Help Bring Our Rewilded Nature Trail to Life

The Sherriff Centre is looking for enthusiastic, community-minded volunteers to help care for and bring our new Rewilded Nature Trail to life in West Hampstead.

You could help with guided nature tours, gardening and seasonal maintenance, looking after our wildlife habitats, or simply helping keep the trail welcoming and accessible.

No experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved! You’ll learn about biodiversity and sustainability, meet new people, gain practical experience and make a visible difference to your local community.

We welcome people who can volunteer regularly or occasionally, including weekdays, weekends and school holidays. Full training and support will be provided.

Interested? Send us your CV and a little about yourself and we'll send you an application form.

We are seeking a dedicated and friendly person with a passion for cooking to cook a healthy community meal for our lunch service on Tuesdays and/or Fridays.

The community kitchen chef volunteers will play a vital role in supporting Mind in Camden’s wider group services, including the Healthy Minds Community Programme and Phoenix Recovery Service. We support adults (18+) living in Camden who may be experiencing mental health challenges, isolation, or social exclusion.

A key part of our services is providing healthy home cooked meals for our community members twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). As a Community Kitchen Chef volunteer, you will gain valuable frontline experience cooking a community meal for adults with a range of mental health needs. You will work collaboratively with other volunteer chefs to design healthy menus that are guided by suggestions and requests from our community members.  You will be challenged to create delicious meals using a limited budget and minimising food waste.

*Please note we require a minimum of 6 months commitment to your volunteering role.

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Drama Class Volunteer to support our weekly Friday afternoon sessions (1.30-3.30), held at St Faith’s Community Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations). This position would begin in September 2026.

About The Role

We're looking for someone with a background in drama to support our tutor in delivering accessible and fun drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.

As a Drama Class Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
• Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
• Participate alongside learners where appropriate
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help cultivate a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves
• Offer creative input and feedback

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone with:

• A background or strong interest in drama, theatre, or performance
• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Join Our Board - Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join us at an exciting time of growth.

Merton's voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector is full of energy, ideas and people determined to make a difference. As the borough's infrastructure charity, Merton Connected sits right at the heart of it: connecting, supporting and championing the organisations that support local people every day.

Now we want you to help shape what comes next.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to inclusive community development. Whether this would be your first governance role or you've supported other boards before, what matters most is your perspective and your willingness to engage.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with insight or experience in:

• Charity management
• Public health, health and social care integration, or partnership working between statutory and VCS organisations
• Marketing and communications
• Digital and AI operations
• Income generation and fundraising
• Impact and performance measurement

We also warmly welcome applicants with diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong connection to Merton. There's no single profile we're looking for, and different viewpoints make us stronger.

What you'll be doing

As a trustee, you'll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You'll join a collaborative, supportive board that works closely with our leadership team to ensure Merton's voluntary, community and faith sector continues to thrive.

What you'll gain

• The chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people's lives
• Insight into how a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity works from the inside
• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your own strategic and leadership skills
• A place on a welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

The practical bit

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: A full induction is provided, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

We are actively seeking to expand our board and hope to make at least two trustee appointments over the next two months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may appoint additional trustees where their skills and experience complement the board.

Ready to find out more?

Please apply with your CV and a few screening questions

Community Interaction & Behaviour Change Communication

· Visit villages, urban communities, and schools

· Interact with families, women, and children

· Understand local health practices, challenges, and needs

· Support ongoing community health programs

Hygiene Awareness Campaigns

· Conduct awareness sessions on:

o Personal hygiene (menstrual hygiene , handwashing, cleanliness)

o Sanitation practices

o Safe drinking water and hygiene habits

· Use creative methods like posters, demonstrations, and group activities

Basic Health Education

· Assist in delivering sessions on:

o Menstrual hygiene .

o Preventive healthcare

o Nutrition and balanced diet

o Common diseases and basic prevention methods

· Support local team in simplifying health messages for communities

School Health Programs

· Organize interactive sessions in schools on:

o Hygiene practices for children

o Importance of cleanliness and health

· Conduct activities such as:

o Games and quizzes

o Awareness discussions

o Health-focused storytelling

Women’s Health & Menstrual Hygiene Awareness

· Support workshops on:

o Menstrual hygiene management

o Breaking myths and stigma

o Importance of hygiene and health for women

· Assist in distributing educational materials

Research & Data Collection

· Conduct basic surveys and collect community feedback

· Observe and document hygiene practices and health awareness levels

· Assist in preparing reports and case studies

Campaign Design & Creative Outreach

· Help design:

o Awareness posters

o Educational materials

o Social media campaigns

· Participate in community awareness drives and local events

Community Interaction & Behaviour Change Communication

· Engage in conversations with community members

· Promote positive behaviour change related to hygiene and health

· Learn how communication strategies influence public health outcomes

Documentation & Storytelling

· Document field experiences through:

o Photography

o Blogs

o Video storytelling

· Share impact stories and community voices

This role is working therapeutically alongside a child/young person on one of our bereavement support programmes in a group setting.  Ideally you will have experience in working with children.

You will be working therapeutically with your allocated child.  You will have a group leader who will guide you through the structure of each day. There is also a program manager who will oversee and facilitate the whole weekend program.

You will also be expected to attend a debrief at the end of the weekend and also complete detailed documentation on the child/ young person you have been working with.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided during a weekend.  We will pay 45 pence per mile to cover your travel expenses. We will provide training (Safeguarding Children, Volunteer Induction Day and other specialist training days).

You will also have the opportunity to observe a weekend programme in action before you work with a child / young person. We will pay for your DBS check and provide you with a t-shirt with our logo on.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.