Volunteer roles for the Social Welfare sector

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Our Penrith Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

 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.

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

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

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music group!

What you will be doing

• To develop positive relationships with the service users
• Facilitate a weekly singing and music group with use of instruments
• Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
• Coordinate and plan group sessions
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun

The skills you need

• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

The RAF Fund’s mission is to provide support to all members of the RAF Family during their hour of need. A volunteer in this role will have a direct impact on the lives of members of the RAF Family who are socially isolated by befriending them at their home.

Volunteers in this role will provide face to face befriending support to beneficaries in their homes. These beneficiaries will be those who our Community Engagement Team have identified as unable to attend organised group activities, and where telephone befriending would not be appropriate. The one-to-one social interactions with volunteer befrienders can have a tremendous impact on our beneficairies mood, boosting their wellbeing, reducing loneliness and overall making a huge difference to their quality of life.

Our Community Engagement Team will identify individuals that they know well from their caseload who may be appropriate for one-to-one befriending. Volunteers will initially meet these beneficiaries with their local Community Engagement Worker and a decision will be made by both the volunteer and the beneficiary whether to begin regular befriending visits. 

Once paired, volunteers can organise to meet with beneficiaries at the beneficiary’s home.

Befriending visits are expected to be approximately an hour long but will differ depending on the situation. They should not last longer than 3 hours. They must always take place Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm so that volunteers can get staff support should they need it.

During befriending visits, volunteers are expected to engage beneficiaries in conversation and listen empathetically to any concerns the beneficiary may raise and signpost further support where needed.

Volunteer Befriender: Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham

Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?

Are you a compassionate and reliable person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of families?

Home-Start WKCHF is looking for volunteers to support parents and children who are facing challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.

About the Role

As a Home-Start volunteer, you will provide emotional and practical support to families with young children in their own homes. Your role may involve:                                                                                                                                                     

• Offering friendship, a listening ear and encouragement
• Helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills
• Providing practical support such as accompanying families to appointments, family hubs or groups
• Signposting to additional services and community resources

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly and non-judgmental attitude
• Experience parenting or caring for children
• Good listening and communication skills
• Commitment to volunteering for two hour per week for a minimum of six months
• Willingness to attend free preparation course and undergo a DBS / reference checks

What We Offer

• Free Volunteer Preparation Training Course
• Regular 1-to-1 supervision and ongoing support
• Additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and experience
• Reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteer Social Events
• A chance to develop new skills and meet like-minded people
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on families’ lives

Join Us!

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have a knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is required that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers.

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers.

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

Why we need you 

Our Voice Board brings together members of our community to help shape everything we do as a charity, making sure the voices of children, young people, and their families with lived experience of cancer are at the heart of our work. We’d love to hear a wide range of perspectives and applications are open for young people who have or have had cancer, as well as parents, carers, partners and siblings (applicants need to be 16 or older). If you’re passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and families affected by cancer and want to help influence decisions at Young Lives vs Cancer, we’d love to hear from you. 

By joining the team, you’ll take on the role of Voice Board Member for 2 years during which you’ll have the chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others who have been affected by cancer. After the 2 years on the Voice Board has finished there is also the opportunity to become a Voice Champion, helping to shape and deliver voice work across the organisation. 

What you’ll be doing 

As a Voice Board Member, you’ll use your experiences and ideas to help shape our work and make a real difference for the children, young people, and their families affected by cancer. 

Take part in key conversations 

• Join 4 Voice Board meetings each year to talk about important topics that help shape what we do 

• Take part in optional monthly online discussions about projects and areas of work 

 Work with others 

• Work with other Voice Board members and staff across the organisation 

• Work in partnership with the Voice Team to help shape our voice work 

• Share your views and experiences to help develop ideas and create change 

Use your voice 

• Share your honest thoughts, feedback and lived experience 

• Speak up about the issues that matter most to you and others 

• Help influence decisions, including decisions made by Trustees and Directors 

Get involved in shaping our work 

• Take part in a range of opportunities across the charity, including face-to-face training meetings twice a year to connect with other members and staff 

• All travel and accommodation is provided, and we’ll talk with you about any extra support you might need, including bringing someone with you or joining remotely if you’re on treatment 

• Get involved in optional, ad hoc activities and opportunities to share your story, help design services, and improve how things work 

• Choose how you get involved in a way that suits your time, interests and energy levels 

Help us learn and improve 

• Support us to understand what’s working well and what’s not 

• Share feedback regularly to help us 

Could you help bring moments of togetherness to families facing cancer? 

Families supported by Young Lives vs Cancer are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are a charity that helps children and young people (aged 0-24), and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.  

As an Events Coordinator in the South West Social Work team, you will plan and coordinate a range of events throughout the year; working directly with the families we support and partner organisations. we hope to run events across the region including end‑of‑treatment celebration days, sibling days, festive events and bereavement support events 

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support; it’s reassurance, kindness, and hope at a time when it’s needed most. Your time and commitment can help make the cancer journey a little lighter and leave a lasting, positive impact on the families you support. 

What you’ll be doing 

We hope to carry out regular events across the whole region. Your help will be invaluable in achieving this. Your tasks will include: 

• Helping to organise, co-ordinate and run events. 

• Communication with invitees and organisations involved in the planning and facilitation of events. 

• Attendance of events as a welcoming presence; helping people feel comfortable, supported, and gently connected to one another. 

• Working alongside social workers as a valued member of the team and reporting back to your volunteer manager. 

St Michael’s and All Saints’ Charity, is a philanthropic, grant giving Charity based in Oxford and its purposes are:

1. To help St Michael's continue to be an active church community in the heart of Oxford; and

2. To support local charities focusing on community benefit and relief of hardship in Oxford and the surrounding county.

The Charity finds itself in the position of being able to welcome three new Feoffees who share our values, passion and dedication, who are willing to develop a sympathetic understanding of the work of the Charities and have experience working in an environment governed by a legislative/regulatory framework, be it charitable, non-profit or private sector. 

The Charities invites expressions of interest for the following roles:

· Chair Designate of the Feoffee board; the current chair is planning to step-down in 2027;

· Two Trustees who can also commit to supporting the Charity’s work and approach to grant giving.

Our priority is to gain Feoffees with a sound knowledge and understanding of the charitable sector and need within Oxford and the wider country. Expertise in the legal and property matters would also be an advantage.

Preference will be given to applicants who can evidence experience in at least one of these areas.  The Charity wishes to increase the range of diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise on the board to enhance decision making and therefore encourages applications from all communities and backgrounds.

Additional skills, understanding and experience that would be welcome are:

· Governance, compliance and assurance

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.

We are looking for an Events Assistant who can help us organise monthly community dinners featuring three course meals from around the globe to enable the charity to engage with and attract donors. We require help with running the dinner on the day with tasks including welcoming the guests, serving food and drinks, take payments, setting up and clearing, etc.

You will be working as part of a team to plan and organise other events and fundraisers throughout the year, for example refugee week. You will also be assisting with applying for funds for events including securing raffle prizes, donations of ingredients, material needed, musicians and entertainment, etc.

This role will also include working closely with our marketing team, providing details of upcoming events for promotion; taking pictures and quotes at the event.

Main duties will include:

• Prior experience of events planning and organisation
• A passion and keenness to engage in community-based work to support refugees and serve the local community
• Good organisation skills including: effective time management, punctuality and delegation of tasks.
• A flexible and proactive attitude to working
• Good responsiveness to emails/ text/ whatsapp
• Practical skills to help prepare and set-up the café for events
• Able to work well in a team and communicate effectively with the rest of the staff and visitors of the cafe
• A willingness to learn new skills

Desirable:

• Prior experience working with refugees, people seeking asylum or other vulnerable groups
• Prior experience of involvement in charity fundraising events