Volunteer roles for the Social Welfare sector
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.
Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.
What you will be doing
- Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
- Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
- Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
- SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
- Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
- Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
- Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.
The skills you need
- Be friendly and approachable.
- Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
- Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
- Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
- Basic IT skills would be an advantage.
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
- Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar ofevents to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Communication with branch volunteers
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Strong administration skills
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar ofevents to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Communication with branch volunteers
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Strong administration skills
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar ofevents to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Communication with branch volunteers
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Strong administration skills
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar ofevents to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Communication with branch volunteers
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Strong administration skills
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar ofevents to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Communication with branch volunteers
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Strong administration skills
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar ofevents to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Communication with branch volunteers
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Strong administration skills
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
It’s an exciting time to join Victim Support, as we prepare to begin delivery of the Witness Service from April 2026. We look forward to welcoming current Witness Service staff and volunteers to Victim Support — and we’re also now beginning recruitment for several new roles and to fill vacant positions.
The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales — both for the prosecution and the defence.
Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence.
The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, and friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.
This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high-quality, high-impact and trauma-informed service — so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court.
Witness Service Volunteers provide support to victims and witnesses of crime prior to and during the court process helping them to feel safe and informed.
Why volunteer with us?
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Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and witnesses.
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Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
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Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 2,000 volunteers and staff.
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Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.
What do we ask of you?
In order to join us as a Witness Service Volunteer, you must:
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Be 18 years of age or over.
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Be able to volunteer for at least 1 day per week, for at least 12 months.
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Undertake training - this includes virtual training days as well as completing online learning modules.
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Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
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Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
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Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.
Diversity Matters
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VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
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VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
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We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Age UK Milton Keynes is looking for keen individuals to join our Board - people who want to make a real and positive difference on quality of life for older people and would like to share their skills and ideas for the benefit of the charity.
Age UK Milton Keynes is a local independent charity working to improve the quality of life for all the older people living in Milton Keynes. We do this by providing a range of services which help people to stay in their own homes. We also provide a social network to help keep our clients involved with their community as well as working closely with other organisations who can provide support.
As our organisation represents all older people in Milton Keynes, it is important that our Board also represents our diverse community. Therefore, we encourage applications from a broad range of applicants, especially currently under-represented groups.
You will be willing to apply your skills and experience in regular Board meetings, (4 per year all day), Trustee only meetings (2 per year) as well as other ad hoc meetings around your subject matter expertise as may be needed.
We welcome enthusiastic and focused applicants who can offer knowledge and expertise in the following areas:
- Fundraising
- Financial Management
- Social Care Sector
- Governance
- Equity Diversity and Inclusion
However, if your skills lie in other directions, we would still love to hear from you!
The Board is looking to establish more robust succession planning for the Chairperson and Treasurer - so would welcome such ambitions, leadership and expertise in new members.
Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step, we would like to hear from you.
PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT RESIDENT IN THE UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join us a mediation volunteer! You will have the chance to help your local community and gain full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.
North Hampshire Mediation Partnership with Citizens Advice Rushmoor offer a free and confidential service helping local residents resolve disputes and improve communication. Our trained volunteer mediators work with neighbours, families and individuals to support peaceful resolutions and stronger community relationships.
Volunteering with us is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference, develop valuable skills in active listening and conflict resolution, and be part of a supportive team. Whether you’re looking to give back to your community or gain experience in mediation, we’d love to hear from you.
We offer full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.
We are looking for people with the following skills:
- Active Listening – hearing and understanding what people are saying, both verbally and non‑verbally
- Empathy – showing compassion and understanding for people's feelings and perspectives
- Impartiality – staying neutral and non‑judgemental, even in emotionally charged situations
- Calm and Patient – remaining composed and supportive when conversations become difficult
- Good Communication – clear, respectful communication with clients, fellow mediators and the service
- Confidentiality – maintaining privacy and trust at all times
- Teamwork – working collaboratively with another mediator during cases and contributing to a supportive volunteer team
- Reliability – attending training, supervisions and scheduled mediations consistently
- Willingness to Learn – being open to feedback and committed to developing mediation skills through training and practice
Mediations typically take place a couple of times a month, so it isn’t a regular weekly commitment. Instead, we ask for flexibility and a willingness to support the service as and when required. Some clients can only attend sessions in the evening, and while weekend work is rare, it may occasionally be needed. It is a meaningful and rewarding role where you can make a real difference, develop valuable skills and be part of a supportive team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Health Hub, in partnership with BrisDoc, provides access to healthcare for women who street sex work.
On Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesday the women can see a specialist nurse, sexual health nurse, and GP. Women can also access the things they need like clothing and hot food.
Hairdresser- Health Hub volunteer: Role Description
As part of the women’s access to health care we would like to offer free haircuts during Health Hub to the women, to help them with self-confidence and promote self-care.
We are looking for a qualified hairdresser to run a drop-in clinic for the women once a month on a Tuesday.
This post is open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Following the recent Supreme Court judgment, this part of the Equality Act now means we may only consider applications from women who were assigned female at birth for this role. We welcome applicants to get in touch with us if they’d like to discuss this further.
Commitments needed:
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One Tuesday a month from 12-4pm
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To complete a volunteer induction
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Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol.
Attributes and qualifications needed:
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NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing
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Confident working with a variety of hair types and styles.
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Commitment to maintaining dignity, choice, and respect for all individuals.
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Reliable and punctual
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Communication skills and listening skills
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Able to hold client focused conversations
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Compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental
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Willing to implement boundaries when needed
Tasks will involve:
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Provide basic hairdressing services such as:
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Trimming and cutting hair
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Blow-drying and styling
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Tidy-ups
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Create a friendly, respectful, and person‑centred experience for clients.
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Listen to each individual’s preferences and deliver styles that suit their needs.
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Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety within the working area.
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Follow the services safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries guidelines.
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Work collaboratively with staff and other volunteers to support smooth service delivery.
In return you will:
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Join a passionate and enthusiastic volunteer team.
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Receive an induction to One25 and support from experienced staff
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Be part of a friendly, fun and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
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Have the opportunity to have an impact on women’s lives
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A reference provided after 3 months.
This role is perfect for some who wants:
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An introduction into the charity sector (women’s crisis intervention)
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To learn about the women we support and how our trauma informed approach makes an impact
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To contribute to the mission of One25.
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Additional Requirements
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Basic DBS check
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Two references.
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Agreement to follow Volunteer Code of Conduct
To meet women who street sex work where they are, supporting them to move from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.
Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.
What you will be doing
- Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
- Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
- Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
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.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



This is a great opportunity to get involved and make a real difference by providing valuable administrative support at our Head Office in Newmarket. We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic volunteer who would like to use their existing admin skills and experience to support a dynamic charity at the heart of the racing industry.
If you’re organised, proactive and enjoy being part of a friendly team, we would love to hear from you!
As a Volunteer Administrator, you'll bring your office experience and IT skills to support Racing Welfare’s daily operations. You’ll be comfortable using Microsoft Office programmes like Outlook, Word, and Excel and able to work independently with flexibility. All volunteers must maintain confidentiality and follow Racing Welfare's confidentiality policy and procedures.
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 day per week, flexible based on availability.
Key Responsibilities:
• Photocopying and scanning documents
• Responding to general enquiries via email and telephone
• Contacting external organisations/suppliers for quotes
• Processing card payments over the phone, including donations
• Sending letters and cards
• Compiling attendance lists/ coach registers for events
• Maintaining accurate, up-to-date records according to organisational guidelines and procedures
• Participating in supervision and ongoing training as required
• Helping with other miscellaneous office duties such as tidying/sorting the offices, stock checks and stationary orders etc.
• Taking telephone messages
Required Skills and Attributes:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Office programmes, including mail merge.
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and face-to-face communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality and a professional attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to collect, review, and disseminate information effectively
• Ability to work well within a team and establish effective working relationships
Support and Training:
We will provide all necessary materials and training, including safeguarding training, health and safety and data protection. You will receive continuous support and guidance from a dedicated member of staff throughout your volunteering role.
Benefits of Volunteering with Racing Welfare:
• Be part of a friendly, dedicated team and meet new people
• Continued development of your administrative and communications skills
• Experience the reward of supporting your local and national community
• Gain valuable skills and experience to enhance your CV
• Claim previously agreed out-of-pocket travel expenses
Important Information
• Safeguarding Training: Must be completed before starting the role.
• DBS Check Required: This role is subject to a Basic DBS check, which will be organised and paid for by the charity.
• Two references: Must be completed before starting the role
• Access to Transport Required: No, however, it may be needed if not local to the head office in Newmarket.
• Age Requirement: 18 years or above.
Interested?
For more information, or to apply, please contact use via email outlining your skills and experience and providing a short summary of how you meet the role description.
If you’re shortlisted, we will invite you to our Head Office for an interview. After that, there will be an informal face-to-face chat with a few members of the team, so you can get to know us and we can get to know you a little better. Volunteers join us for an initial six-month trial period, with continuation based on mutual agreement and shared expectations.
To learn more about what we do visit our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are pleased to invite applications for the following opportunity:
Weekend Service Volunteers
Interested in making a difference in your community? Want to be inspired by other like-minded people? We would like to invite you to volunteer in a unique service user charity working with individuals who have or have had substance use issues. We have more than 10 different locations across London and Sussex, we will make sure to find the best place and role for you.
Build on Belief is keen to encourage applications from people with diverse lives and experiences, including ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social & economic background as well as lived or associated experience of alcohol and other drug problems.
In return, we do our best to make volunteering fun, worthwhile, and pledge ourselves to treating everyone fairly and as an equally valued member of the team.
There are many ways you can volunteer with us such us helping to set up our space for the day ahead, making food and drinks, supporting staff with registration and contract filling, listening to and socialising with service users, monitoring behaviour in the service, answering phone calls, taking part in games and activities and so on. We will make sure to place you in the best role according to your skills, wishes and availability.
What can you get from volunteering with us?
· Paid travel expenses
· We provide food in our services for all volunteers and services users.
· We offer a wide range of training workshops that are intended to ensure you can undertake your role safely and with confidence. They are fun, informative, free to access and there is no written work! You may attend as many as you want as often as you want.
· We will offer you one-to-one supervision with a paid member of staff.
· We will always place your welfare above the needs of the charity.
· Any concerns you have about your role will be taken seriously and addressed to the best of our ability.
· Opportunity to grow within the organisation.
What do we expect from our volunteers?
· Commitment and Honesty
· Willingness to Learn
· Non-Discriminatory approach towards our service users, staff and other volunteers
· Appropriate behaviour: You will be working with an occasionally difficult and often vulnerable client group. You will have to work hard to maintain your boundaries. We will support you and provide you with training on how to have a healthy, meaningful experience.
· Teamwork: It is important to remember that we work together as a Team, and we will be there every step of the way to help you feel welcome and safe in our brilliant team.
Extra Information
Still in treatment and having the odd binge? We can work with that. Never had a paid job and with no real experience of routine and structure? Not a problem. Little or no education, and find it a struggle to read and write? It doesn't matter. Anxious and lacking in confidence? We can work on that together. The only caveat being that volunteers cannot be under the influence of a non-prescribed mind-altering substance when they turn up to volunteer.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with us and she will support you with the next steps.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Build on Belief, 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.
We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework.
About the CARAS Adult Team:
In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for Digital Skills Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
The Digital Skills group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the digital skills sessions is as follows:
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Tuesday evenings 4pm to 6pm
Volunteers are required to attend one session per week. They are also welcome to come early and support ESOL classes before the Digital Skills sessions, where appropriate.
The Tuesday Digital skills sessions focus on practical, accessible digital skills, such as, but not limited to:
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Using computers, tablets, or smartphones confidently
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Keyboard and navigation skills
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Using email and online communication tools
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Accessing learning platforms and online resources
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Online safety and digital wellbeing
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Using digital tools to support English learning, homework and study skills
The aim of the Digital Skills sessions is to build independence, confidence, and digital inclusion, supporting young people to engage more fully with formal education and everyday life in the UK. Enrolments to the programme are based on rolling admissions, requiring adaptability to the changing digital skills needs of the group through participatory enquiry led by the ESOL teacher.
The ESOL teacher will provide guidance, session plans, and tips for supporting learners with emerging English, including how to explain digital concepts in clear, accessible ways.
Volunteers will typically work with 1–5 students, offering one-to-one or small group support and adapting tasks to different ability levels.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing one-to-one or small group support during Digital Skills sessions
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Supporting young people to use digital devices and software confidently
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Helping to set up the classroom and digital equipment
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session
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Sharing observations on learners’ progress, challenges, and successes
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Making use of any community languages if any, to support learners’ understanding
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Working collaboratively as part of a team and helping to shape the project
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Supporting young people to recognise and celebrate their achievements
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Showing flexibility to a wide range of ability levels and confidence with technology
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, and all other relevant policies
Requirements:
Essential:
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Aged 18 years or older
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An interest in education, digital inclusion, and supporting young people
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Confident using computers, smartphones, or tablets
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Currently resident in the UK or has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses and willing to undergo a DBS check
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DBS and proof of residency are not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to starting
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed)
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Non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds
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Reliable and punctual, with a commitment of at least one session per week for a minimum of 4 months
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English
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Willingness to explain digital concepts patiently and clearly
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Ability to volunteer during Wandsworth term time
Desirable
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Experience supporting young people with digital skills or IT (formal or informal)
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Knowledge of community languages such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali, or Spanish
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Experience working with young people, refugees, or learners of English in a work or volunteer capacity
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Interest in using digital tools to support language learning
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
To Apply:
Successful applicants will be invited to a taster session at CARAS, following which they will have an informal interview with a staff member of the CARAS ESOL team and a community member. All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. These meetings and the induction training will be on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP!
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


