Vocational/Services Volunteer Roles

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the Branch Coordinator, Cat Welfare team, Branch Development Manager and Vet team to ensure that CP cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied in branch
• Support fosterers to follow Cats Protection cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified Cats Protection systems
• Attending relevant Cats Protection volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers using Cats Protection processes
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cats Protection Cat Adoption Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting other volunteers in direct cat care roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A willingness to follow Cats Protection policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge and experience of cat welfare
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to engage with people on all levels, to build strong and effective relationships
• A willingness to develop themselves and others and to update knowledge and skills as necessary
• Good administration and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• The ability to handle sensitive issues with objectivity and pragmatism
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

The time expectation for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders usually spend between 10 to 12 hours per week in this role which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

About our Conversation Class Teacher volunteer role

IRMO’s ETE Programme aims for its beneficiaries to build skills to start and progress in the UK education and labour market and increase civic, cultural, and social participation in the broader community. The Conversation Class Teacher volunteer will deliver IRMO Conversation Class lessons as suitable, required and in support of our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision for adults. You will work closely with the ETE Education Assistant to support language development among IRMO ESOL Courses learners, following a scheme of work and basic course outline and planning the lessons at beginner and advanced levels (as allocated) according to your teaching approach, methods and techniques.

Main tasks and responsibilities of the role:

● Planning, preparing and delivering high-quality lessons to a range of classes and levels in a community setting.

● Providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for learners, reinforcing and practising English focusing on particular areas of the learner's language.

● Ensuring learners’ participation during classes and monitoring attendance.

● Providing opportunities for social engagement to support learners to become more independent (eg. explaining necessary processes about daily life).

● Promoting and encouraging language improvement (eg. motivating learners to participate in language learning activities such as conversation classes).

● Keeping classes on track according to the syllabus and learning outcomes instructed.

● Undertaking any other administrative tasks, consistent with the purpose of the role as required.

● To deliver all aspects of this role description in adherence and compliance with IRMO's Policies and Procedures.

Person specification

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a genuine vocation for supporting vulnerable Latin American migrants and refugees and a passion for teaching.

Skills and abilities

● A recognised ESOL qualification, such as those listed on the TESOL website, is essential (e.g.TEFL or CELTA) or equivalent experience.

● Competence in Google Workspace, online video conferencing tools (Zoom, Skype, Google Meets), Word, Excel and PowerPoint (E).

● Confidence and enthusiasm about working in a multicultural and multilingual environment and commitment to the principles of equal opportunities.

● Punctuality and professional manner.

● Ability to work resourcefully and in collaboration with others. Personal attributes

● Professional and positive attitude.

● Self-motivation and resourcefulness .

● Commitment to applying a non-judgemental, non-discriminatory and nonhostile approach when dealing with migrant and refugee communities.

● A welcoming and empathetic approach to work that takes into account people's circumstances and feelings and whose needs may vary or change over time.

● Commitment to IRMO's mission, vision and values.

Additional requirements

● Two references from current/previous employers and/or volunteering.

● Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO).

● Safeguarding Level 1 certificate (completed through IRMO).

● One-month trial period.

Volunteer Opportunity: Employability Skills Programme Lead at REMIX

About Us: 

REMIX is a newly established youth charity based in London. We are dedicated to empowering young people by providing essential life skills, employability skills, personal development, mentoring, and other youth work activities. Our mission is to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life successfully and contribute positively to their communities.

Role: Employability Skills Programme Lead

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and delivery of our Employability Skills Programme.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage young people in the programme.
• Collaborate with other team members and stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of the programme.
• Evaluate the impact of the programme and make necessary adjustments to improve our services.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to young people, helping them to develop essential employability skills.

Requirements:

• Passionate about youth development and empowerment.
• Previous experience in employability skills training, mentoring, or a related field.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to volunteer flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of young people.
• Gain valuable experience in employability skills training and charity management.
• Be part of a passionate and dedicated team.
• Training and development opportunities.

How to Apply: 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and have the skills and experience for this role, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role.

REMIX is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

REMIX

EMPOWER | INSPIRE | TRANSFORM

Volunteer Opportunity: Head of Youth Work at REMIX

About Us: 

REMIX is a newly established youth charity based in London. We are dedicated to empowering young people by providing essential life skills, employability skills, personal development, mentoring, and other youth work activities. Our mission is to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life successfully and contribute positively to their communities.

Role: Head of Youth Work

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the delivery of our youth work activities.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage young people in our programmes.
• Mentor and guide young people, helping them to develop essential life and employability skills.
• Collaborate with other team members and stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of our programmes.
• Evaluate the impact of our work and make necessary adjustments to improve our services.

Requirements:

• Passionate about youth development and empowerment.
• Previous experience in youth work, mentoring, or a related field.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to volunteer flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of young people.
• Gain valuable experience in youth work and charity management.
• Be part of a passionate and dedicated team.
• Training and development opportunities.

How to Apply: 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and have the skills and experience for this role, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role.

REMIX is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

REMIX

EMPOWER | INSPIRE | TRANSFORM

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team

must have access to a car to enable visits to the centre or the nominated veterinary clinic.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Framlingham & Saxmundham

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

Unfortunately thousands of cats each year are abandoned or have strayed and rely on charities like Cats Protection for help. Becoming a TNR volunteer is one way you can make a real difference to cats in your local area. Our TNR volunteers help reduce the number of feral cats by raising awareness of our TNR programmes, setting humane traps to safely capture cats, taking them to local vets to be neutered, and hopefully returning them back to their territory. Local TNR programmes are crucial, as feral and abandoned cats present a huge challenge for communities across the UK.

What can you expect to be doing? 

• Trapping cats using humane methods
• Taking cats to local vets to be neutered 
• Returning cats to their territory or finding a suitable alternative

The role might also include:

• Regular feeding of feral colonies
• Promoting neutering by building relationships with farmers, land owners and local businesses
• Liaising with vets to promote and arrange neutering 

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping reduce the number of unwanted cats and improving the lives of cats in your local area. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Basic knowledge of cats and cat care
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• A well organised and practical approach
• Patience and perseverance
• The ability to deal with sensitive situations
• Good communication skills
• A full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle  

Time expectation 

This is a flexible role and the hours will vary depending on the number of cats identified for specific TNR campaigns. Our current TNR volunteers spend about 2 to 3 hours per week in this role which can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by providing transport assistance to local volunteer groups and teams. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisation and time management skills
• Knowledge of the local community
• A current driver’s licence
• Either access to a vehicle or happy to drive a Cats Protection van (subject to availabilty)
• The ability to carry out some heavy lifting

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Fancy doing something different and making a difference?.

Help to keep our beautiful Cumbrian beaches clean and free from litter that could harm wildlife.

Abandoned fishing gear, plastic and other debris in the oceans poses a key threat to marine life.

We organize regular events up and down the Cumbria coast

For our organised beach cleans, all you need to do bring is with a pair of gloves. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear.

We provide litter pickers and bin bags for you to use.

We will do quick analysis of rubbish. Prizes will be awarded for the most litter collected and the most bizarre item found!

There will also be the opportunity to learn about Cumbrian marine life.

If this role is for you, then we’d love to hear from you.

Do you have time to support our patients and families? Join the ellenor family and help provide an essential service for our patients.

Location: ellenor Northfleet, local community and The Manor Hotel
Hours: Approximately 2 hours, as many days as you can spare
Times: Drop off times are 10:30am and 3pm for group activities. Therefore availability around these times is required.
Days: You can have a set day, or work on a more flexible basis, whatever you can spare. 

Role

You will be picking up patients and bringing them in to ellenor for our Therapeutic Activity groups. We require patients to be brought in to the Hospice or to The Manor Hotel by 10:30am and returned to their own home at 3pm. You are not required to stay for the duration of the activity. 

You may drive either your own vehicle or we will provide training to drive a company mini bus. 

We also require driver escorts to help on the minibus too, who will assist patients on and off the bus for these activities. 

Due to building works at the Hospice Northfleet, patients are currently attending the Best Western Manor Hotel, Gravesend.

Skills

Positive attitude and great people skills.

Full clean driving licence, if using your own vehicle you will need to produce documents for verification eg: MOT, Insurance.

If you wish to use the minibus, training will be provided by KCC, expenses for this will be covered but flexibility to attend will be required. 

A DBS certificate will also be required for this role. 

Online mandatory training will need to be completed.

Role Description

The Volunteer Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of meals in our kitchen. This includes following recipes, ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met, and adapting menus to meet dietary requirements as needed. In this role, you’ll work as part of a team to ensure the smooth preparation of lunch for approximately 30-40 visitors at our centre, who have a variety of dietary needs. This role requires a commitment of 3 months.

Lunch preparation starts at 9:45am and lunch is served at 12pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

Person Specification

Essential

• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately
• Willingness to adapt to changing menus and kitchen needs
• Familiarity with food hygiene and safety regulations (preferred but training will be provided)

Desirable

• Experience as a cook in a similar environment
• Experience working or volunteering with refugees or asylum seekers

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this role please email a completed copy of the Volunteer Application Form

As a Host, you will be the first point of contact for patients, their guests, and other visitors to the hospice. Always wearing a friendly smile, you’ll be there to greet and guide, lend a listening ear and be on-hand to carry out support tasks. No day is ever the same!

As a Host, you will also be able to serve patients and customers at our Café. This is a great opportunity to start your volunteering journey at ellenor.

Some key traits you will need as a Host:

• Are you, sociable, approachable, calm, cheerful, courteous, observant, and welcoming?
• If you feel you this is something for you, fill in our application form.
• In return we offer a supportive working environment with on-going training and personal development opportunities.

Purpose and Aims of the role: 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic Edinburgh project team, supporting to raise awareness of Care Experience and supporting activities for young people, providing supportive adults to ensure all children and young people can thrive, bringing communities together.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 5-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly/monthly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build community strengths for Care Experienced people and provide social networks to help build resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. 

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. 

What will I be doing? 

• Supporting staff to undertake activities 

• Leading on activities 

• Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection 

• Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

• Helping children and young people to have fun 

• Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem 

• Being a positive role model 

What skills can I bring to this role? 

• A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people. 

• Ability to work well in a team. 

• Good communication and listening skills. 

• Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities. 

What qualities do I need? 

• To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy. 

• Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed. 

• Reliable and approachable. 

• Friendly, helpful and understanding. 

• A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner. 

• To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed. 

ROLE SUMMARY:

To support artists and the Zest Medway Coordinator in the delivery of creative sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.

To work directly with participants with complex needs, enabling them to engage with each session.

ABOUT US:

Bright Shadow’s mission is to enable people living with dementia, and those affected by it, to live well and to thrive. We are experts in creative activities designed specifically for people with dementia to enable self-expression, social interaction and active participation. We do this in a number of ways, including our trademark Zest sessions for people living with dementia in the community.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, and are particularly looking for someone to work with our Zest group in Medway, which is launching in April 2024. This role is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our participants by enabling those with more complex needs to engage with this group. Our Medway Zest group is one of four Zest groups that meet; Deal, Hythe and Whitstable are already established groups who have been running for many years.

You will become part of a friendly team offering support and guidance, so your positive attitude is more important to us than specific experience. We offer all volunteers dementia awareness and safeguarding training, as well as requiring an enhanced DBS certificate.

Established in 2009, Bright Shadow is passionate about a brighter quality of care, which is invigorating, mood boosting and enhances relationships. We are adamant that life and fun shouldn’t stop once you reach a certain age or receive a diagnosis of dementia. In all of our work we celebrate the here and now, ensuring that people with dementia enjoy a bright today and a bright tomorrow.

POST REPORTS TO: Volunteer Coordinator and Zest Medway Coordinator 

LOCATION: Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road, Gillingham, ME7 1LX 

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer

HOURS REQUIRED: Tuesdays 9:45am - 12:15pm. We are equally looking for those who can commit on a regular basis, as well as those who would want to offer their time on a fixed basis (such as one month, 6 weeks etc).

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understanding of or willingness to learn about living with dementia, including completing provided dementia awareness training

2. Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

3. Enthusiasm to join in with performance and arts activities such as singing, movement and story making wherever possible and assisting participants to engage fully

4. Work closely with Zest Medway Coordinator to deliver a safe and high quality experience

5. Help Zest Medway Coordinator to prepare the room before sessions and clear up at the end where necessary

6. Help Zest Medway Coordinator to prepare refreshments for participants

7. Help the Zest Medway Coordinator with the collection of evaluation information 

8. Assist in documenting the sessions using photography, recording and/or film on equipment provided where necessary 

9. Work within all Bright Shadow policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Covid-19, Equality and GDPR compliance. This role is subject to the volunteer having an up to date enhanced DBS check carried out.

Competencies

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

• Sensitive to people’s needs and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults

• Good initiative and ability to work independently

• To undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Previous experience working with older adults

• Experience of working for an arts organisation

• Competent IT skills, including social media

• Knowledge/understanding of dementia

Our volunteers play an important part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will making a big difference, then join us here at RJ4ALL

About The Community Fridge Service

The RJ4All Community Fridge provides quality food to communities in South East London while simultaneously preventing food waste. Our Community Fridge is a social space that does not only meet the food needs of community members but also provide a space to connect with others

What will you be doing as a Food Waste Hero ?

• Collect surplus food from Tesco Surrey Quays on Sundays 4-6pm or Tesco Express Southwark Park Rd on Tuesdays at 8pm
• Collect surplus food in the locality on other days and times that fit in with your schedule.
• Assist with staff at the centre
• Meet new people and make connections

Who would this role fit? 

• You will be 18+
• You will live in SE16
• A car would be useful
• Flexible

Who are we?

Restorative Justice for All  (RJ4All) is a charitable, user-led international institute that was set up in 2013 by Theo Gavrielides with a mission to address poverty and advance community cohesion and human rights.