Volunteer roles

Trail Coordinator

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – typically 1–2 events per month
Location: In-person (various walking/hiking spots)

About the role:
As a Trail Coordinator, you’ll support the planning and smooth running of our mindful strides walks and hikes. This might mean choosing beautiful, accessible routes, helping with safety checks, welcoming attendees, or guiding the group on the day. You don’t need to be a super experienced hiker, just confident, calm, and happy being outdoors with others.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Love walking, nature, and exploring

• Are organised and enjoy thinking about logistics

• Feel confident leading small groups or supporting someone who does

• Care about creating safe, inclusive outdoor spaces

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Community Co-Lead

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – support at 1–2 events/month or as needed
Location: In-person at walks/events

About the role:
This is a people-first role. As Community Co-Lead, you help ensure everyone feels welcome and looked after at events. You’ll be the warm, grounding presence who checks in on attendees, helps ease social nerves, and sets a kind tone for the space.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Naturally check in on people and help them feel included

• Are warm, grounded, and good at reading group energy

• Love community and believe in gentle leadership

• Want to help create a safe, open-hearted atmosphere

Want to play a fundamental role in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of cats and kittens in York and surrounding areas? Make a difference as a hybrid volunteer Intake Coordinator. 

Role overview:​

As the intake Coordinator, you will oversee the intake process for cats entering our care. This role is crucial in ensuring that each cat receives the appropriate care and support from the moment they arrive. You will be the primary point of contact for incoming cats, coordinating with fosters and the Trustee team to facilitate a smooth transition.

​

Key responsibilities:​

• Intake Management: Oversee the intake process for new cats, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and initial assessments are conducted.

• ​Communication: Serve as the primary liaison with cat owners, volunteers, fosters and Trustees to gather comprehensive information about each cat’s background, health, and temperament. We generally use Facebook messenger and email as primary forms of communication so access to these is essential.

• ​Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and organised records of all incoming cats, including medical history, behavioural notes, and foster placements. Our records are predominantly electronic.

• ​Support and Training: Provide guidance and resources to foster families on the care of their foster cats, ensuring they have the tools and equipment and guidance needed for success.

What we’re looking for:​

• Passion for animal welfare and a strong commitment to helping cats in need.

• ​Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• ​Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• ​Ability to handle cats safely and compassionately.

• ​Proficiency in basic computer skills with experience in using Microsoft Word, Teams, Excel and Docusign.

• ​Previous experience in animal rescue is preferred but not essential.

Why Join us?​

• Gain valuable experience in animal rescue.

• ​Make a direct impact on the lives of cats, our foster carers and the wider volunteer team.

• ​Be part of a supportive community of animal lovers and advocates.

• ​Receive ongoing support from the experienced Trustee team and volunteers.

Change a child’s life story – Become a School reader volunteer

Schoolreaders is a national literacy charity called Schoolreaders. We find and match volunteers with local primary schools to support children in improving their reading and comprehension skills, as well as developing their confidence and social skills. 

Volunteers visit their matched school once a week for an hour or two during the school day where they work individually with children to help improve their reading ability, their comprehension and also their enjoyment of reading. Often our volunteers read with children who need extra support or who do not have anyone to read to outside of their classroom.

Volunteers need to be over 18, have good written and spoken English and enjoy spending time with children.  

 Our volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of one hour each week for a full year during term time (although holidays can of course be taken) and will undergo an Enhanced DBS check, which is organised and paid for by the school. 

 Volunteers can apply directly via the website.

Partnership & Purpose Lead

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – approx. 2–3 hrs/month
Location: Remote or hybrid

About the role:
In this role, you’ll help grow Mindful Strides by reaching out to local businesses, wellness spaces, community groups, or organisations we can collaborate with. Your work helps expand our impact and build sustainable connections that align with our values.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Enjoy networking, outreach, and relationship-building

• Feel confident writing or speaking to new people

• Are passionate about social impact and wellbeing

• Want to help Mindful Strides grow with intention

Are you a creative, passionate fundraising wanting to make a differene to the lives of cats and kittens in York and the surrounding areas? Join us as a Fundraising Coordinator to support our charity's work! 

Role overview:

​As the Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator, you will play a vital role in helping us raise the essential funds that keep our cat rescue work going. This position is key to ensuring we can continue to provide care, veterinary treatment, food, and a safe haven to cats in need. You will take the lead on planning and delivering fundraising activities and work closely with the wider team to help grow support for our charity.

Key responsibilities:​​​

• Fundraising campaigns: Plan, lead and deliver creative fundraising initiatives (both online and in-person).

• Event coordination: Organise and promote fundraising events such as raffles, auctions, online events, and local community events.

• Donor engagement: Build and maintain positive relationships with donors, thanking them and keeping them informed about how their contributions are used.

• Grant applications: Identify grant and funding opportunities.

• Collaboration: Work closely with trustees, the social media team, and other volunteers to align fundraising with our campaigns and goals.

• Tracking and reporting: Keep accurate records of donations, event outcomes, and supporter engagement to help inform future planning. 

What we’re looking for:​

• Fundraising experience: Previous experience in fundraising is essential – whether in a charity, community group or similar role.

• Excellent communication skills: Confident in engaging with people online, over email, and in person.

• Creative thinking: Able to bring fresh ideas and identify new opportunities for income generation.

• Organisational skills: Able to manage your time well, plan ahead, and juggle a variety of small tasks or projects — all while working within the limitations and resources of a small, volunteer-led charity.

• Passion for animal welfare: A genuine desire to help cats and support their journey to safety and adoption.

Why Join us?​

• Make a difference: Your work will directly support the rescue, care and rehoming of cats in need.

• Use your experience for good: Put your fundraising knowledge to work in a role that creates visible impact.

• Supportive community: Join a warm, friendly team of passionate animal lovers.

• Enhance your skills in communication, organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving

• Gain a sense of purpose by supporting a cause you care about and making a real difference

• Networking opportunities with like-minded volunteers, local businesses, and donors

• CV-boosting credentials that stand out to employers and universities

• Leadership experience through coordinating events, managing tasks, and motivating others

• A great way to make friends and meet new people in a supportive, social environment

• Personal fulfilment from seeing the impact of your efforts

• Confidence building through events and community interactions

• Flexible volunteering hours to suit your schedule

• References and endorsements available.

Volunteer ESOL Teacher to provide classes for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You will plan and deliver lessons independently with the assistance of experienced ESOL teachers.  Your students will be from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ages.

We run classes from Monday to Thursday from 10 am until 12. 

Although previous teaching experience is not compulsory, CELTA and TEFL would be appreciated.

Digital Storyteller (Social Media Lead)

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – approx. 3–5 hrs/month
Location: Remote

About the role:
This role is all about capturing the essence of Mindful Strides and sharing it with the world. You’ll create social media posts, share event updates, highlight community moments, and help us connect with people who might want to join.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Love telling stories through photos, videos, or words

• Enjoy using platforms like Instagram or Canva

• Are creative and care about visual storytelling

• Want to grow a heartfelt, engaged online community

Make a difference to the lives of cats and kittens in York and surrounding areas as an adoption coordinator. 

Role overview:​

As the adoption coordinator, you will oversee the rehoming process for cats in our care. This role is essential in matching cats with suitable adoptive families, ensuring a smooth transition from foster homes to permanent residences. You will work closely with fosters, adopters, the Trustees and the Home Visit Co-ordinator to facilitate successful adoptions that benefit both the cats and their new families.

Key responsibilities:​​

• ​Adoption management: Oversee the adoption process from home visit stage to adoption day, including participating in screening potential adopters, facilitating home visits, coordinating meet and greets and providing after care support. 

• ​Communication: Act as the primary point of liaison between prospective adopters and foster carers, providing information about available cats and addressing any questions or concerns with the aim of facilitating a smooth running adoption process. We use Facebook messenger and email as primary forms of communication so access to these is essential.

• ​Matchmaking:  Assess the needs and preferences of both cats and adopters to ensure the best possible matches for long-term success.

• ​Record keeping: Maintain accurate and organised records of adoption applications, follow-ups, and outcomes to track the progress of each adoption.

• ​Support and guidence: Provide resources and support to adopters on cat care, behaviour, and integration into their new homes to facilitate successful adoption. 

• ​Post-adoption support: Facilitate after care support for adopters and ensure the conditions of adoption agreements are upheld- for example sending out neutering reminders when adopted kittens are old enough  and sign adoptions off once fully complete. 

What we’re looking for:​

• Passion for animal welfare and a strong commitment to helping cats in need.

• ​Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• ​Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• ​Ability to handle cats safely and compassionately.

• ​Proficiency in basic computer skills with experience in using Microsoft Word, Teams, Excel and Docusign.

• ​Previous experience in animal rescue is preferred but not essential.

Why Join us?​

• Gain valuable experience in animal rescue.

• ​Make a direct impact on the lives of cats, our foster carers and the wider volunteer team.

• ​Be part of a supportive community of animal lovers and advocates.

• ​Receive ongoing support from the experienced Trustee team and volunteers.

�� Volunteer React Native Developer

Organisation: Running Mammals Ltd (ROOTED)

Location: Remote (UK-based applicants preferred, open to others)

Time Commitment: Part-time / Flexible

Duration: 2–4 months (with potential for extension)

Expenses: Unpaid (volunteer basis)

�� About Us

ROOTED is an emotional support app designed to help people navigate everyday emotional challenges through real-time, AI-powered conversations. Built by a cross-disciplinary team of psychologists, technologists and creatives, ROOTED offers a deeply personal and intuitive mental well-being experience — not just as a tool, but as a companion.

We’ve launched our web version, and now we’re bringing the experience to mobile, starting with React Native (iOS-first).

At the heart of ROOTED is RuMa (Running Mammals) – our proprietary conversational AI, built using cutting-edge LLMs, designed to reflect and respond to human emotion with empathy and insight.

�� The Role

We’re looking for a passionate React Native Developer to join our early-stage team on a volunteer basis. You’ll be helping us bring mental health support to life on mobile, working alongside a small but committed team who care deeply about design, technology, and emotional wellbeing.

What you’ll do:

• Build and structure the ROOTED mobile app from the ground up (iOS-first)

• Develop a real-time chat interface integrated with WebSocket

• Implement REST API integrations (auth, emotion tracking, chat logs)

• Align shared state management with the existing Zustand + TypeScript system

• Collaborate with our AI and design teams to deliver emotionally aware UI/UX

• Optimise performance for cross-platform compatibility (Android optional)

��️ Tech Stack

• React Native (TypeScript)

• Zustand / Redux Toolkit / MobX

• Axios + Socket. io-client

• Node.js, Express, Prisma, MySQL, Redis (existing backend)

• iOS native modules, APNs (push notifications)

�� Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced (ideally 3+ years) in React Native and TypeScript

• Familiar with building chat apps or real-time communication tools

• Comfortable with startup environments — fast, iterative, collaborative

• Motivated by mission and social impact — you care about mental health

• Self-driven and communicative, able to work remotely with flexibility

Bonus if you’ve worked with:

• Push notifications (APNs, Firebase)

• CodePush or OTA update workflows

• Emotionally aware design or digital therapeutics

�� Why Join ROOTED?

• Be part of a purpose-driven mental health tech project

• Gain ownership, recognition, and real-world impact

• Flexible remote work and an open, kind team culture

• Co-create something meaningful that could support thousands

�� Interested?

Please email with a brief introduction and any relevant links (e.g., GitHub, portfolio, LinkedIn).

We believe in code and compassion — and we’d love to hear from you.

Luminary provides training, employment and community to some of the most disadvantaged women in London. We work alongside women who have experienced gender-based violence and live with ‘multiple disadvantage’ - a term that recognises that many women experience multiple forms of social and economic disadvantage which interlink, intersect and
drive a cycle of deprivation. Our primary focus is helping these women achieve employment and reach independence - breaking the cycle of poverty, violence and disadvantage, once and for all. 

OVERVIEW
The Charities Act 1993 defines charity trustees as those responsible under the charity's governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. For Luminary Limited, the trustees oversee and support the operations of the charity, our Employability Support Programme, 1-to-1 holistic support, Mentor Scheme & next steps Progression Support Programme. 

We work in collaboration with, but independently of, the Board of Directors of the business, Luminary Bakery Limited, who oversee the governance of the bakery, café business and commercial operations.

**Please note: Due to the role responsibilities, it is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is female, permitted under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010**

How we achieve our Mission
We use baking as a tool to guide women towards employability and independence. Over our two-year programme, women learn to bake, gain a catering qualification and develop transferable skills such as budgeting, interview techniques, working as a team, and resilience. Women gain valuable work experience through our sister organisation, Luminary
Bakery, as well as being paired with a volunteer mentor who helps her develop her career next steps.  However, our programme goes far beyond job skills. We offer access to highly-trained counsellors and each woman is supported by a dedicated Progression Support Worker to help her navigate the broader challenges she will face including housing and debt.

THE ROLE OF LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
At its simplest, the role of the Trustee Board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Luminary Limited. The Trustee Board must always act in the best interests of Luminary Limited, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for
whom they have responsibility. The Trustee Board must act as a group and not as individuals.

DUTIES OF A TRUSTEE BOARD MEMBER
The duties of a Trustee Board member are to:
 Ensure that Luminary Limited complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
 Ensure that Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
 Ensure Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
 Ensure Luminary Limited applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. 
 Contribute actively to the Trustee Board by giving firm strategic direction to Luminary Limited, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
 Safeguard the good name and values of Luminary Limited.
 Ensure the financial stability of Luminary Limited by opening up its network.
 Stay up to date with matters of charity law and issues affecting Luminary.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions, and to support Luminary Limited staff when necessary. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has insight, experience or expertise.

DIVERSITY IN LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We are committed to building a diverse team and seek to be representative of those we are supporting, so we would especially like to hear from applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including the global majority. We also recognise the importance of lived experience in all roles within our organisation, and therefore welcome applications from
those with lived experience of disadvantage or gender-based violence.

Diversity brings together the rich mix of qualities that make a healthy and effective board, and therefore allows us to work to the best of our ability for Luminary Limited. Luminary Ltd and Luminary Bakery were originally established and founded as part of the Christian church community and were inspired by their faith to create opportunities for women who experienced disadvantage. Luminary supports applicants of all or no faiths and continues to be respectful of all faiths and beliefs, offering an inclusive space for everyone.

MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT OF BEING A LUMINARY TRUSTEE
Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are held four times a year on weekday evenings, with some shorter meetings in between as necessary. The meetings last approximately two hours and are usually in Camden, London (physical attendance is preferred, but flexibility can be given in certain circumstances). Trustees are also expected to
attend the yearly Graduation Ceremony and 1-2 other social events, including Luminary staff gatherings.

In addition, each Trustee must:
 Be committed to the mission of Luminary Limited.
 Be able to commit for a minimum of three years on the Board.
 Be willing to meet the minimum time requirement.
 Have integrity and independent judgement.
 Be able to think creatively and speak their mind.
 Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
 Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and take decisions for the good of Luminary Limited.

Trustees:
 May be asked to join a board sub-committee, which would meet in between board
meetings.
 Are expected to attend some training sessions.
 Review policies and other documentation relating to charity governance.
 Are invited to attend trainee graduations and other social events.
 Can claim out-of-pocket expenses incurred in travelling to meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Following an audit of the current skills & expertise on the board, Luminary are seeking five new Trustees with experience in the following areas:
 Legal experience and current practice, primarily in employment and charity law, to be able to guide the Board and CEO on legal matters informally and liaise with Luminary’s lawyers on an ad-hoc basis to provide support as needed.
 Experience in policy work and advocacy on violence against women and girls and/or related social justice issues.
 Experience of charity governance, including growing and scaling up a charity.

 Building and drawing on a fundraising network or fundraising experience to secure further investment support.

 Safeguarding expertise and experience to be able to support the Board and staff in ensuring appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.

Personal Attributes
 Able to work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and beneficiaries
 Be passionate about Luminary’s purpose and vision for growth, and commitment to the organisation
 Be an effective communicator
 Be a strategic thinker
 Able to act decisively and be responsive
 Be willing to use connections to promote and advance the work of Luminary Limited

��‍�� React Native Developer Volunteer – Join the Movement Behind MVP 2

Unify Giving is on a mission to change everything about giving — how it’s done, how it’s received, and how it’s perceived.

We’re building a world where people experiencing homelessness can receive digital donations with dignity, transparency, and choice — and we’re already live on the App Store. But now, we’re taking it further.

�� MVP 2 is here.
We’ve added powerful new features to give both donors and recipients the best possible experience — and we need your help to bring it to life.

✨ What you’ll do:

• Join our small but mighty team to help build and release MVP 2 of our React Native app.

• Collaborate with our designers, product leads, and community team to improve UX across the board.

• Work on meaningful features that directly impact people experiencing homelessness.

�� What we’re looking for:

• Experience in React Native, with solid understanding of mobile app dev (iOS & Android).]

• A belief that tech can be used for real, tangible good in the world.

�� Why it matters:

This isn’t just another side project. Unify Giving is already being used by real people across the UK. Your code could help someone access food, warmth, or support when they need it most.

�� What you’ll get:

• A chance to work on a live tech-for-good product.

• Your name in the credits (yes, we mean it).

• Weekly team check-ins, support from our founder, and full creative input.

• A front-row seat to building something that genuinely helps people — and is scaling fast.

Our core Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia, and are sometimes housebound.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of the training, Befrienders are matched with someone who lives close to them.

They make a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea or, where possible, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.

These visits make such a difference for the client, but volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.