Volunteer roles for the Disability sector

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for the disability community. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to help at our Christmas 'Merry Moments' events taking place across November and December 2026. These event will be for disabled children, young people and their families to come along and and enjoy a fun filled sensory extravaganza. And we need extra peopel to support our team to make it all work. We will be running at least 3 Merry Moments events 2 in Windsor and 1 in Wokingham. 

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication

• Energetic

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Team player 

• Willing to learn and develop  

• An individual with a creative mindset 

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

We are looking for a volunteer to befriend and read to someone we support at our services. You will provide companionship to someone we support by spending time with them, visiting them and reading to them. 

Skills required

• To love to read

• To have a good sense of humour, love to chat and be a good listener

• To be punctual and reliable

• To be kind, empathetic and patient

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

• To be able to assist when necessary with sighted guide/orientation.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Through this volunteer role, you can gain experience and develop your skill set. On top of this, SeeAbility provides training which could be added to your CV.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About US 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Are you a big football fan who enjoys playing football as well as watching it?

We are looking for volunteer football enthusiasts to both play football and enjoy talking all things football with someone with learning disabilities and or autism.  As a volunteer you will need to be able to volunteer for a couple of hours each week.

What does the role involve?

Our football volunteers will enjoy spending time having a kick about, perhaps watching a game on TV and perhaps having a post-match discussion. Trips to watch the odd live game would also be an enjoyable experience for the people we support.

Skills required: -

• To be kind, empathetic and friendly

• To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

• Good communication skills

• Positive & supporting attitude

• To be punctual and reliable

• Commitment to inclusion

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

• Becoming one of our football volunteers will provide opportunities for those we support to increase their confidence, boost their mood and keep fit. 

• Training and ongoing support from SeeAbility staff.

• The chance to develop new skills in accessible communication and inclusive practice.

• Being part of a warm, welcoming community that values every individual.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.

• This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. Being a football volunteer is a great way to get out and about, exercise, and help others

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Job description

What is the befriending service?

• The Befriending Service links volunteers 1:1 with a disabled child/young person.
• Links are based on shared interests and activities, which you can enjoy doing together, either in the young person’s home or out in the community.

What experience do I need?

• You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people
• We ask that you are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people and their families. This involves:

• Spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or their local community.
• You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

• You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with.
• All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your Coordinator.

How often will I be needed?

• We typically ask for volunteers to commit to 1-4 hours a week
• The days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family.
• We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

What about expenses?

• Volunteer travel expenses can be reimbursed on receipt of a claim form. You won’t be left out of pocket.

Any Perks?

• Ongoing training and support to develop skills and confidence
• Professional references provided for committed volunteers
• Volunteer socials to meet like-minded people and build friendships
• Expenses are covered
• A welcoming and supportive environment

Time2Share@WECIL is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the children we support. 

Unfortunatly we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support at our supported living service in Aylesbury, by spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include chatting over shared interests & hobbies, reading books, playing board games or arts & crafts.

Skills Required

•  To be kind, empathetic and friendly

• To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

• To be punctual and reliable

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

Benefits

• This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 
• Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people.
• SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills & gain valuable work experience
• Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

  About Us 

  Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. 

  We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

  SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

About the Role

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join our team as a Charity Support Officers. This is a flexible position where you can tailor your contribution by choosing the area that best suits your skills and interests:

• Events Support – Help plan, coordinate, and deliver charity events, including fundraising initiatives and community engagement activities.
• Policy Review – Support the review, updating, and development of internal policies to ensure compliance and best practice in governance.
• Performance Management – Contribute to monitoring and evaluating our projects, analysing outcomes, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Social Media Strategy – Assist in shaping and delivering our online presence, developing engaging content, and growing digital reach.

Key Responsibilities
Depending on your chosen specialism, you may:

• Assist in planning and delivering successful events.
• Review and update organisational policies in line with legal and sector standards.
• Collect and analyse data to support impact reporting and performance improvement.
• Develop social media content calendars and strategies to engage supporters online.

Person Specification
We are looking for volunteers who:

• Have strong organisational and communication skills.
• Can work independently as well as part of a team.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and reliability.
• Bring enthusiasm and an interest in the charity sector.
• Have relevant skills or a willingness to learn in their chosen specialism (e.g., events planning, policy research, data analysis, or digital communications).

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful opportunity to contribute to a growing charity.
• Hands-on experience in a specialist area aligned to your interests.
• Training and mentoring opportunities to develop your skills.
• The chance to be part of a supportive and passionate volunteer community.

Take a look at our events and pop down and visit us! https://www.mentalfightclub.art/whats-on 

Mencap’s goal is to make the UK the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to lead happy and healthy lives. To help us with this, we are currently looking for a volunteer to help support a person with a learning disability to travel to meetings or events.

The Travel Buddy Volunteer will support a Voices Council member who is a person with a learning disability (and possibly other disabilities) to attend a Voices Council meeting 4 times a year to travel from Wales to London and one regional meeting a year that is not in London. If you can even commit to one meeting a year, we would love to hear from you

By supporting someone with a learning disability to travel to their destination on public transport you will be making a huge difference and enabling them to attend meetings and events.

On these journeys you can also help give them the confidence and skills they need to eventually feel comfortable travelling independently.​

This role is ad hoc, and is only required when requested, but we will give as much advanced notice as possible to ensure you can be available when you are required. ​

We will cover your travel expenses to and from the volunteering destination, as well as the journey you will be supporting the person to take.​

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. The beneficary enjoys playing video games, watching westerns, remote control cars and having a cuppa a chat.  They are not as agile as they once were but can go for a short walk to the cafe around the corner.   Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

We are busy team delivering the Supported Internships programme in Birmingham. The programme is based around employment and leisure for young adults with learning disabilities between age 16 and 25. We help people to develop skills for work in a employment setting and build their confidence.

We prepare them for work, and help them improve their Maths and English skills in a classroom setting, as well as:

• Improving their confidence and communication skills
• Building on their social skills with each other and out in the community
• Keeping them inspired and engaged

What You will be doing:

• You will support staff in the classroom with activities
• You will support learners to improve their Maths and English skills
• You will engage with learners, to improve their confidence and independence
• You will encourage learners to try new things and gain new skills
• Out in the community you will support staff to keep learners motivated and engaged

As a volunteer you will help Mencap staff deliver the classroom sessions assisting young adults to improve their skills, and be a support in the community.

The classroom sessions run from 9am - 3.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. We would require a volunteer to be able to commit to the same day each week. The programme runs for a school academic year of 9 months from September 2026. 

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

PUBLICITY & MARKETING VOLUNTEER

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Publicity & Marketing volunteers play an essential role in publicising and raising awareness of their local branch’s activities.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:

• Collecting case studies from the clients we help

• Writing stories for the local press

• Distributing literature

• Arranging talks

• Working with the Central Team to promote panel activities

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Confident using social media platforms

• Warm, approachable and confident to engage with clients to gather their story

• Able to follow REMAP policies and procedures

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• A commitment to our values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training.

If it works better for you, there’s a possibility this role could be done remotely.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

SNAAP is a charity based in Herne Bay, Kent which provides disabled children and their families with clubs and days out throughout the year. Children are aged 0-25 and disabilities range depending on the club:

Chill-in Youth Club - ages 11-25 years - less complex needs. Every other Tuesday 4.30-7.30 in Herne Bay. Young people who attend like to chill on bean bags, help cook their dinner, do gaming, play sporting games or just sit at a table and do craft or chat. There will be someone you can help! And you are an important mentor to these young people as they learn key independance skills. You can really make a difference to a young person and your attendance helps us take even more young people as this club is run at capacity.

Buzz Club - ages 8-13 years - less complex needs. 1 day a week during school holidays 9.30-2.30 in Herne Bay. Children love to make slime, do crafts, enjoy outside play and games, bake cakes and much more! This can be a lively session, depending on which children book on, so your help is much needed so we can keep an eye on all the different areas. 

Family Days out - families with all needs. These are held during all school holidays and range from a day at the beach or pool, diggerland, bowling or Mote Park. Providing support from staff and volunteers enables many families to attend, so your support is crucial. Play with children, provide an extra pair of hands at the beach to keep children safe, or create fun games at the park. 

Join us and make a big difference to the lives of disabled children and their families, as well as being part of a fab team! Also, Volunteering with us often leads to employment as a Play Support Worker. 

Description

Do you have an interest in how technology can enable people with sight loss to live connected, independent lives? We'd love you to get involved in our regional hubs, working with our technology service coordinators to help people with sight loss develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use everyday technology.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Additional location information

• Barking Central library Barking Learning Centre 2 Town Square Barking IG11 7NB

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Good communication skills
• Patient approach to training
• Natural tech user