Volunteer volunteer roles in Europe

As a Gardening Volunteer at Croft House, you’ll play an important part in creating and maintaining a welcoming, therapeutic outdoor space for residents. Working alongside staff and residents, you’ll help care for the garden while supporting engaging, hands-on gardening activities.

This role is about more than plants — it’s about connection, wellbeing and creating a shared space where residents can relax, learn new skills and enjoy being outdoors. Your ideas and enthusiasm will help shape seasonal projects and themed gardening sessions throughout the year.

Key Duties

• Support the general upkeep of the garden (planting, watering, weeding, tidying and seasonal maintenance).

• Work alongside residents to co-create and deliver inclusive gardening sessions.

• Encourage and support residents to take part in hands-on gardening tasks.

• Help plan and contribute ideas for seasonal or themed activities (e.g. spring planting, sensory gardens, harvest projects).

• Promote a positive, safe and welcoming outdoor environment.

• Follow guidance from staff to ensure activities are safe and accessible for all.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has an interest in gardening (experience is helpful but not essential).

• Is friendly, patient and enjoys working with people.

• Feels confident supporting others in practical, hands-on tasks.

• Is reliable and able to commit to agreed volunteering times.

• Brings creativity and enthusiasm to help make the garden an engaging space.

• Values inclusion, wellbeing and creating supportive environments.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying time outdoors and sharing your passion for gardening

Reach: Reach Drug and Alcohol Services is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Dorset. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for adults and young people wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as offering support to family members and running campaigns and events that raise awareness of addiction and celebrate recovery in the community.

Reading Through Recovery -A weekly 90‑minute group supporting anyone on a substance or alcohol recovery journey, whether actively using or abstinent, through the shared experience of reading.​​

In a relaxed and inclusive space, participants bring a book they’re reading, explore themes that resonate, and dive into stories that spark insight and strength. Together, we share literature that has inspired, supported, or shaped our recovery journeys, with optional recommendations and themed reading ideas each week.​​

This is more than a book group, it's a place to find meaning, connection, and momentum in recovery.​

Details of the role & tasks

The role:

We are seeking enthusiastic readers to co-facilitate our new project – Reading Through Recovery. Volunteer group facilitators will help to make newcomers feel welcome, and empower everyone in the meeting to contribute, should they wish to.

This role is ideally suited to people with lived experience of recovery, either directly, or through supporting a close friend or family member, although we welcome applications from anyone with an empathetic, non-judgemental attitude that can build strong working relationships with others.

Tasks may include:

• Facilitating a non-judgemental space to allow participants to express feelings and share experiences freely.

• Foster a sense of community and trust

• Enable participants to connect through shared narratives, enabling them to relate to one another’s journeys.

• Encourage reflection and discussion.

Personal qualities

Skills we would love you to bring to the role:

• Welcoming, friendly and an ability to put other people at ease

• Confident and calm in group settings

• Good IT skills – the SMART Recovery UK training all takes place electronically and includes submitting some written responses via email

• Non-judgmental towards people facing challenges in their lives, including around drug and/or alcohol use and/or mental health

• Good time keeping

• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction

• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website

• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

Waythrough

What Volunteers can expect from us:

Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse communities across the UK and every day we see people making positive changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:

• Regular supervision and support

• Induction and access to online and face to face training

• To learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting

• To feel part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation

• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey

• Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough's work

Our values:

Our values underpin everything we do – from how we work together through to how we design and deliver services. All our work to fulfil this vision is strengthened by our values.

• Kindness - be generous, caring and understanding.

• Courage - be bold, trust, commit.

• Respect - everyone deserves dignity.

Location: Some flexibility depending on staff and volunteer availability and ability to travel though meetings are currently held in Weymouth, Dorchester and on-line.

Timing: We are looking for someone who can offer around 2-3  hours a

Training: Volunteers have access to Waythrough’s training platform, LearningKind, and will be asked to complete an induction workshop ahead of their start date and a number of training modules within their first 3 months.

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 Co-ordinator.

Who am I responsible to?

The parent/carer.

• You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and that clear communication is maintained.
• Feedback must be given to the parent/carer following a visit.

Your co-ordinator and Time2Share@WECIL.

• You must respond promptly to any contact from your co-ordinator.
• You are required to report monthly on any time spent with the child you are linked with, any activities undertaken, and to take part in the annual review.

How often will I be needed?

• We typically ask for volunteers to commit to 2-4 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.

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. Time2Share@WECIL reserves the right to end a link without notice or giving reason

Join TreeAction as a Conservation Volunteer 

Love being outdoors and want to make a real difference in your community? Join TreeAction and help us care for young trees and improve local green spaces across Sussex.

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to take part in our relaxed, hands-on conservation sessions. There’s no long-term commitment — just come along when you can and enjoy making a positive impact.

What you’ll do
Help care for newly planted trees by:

• Weeding

• Mulching

• Watering saplings

Sessions take place at:

• Adur Recreation Ground

• Southwick Recreation Ground

• Shoreham Recreation Ground

• Lancing Manor Gardens

What to expect

• Just 2 hours per session, once a month

• No commitment - join in whenever you are available

• No experience needed — full training provided

• Tools supplied

• A welcoming, supportive community atmosphere

What to bring

• Gardening clothes (long sleeves and trousers recommended)

• Sturdy footwear

TreeAction is a non-profit community interest organisation working to plant trees in schools, colleges, and public spaces, while supporting environmental education for young people. By volunteering with us, you’ll be helping to create greener, healthier places for everyone.

You’ll also be joining a growing community of nature lovers and conservationists — with social events throughout the year.

Come grow something meaningful with us 

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products! We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature
• Ability to handle individuals with complex needs and work with a person-centred approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Could you use your voice to help tell stories that really matter?

As a Media Volunteer with Christian Aid, you’ll help bring powerful, real-life stories to life—sharing how supporters across the UK are creating change and challenging poverty. Whether it’s capturing moments from local events or shaping stories for media, you’ll play a key role in helping more people see the impact and feel inspired to act. 

This is a flexible, creative role where you can grow your skills while making a genuine difference. You’ll work alongside a supportive team, building confidence in writing, storytelling and media engagement—turning everyday experiences into stories that reach new audiences and spark action. If you enjoy connecting with people and want to use creativity for good, this could be a great fit. 

We're looking for volunteers in England, Scotland and Wales (where Welsh language skills would be a bonus).

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Focus Birmingham is a dedicated charity supporting people with sight loss and complex needs, helping them lead fuller, more independent, and more connected lives. We’re currently looking for organised, caring, and reliable volunteers to join us as Admin Volunteers.

If you can spare just a few hours a week, you can play a vital role in keeping our services running smoothly and ensuring that people with sight loss receive the support they need. Your contribution behind the scenes, from your home or at our centre, helps create the strong foundations that allow our frontline teams to deliver life-changing support.

As an Admin Volunteer, you’ll assist with tasks such as updating records, making follow-up calls, organising information, preparing materials, and supporting staff with day-to-day administration. Your attention to detail and friendly approach will help us stay connected, responsive, and effective, and you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll support you at every step, from application and onboarding to ongoing training and guidance from our volunteer team.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Summary

Professors Without Borders is a UK and Luxembourg registered charity with a mission to improve access to quality education (SDG4) for all.

We are looking for volunteers to contribute to our fast growth and help us reach communities around the world.

This is a voluntary, remote opportunity with flexible responsibilities. It’s an ideal position for those looking to develop their skills, grow their network, and give back by contributing their expertise to a meaningful cause. You will align with our core values, believe passionately in the power of education, and uphold our ethical standards.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• A passion for education and belief in our mission
• Excellent written communication skills in English
• A talent for graphic design
• Experience working with partners and stakeholders is a plus
• A proactive attitude, reliable, punctual, and possess an eagerness to learn

Written Communication and Programme Documentation

• Lead the drafting, editing, and refinement of supporting programme documents, including country reports, concept notes, post-programme notes, and partner-facing materials.
• Ensure all written outputs are clear, accurate, audience-appropriate, and aligned with Professors Without Borders' voice, messaging, and strategic priorities.

Graphic Design and Branding

• Support the visual design and presentation of programme documents and publications, ensuring materials are professional, accessible, and consistent with brand standards.
• Maintain visual identity across Professors Without Borders outputs, from internal templates to external-facing publications.

Programme Support

• Maintain a working understanding of all active programmes from inception to completion, ensuring written and visual outputs reflect current programme status and needs.
• Assist with logistics, partner meetings, and on-the-ground support during programme delivery as needed

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on global education
• Gain valuable nonprofit experience
• Expand your professional network
• Flexible remote work fitting your schedule
• Potential to earn university internship credits (subject to your institution’s policies)

About Our Time
Our Time is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of children growing up with a parent who has a mental illness.

Around 4 million children in the UK are affected, yet there is still no dedicated national support for this group. For over 20 years, Our Time has been making sure these children aren’t overlooked. We work across a child’s whole support network, offering training for professionals, resources for schools, and safe, welcoming spaces for families through our unique KidsTime Workshops.

Our mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational mental ill health by supporting and empowering children to live confident, connected, and emotionally healthy lives. We’re a small team with a big mission, and we’re always looking for passionate people and partners to help us reach more children and families.

About the “I Wish” campaign
Launching in September 2026 and running through to Mental Health Awareness Week 2027, “I Wish” is an ambitious awareness raising campaign. People with lived experience of parental mental illness share, in their own handwriting, in their own words, the one thing they wish an adult had known, asked, or done. The photograph series creates a powerful visual campaign that calls professionals to act and invites everyone to listen.

The campaign aims to:
• Reach new audiences and reduce stigma around parental mental illness
• Drive teachers and education professionals to sign up to Our Time’s training and school support services
• Build a cohort of committed schools across the academic year
• Generate national and education press coverage using compelling human stories backed by statistics
• Engage the wider public, supporters and donors

The role
We are looking for a PR-savvy volunteer to support around media outreach for the I Wish campaign launch. Working closely with Our Time’s Communications Lead, you will help us get this campaign in front of the journalists and editors who can amplify it; from education press to national human interest desks.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role. The campaign has a clear press release angle, strong statistics, and compelling human stories ready to go. We need someone to help us pitch them effectively.

What you’ll be doing
Building the media database
• Research and compile a tailored media list covering our priority target outlets: education press (TES, SecEd, Schools Week, Headteacher Update), national titles (Guardian Education, BBC, i paper), parenting media (Mumsnet, Netmums, Mother & Baby), mental health charity sector press, and relevant regional outlets
• Identify the right individual contacts (journalists, editors, and news desks) for each outlet and audience
• Maintain and organise the database so it is clear, up to date, and easy for the team to use going forward
• Access to Cision, Vuelio, or a similar media database is a significant advantage for this part of the role

Preparing pitches
• Working with the Communications Lead, develop tailored pitch angles for different outlets and audiences. For example, a data-led pitch for education press versus a human-interest pitch for national titles or parenting media
• Draft pitch emails and follow-up copy that is concise, compelling, and campaignready
• Help prepare supporting materials including ambassador story profiles and key statistics for journalists

Pitching and follow-up
• Send pitches to target journalists and editors, ahead of the campaign embargo lift (approx. 1–5 September 2026)
• Manage follow-up contact in a timely and professional way
• Track responses and coverage, flagging interest and opportunities to the Communications Lead
• Support any requests for interviews or additional information from media contacts

Who we’re looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
• Experience in PR, journalism, communications, or a related field; agency, in-house, or freelance all welcome
• A good working knowledge of the UK media landscape, particularly education, national, and/or charity sector press
• Strong written communication skills and confidence drafting pitches and press materials
• A systematic, organised approach to building and maintaining media lists
• Access to Cision, Vuelio, or a similar media intelligence tool (desirable but not essential, we can work together on this if not)
• An interest in mental health, children’s wellbeing, education, or the charity sector
• Availability from August 2026, with the ability to commit through to October 2026

You don’t need to have volunteered for a charity before. What matters most is your PR instinct, your ability to craft a pitch, and your willingness to get stuck in.

What you’ll get in return
• The chance to work on a powerful campaign with real social impact
• Hands-on experience working with a small, dedicated charity team
• A named credit and reference on request
• Flexibility to fit the role around your existing commitments
• The knowledge that your work directly helps more children of parents with mental illness feel seen and supported

Time commitment
We’re asking for up to one day per week across August and September 2026, with the possibility of lighter-touch support continuing through to Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2027. That said, we know schedules vary, if you have more or less time available, but are keen to get involved, we'd love to chat. We’re happy to be flexible and work around what’s realistic for you

How to apply
Please get in touch with a brief note about your background and why this role appeals to you. We’d also love to hear if you have access to any media database tools. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We hope to have someone in place by late July / early August 2026.