Volunteer roles

Are you passionate about community health and the vital link between food, nutrition and health inequalities? Edinburgh Community Food is seeking committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help drive lasting change.

As a trustee, you’ll support strategic direction, ensure good governance, and contribute to our mission of making nutrition accessible and reducing health inequalities.

Now is an exciting time to get involved. We’re one year into our five-year strategy, Equity in Nutrition, and preparing to celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2026. We have a very skilled and motivated Board, and an effective Leadership Team in place led by Brenda Black, CEO, who is driving change and transformation.

Edinburgh Community Food is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Trustees (Directors) oversee financial and operational performance, support and challenge the Management Team, and help bring our vision to life.

As we grow our impact, we are seeking new trustees who bring expertise and passion to help us navigate the next stage of our journey.

We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Financial Leadership
Strong financial acumen to guide strategic decisions, ensure robust governance, and help us plan for sustainable growth.

Procurement & Contracting
Knowledge of public and private sector contracting to support us in securing new partnerships and delivering value through ethical, efficient procurement.

Sustainable Practices
Insight into sustainable sourcing, production, and distribution, carbon literacy or climate change to help us champion practices that protect the planet while promoting healthier diets.

Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who:

• Are effective communicators with strong interpersonal skills
• Can work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Are willing to contribute time, expertise, and energy to board activities, sub-committees, and working groups

Edinburgh Community Food create accessible and inclusive communities, and this continues to our Director appointments. We invite anyone with lived experience in the areas of our work, people from marginalised and under-represented communities, or anyone who is passionate about food and health inequalities and making a difference in your community to get in touch.

The Commitment

We’re looking for people who will;

• Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in monthly online board meetings. A quarter of which are in-person.
• Contribute fully to one or more committees or sub-groups.
• Attend events run by Edinburgh Community Food e.g. our Annual General Meeting, Community Events, as well as supporting the broader activity of the organisation from time to time.
• Share their skills and experience for the benefit of the organisation either by delivering tasks, or knowledge sharing.

In return, we offer the chance to join an inclusive and collaborative board, with access to networking and training opportunities. You’ll play a key role in driving change—helping to make Healthier Food, Healthier Lives, and Healthier Futures the norm in Edinburgh and beyond.

Volunteer-led East London Waterworks Park won a 2024 NLA award and raised £2m towards buying the 14-acre Thames Water Depot (Lea Bridge Road) to turn into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming, forest schools, and community spaces.

We are looking for user experience researchers to participate in our community-led working group who are growing support of the project. There is opportunity to lead on projects exploring how architects, ecologists, community researchers, political campaigners, fundraisers and communications professions come together to create community infrastructure.  Online meetings are every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet with remote tasks. 

What are we looking for?

Strong experience in qualitative/quantitative user research, research plan design/execution, data analysis, and synthesizing actionable insights. 

Proven ability to build rapport and engage diverse communities. Excellent collaborative spirit for multidisciplinary teamwork.

Genuine passion for community-led projects, environmental sustainability, and inclusive urban development.

By leading research projects that explore how diverse professionals collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that reflects the needs and desires of the local community. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage, driving support for the park's mission and long-term sustainability.

Volunteer for a startup restoring land and empowering rural African communities ��

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) We restore degraded landscapes and empower rural communities with sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, and green livelihoods.

RUWAI tackles the urgent, interconnected challenges of deforestation, climate change vulnerability, and rural poverty in Africa. Many rural communities rely on unsustainable practices like slash-and-burn farming and illegal logging, leading to widespread land degradation, soil depletion, and increased desertification. This vulnerability, coupled with limited resources and high unemployment, forces many—especially youth and women—into destructive practices, worsening food insecurity and biodiversity loss, including the rapid decline of critical pollinators like bees.

RUWAI employs a holistic, community-driven solution focusing on Sustainable Agroforestry and Land Restoration through large-scale tree planting and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). They promote Sustainable Beekeeping to protect pollinators and create an alternative income source, and train smallholder farmers in Climate-Smart Agriculture and regenerative techniques to boost food security. Furthermore, RUWAI focuses on Economic Empowerment by creating green livelihoods through agro-processing, eco-tourism, and microfinance, with a special focus on empowering women. By integrating these strategies, RUWAI restores ecosystems, builds climate resilience, and creates sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring that rural communities and nature can thrive together.

Resource Mobilization Manager

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized rural communities across Africa through sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, climate action, livelihood development, and ecosystem restoration. Our work focuses on reducing poverty, strengthening food security, restoring degraded lands, and building climate-resilient rural economies.
As we scale our impact, RUWAI seeks a passionate and results-driven Resource Mobilization and Partnership Expansion Specialist (Volunteer) to support fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.
 
 Role Overview
The Resource Mobilization and Partnership Expansion Specialist will play a key role in strengthening RUWAI’s financial sustainability and institutional partnerships. The volunteer will support grant development, donor mapping, partnership building, and resource mobilization strategies aligned with RUWAI’s mission and growth plans.
This role is ideal for professionals seeking meaningful impact, international development exposure, and leadership experience within a growing nonprofit.
 
Key Responsibilities
Resource Mobilization & Fundraising

• Identify and research funding opportunities (grants, foundations, CSR, INGOs, multilateral donors).
• Support the development of grant concept notes, proposals, and donor pitches.
• Assist in donor reporting, compliance, and relationship management.
• Contribute to fundraising strategies and annual resource mobilization plans.

Partnership Development

• Map and engage strategic partners including NGOs, private sector, development agencies, and government MDAs.
• Support the development of partnership proposals, MoUs, and collaboration frameworks.
• Strengthen existing partnerships and identify opportunities for co-funded projects.

Strategy & Communication Support

• Work closely with the leadership team to align fundraising efforts with program priorities.
• Support donor communications, presentations, and impact narratives.
• Contribute to visibility and credibility-building efforts with funders and partners.

 
Qualifications & Skills

• Background or strong interest in fundraising, resource mobilization, partnerships, international development, or nonprofit management.
• Experience with grant writing, donor engagement, or partnership development is a strong advantage.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate with a remote team.
• Passion for climate action, sustainable development, rural livelihoods, and community-based solutions.

 
 What RUWAI Offers

• Opportunity to contribute to high-impact climate and rural development initiatives in Nigeria and Africa.
• Hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising and partnership development.
• Professional growth, mentorship, and international exposure.
• Letter of reference and recognition for outstanding contributions.
• Flexible working arrangement.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Volunteer-led East London Waterworks Park won a 2024 NLA award and raised £2m towards buying the 14-acre Thames Water Depot (Lea Bridge Road) to turn into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming, forest schools, and community spaces.

We are looking for service designers to participate in our community-led working group who are leading improvements in our collaborative social infrastructure. Meetings are every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet with remote tasks. 

What are we looking for?
 

1. Service Implementation: Expert in design methodologies, ecosystem mapping, visual concepts, and prototyping. Translates insights into tangible service improvements. 

2. User Research: Experienced in behavioral research, ecosystem context, and facilitating co-creation workshops to drive innovation. 

3. Community Engagement: Skilled in inclusive co-design, building community ownership, and communicating complex ideas simply. 

4. Collaboration: Multidisciplinary team player with a systems-thinking approach. 

5. Desirable: Tech-proficient, impact measurement, and inclusive design.

By leading research and service design projects that explore how diverse professionals collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that reflects the needs and desires of the local people. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire and engage, driving support for the park's mission and long-term sustainability.

Volunteer for a startup supporting infant health and parental wellbeing ❤️

Doozy Baby
We provide a wearable Kangaroo Care system and app supporting infant health and parental wellbeing.

Doozy Baby addresses the critical challenges faced during the early months of parenthood, including infant discomfort, parental anxiety, and the postpartum knowledge gap. Many newborns suffer from colic and sleep disturbances, while parents often experience high stress and fatigue. Furthermore, a lack of evidence-based guidance frequently prevents fathers and partners from participating equally in caregiving, placing undue pressure on mothers.

The solution is the Doozy Hug, a patented wearable system designed to promote Kangaroo Care—clinically proven skin-to-skin contact that regulates an infant’s temperature and heart rate. This technology mimics a parent's gentle breathing and warmth, comforting the baby while allowing parents to rest. This is paired with the Doozy App, which provides personalized insights, activity tracking, and practical guidance on early development. By combining innovative hardware with digital support, Doozy Baby fosters secure attachment, supports parental mental health, and encourages equitable caregiving, directly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) for a more balanced family life.

Social Media & Digital Marketing Assistant

Deliverables:

• Develop and manage a consistent rolling social media calendar.
• Create high-quality content (reels, posts, carousels) focused on Kangaroo Care, postpartum care, parental rest, and the Doozy Hug for LinkedIn, Instagram Tiktok.
• Drive awareness and engagement in the lead-up to our Doozy App launch (Jan/Feb) and ongoing product updates.
• Improve visibility and engagement within our parent community in the Netherlands and across Europe.
• Track basic analytics and propose content improvements based on performance.

Skills Needed:

• Social media management experience across Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
• Strong storytelling, copywriting, and basic design/video editing skills.
• Understanding of parenting/well-being audiences is a plus.
• Creativity, consistency, and ability to work semi-independently.

Time Commitment: 5–7 hours per week
Duration: 8–12 months (Jan/Feb 2026 until the end of 2026)

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Volunteer for a startup supporting infant health and parental wellbeing ❤️

Doozy Baby
We provide a wearable Kangaroo Care system and app supporting infant health and parental wellbeing.

Doozy Baby addresses the critical challenges faced during the early months of parenthood, including infant discomfort, parental anxiety, and the postpartum knowledge gap. Many newborns suffer from colic and sleep disturbances, while parents often experience high stress and fatigue. Furthermore, a lack of evidence-based guidance frequently prevents fathers and partners from participating equally in caregiving, placing undue pressure on mothers.

The solution is the Doozy Hug, a patented wearable system designed to promote Kangaroo Care—clinically proven skin-to-skin contact that regulates an infant’s temperature and heart rate. This technology mimics a parent's gentle breathing and warmth, comforting the baby while allowing parents to rest. This is paired with the Doozy App, which provides personalized insights, activity tracking, and practical guidance on early development. By combining innovative hardware with digital support, Doozy Baby fosters secure attachment, supports parental mental health, and encourages equitable caregiving, directly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) for a more balanced family life.

User Testing & Researcher

Deliverables:

• Coordinate and support user testing for the first 5 Doozy Hug prototypes with selected parents.
• Develop simple test materials: user guidelines, observation sheets, and parent feedback forms.
• Conduct parent interviews (in-person or virtual) to collect insights on comfort, safety, usability, and support for parental rest.
• Organize the feedback into structured reports with clear recommendations for product improvements.
• Support the product team in prioritizing actionable refinements.

Skills Needed:

• Background in Engineering, UX/user research, human-centered design, or product testing.
• Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills, especially with new parents.
• Ability to interpret qualitative data and turn it into actionable insights.
• Empathy and sensitivity when working with parents of newborns.

Time Commitment: 5-8 hours per week
Duration: March 2026 – August 2026 (6-month testing phase)

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support qualified staff in creating a welcoming environment for families attending breastfeeding and infant feeding sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome parents and carers to infant feeding sessions, making them feel at ease.

· Offer encouragement, reassurance, and a listening ear to families, providing peer support under staff guidance.

· Support with preparing and tidying away resources used during sessions.

· Model sensitivity, respect, and inclusivity when discussing feeding choices.

· Promote the benefits of breastfeeding and infant feeding best practices (Hertfordshire Family Centres are Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) accredited through UNICEF)

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable and empathetic.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Respectful and non-judgemental attitude towards different feeding choices

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

· Experience of infant feeding (personal or professional)

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

This is a brilliant time to join Caxton Youth as we embark on our strategy refresh, seeking to enhance our voice and impact by building partnerships, expanding our presence in the Westminster community and growing our quality youth services. Help us steer the charity during this crucial time as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Who we are

Established in 1948, Caxton Youth is the only specialist youth club in the City of Westminster dedicated to learning-disabled and autistic young people aged 11–25. We provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community where young people can build friendships, explore new interests, and develop the skills needed to lead independent, happy, and healthy lives.

We aim to break down disabling barriers in society by offering youth-led services shaped by the aspirations of our members. Our approach is person-centred, providing a mix of 1:1 support and inclusive group activities to help each individual reach their own goals.

Our core delivery centres on weekly youth club sessions held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at our Westminster base. These sessions offer a vibrant mix of sports, cooking, arts and crafts and music, providing a safe space for young people to socialise and explore new interests. To ensure these opportunities are accessible to all, we provide dedicated community transport via a wheelchair-accessible minibus for our activities.

Beyond the club, we run dedicated programmes designed to foster independence and emotional well-being. These range from mastering essential life skills, such as preparing hot drinks and navigating public transport independently, to improving mental health by building self-esteem and social connections through initiatives like our “Mates Dates” outings. For our older members aged 16–25, we offer targeted employment support, including CV writing, interview preparation and assistance in securing volunteering or training opportunities.

Our impact extends into the school holidays with a comprehensive provision of day trips and overnight residentials at outdoor activity centres, allowing members to experience nature and adventure in an accessible environment. These services not only empower the young people but also provide vital respite and a local support network for parents and guardians, knowing their children are in a safe and supportive environment.

Through the power of youth work, we co-create safe, inclusive spaces where learning disabled and autistic young people can take part in accessible activities driven by their needs, wants and interests.

About the role

We seek to appoint a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership and strong governance, ensuring Caxton Youth Organisation delivers its mission and uses its resources effectively.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Chair will guide the board in setting direction, maintaining financial sustainability, managing risk and ensuring robust systems, policies and procedures are in place. A clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to youth leadership will be central to the role.

Leading a high-performing board of trustees, the Chair will foster collective responsibility and sound decision-making in Caxton’s long-term interests. They will chair board meetings effectively, support trustees to fulfil their governance duties and oversee succession planning for the board, Chief Executive and senior management team. In partnership with the CEO, the Chair will also ensure effective board composition, trustee recruitment and ongoing development.

Externally, the Chair will act as a credible ambassador and advocate for Caxton, building strong relationships with partners, funders and key stakeholders. Drawing on their networks and influence, they will help open doors to funding, partnerships and decision-makers, ensuring youth issues remain a priority.

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will be deeply committed to Caxton’s mission, able to see the bigger picture and lead with authenticity, tact and diplomacy.

They will bring board or committee work experience, along with strong influencing and negotiation skills, resilience and a collaborative, organised approach.

We are seeking someone with experience in leading an inclusive organisation through a period of growth or change and/or with significant fundraising expertise.

You will bring a collaborative leadership style and act as a constructive, critical friend when appropriate.

Visible and engaged, you will work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, acting as a key ambassador for the charity and supporting the staff team to raise its profile and secure new funding to ensure the sustainability of its work.

Time Commitment

There are four board meetings and four committee meetings a year and the Chair leads at least one strategy away day per year. You will also attend other internal and external meetings where necessary, including regular 1:1s with the CEO.

You will be required to be available for 3 – 5 days over a month for this role.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 2nd February 2026

What will you be doing?

We are looking to expand the range of expertise and experience of our Board and are looking to recruit additional Trustees.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4 hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Who we are looking for

· Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

· Good, independent judgement

· The ability to challenge and ask questions

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

· Peer support

· Long-term health conditions

· Cancer diagnoses and prevention

· Voluntary sector support

· Health inequalities

· Under-served communities

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Chairing experience required + any combination of: financial management, advocacy, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

·Peer support

·Long-term health conditions

·Cancer diagnoses and prevention

·Voluntary sector support

·Health inequalities

·Under-served communities

What will you be doing?

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Who are we looking for?

Previous chairing experience

·Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

·Good, independent judgement

·The ability to challenge and ask questions

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

·A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail operations and income generation. An individual who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch, and support us in maximising the revenue generated from our charity shops as we want to increase our skill set across our trustee board.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• Assist the Shop Managers in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s two charity shops, directly line manage the branches 2 shop managers.
• Work with the Trustee committee to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching the potential for further charity shops.
• Support the Branch with the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay/Vinted.
• Work with other trustees, the Branch staff to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards.
• Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with other committee members/branch staff members to put these ideas into action.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside retail operations and income generation experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.

As we shape the next stage of our programme and prepare to celebrate our centenary in 2029, this is a wonderful moment to become part of our story. We are in a period of thoughtful renewal, refining our strategy and exploring new ways to deepen our impact and enrich the musical lives of people of all ages.

Our Trustees play a vital role in the life of Benslow Music. They steward the governance of the charity, share responsibility for its financial and legal wellbeing, and help set its strategic direction in collaboration with the Chief Executive and staff team. Trustees also champion our work externally – supporting fundraising, building relationships, and helping the organisation thrive.

We are looking to appoint up to three new Trustees and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and professional perspectives.  

We are intending one appointment will be a trustee with legal expertise.  

Following a recent skills review, we are also keen to hear from candidates with experience in:

• Charity governance
• Finance or accountancy
• Corporate or charity experience in SMEs
• Fundraising.

For further information and to download our trustee recruitment pack, plese visit our website. 

Cadet Group Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of healthy citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, and self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 18/01/2026.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

We are looking for a befriending volunteer to visit a chatty and independent gentleman in Milton Keynes. On the days where he is not working in a nearby shop, he would like a kind and considerate person to chat to over a coffee at home or to join him for the occasional walk or meal out.

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 an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. 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 a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

- Sitting and having a chat

- Checking in on their well- being

- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink

- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.

- Enjoying a walk

- A craft activity at home                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.