Voluntary volunteer roles

Executive Director

The Longest Yarn

Flexible

Initially Voluntary Basis with Expenses Covered to be based in the U.K. 

About The Longest Yarn

The Longest Yarn is an internationally recognised knitted and crocheted exhibition project preserving wartime stories through immersive textile art, historical interpretation and community participation. Registered as an Association in France since 2023 with CIO pending in U.K. 

Having toured extensively across the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States, The Longest Yarn now consists of two major exhibitions.

One exhibition, The Longest Yarn: Britain at War, is based in the United Kingdom and is already booked to tour major cathedrals and other significant venues through to 2028.

The original D-Day exhibition now has its permanent home in Normandy near the landing beaches, where it is exhibited for approximately six months of the year, with the flexibility to tour across the UK or Europe during the winter months.

Together, the exhibitions continue to grow as a major international remembrance and heritage initiative.

Founded as a simple project combining creativity, education, remembrance, community involvement and support for veteran causes through large-scale public exhibitions and events, The Longest Yarn rapidly exceeded all expectations, attracting more than 500,000 visitors within just 23 months.

We are currently working with several veteran charities, including one major initiative helping to provide a home for a homeless veteran living with PTSD. Developing and expanding our support for veteran causes remains an important part of the future vision for The Longest Yarn.

The Role

Could You Help the Founder Build The Next Chapter?

Over 500,000 people have now visited .

What started as a slightly bonkers knitted D-Day idea has grown into:

• a permanent Normandy exhibition
• a second UK touring exhibition
• veteran partnerships
• media attention worldwide
• and more opportunities than one person can realistically manage alone.

We are beginning the search for somebody to help build this properly for the future.

This may suit somebody from:

• military or veteran backgrounds
• tourism or events
• heritage or museums
• operations or logistics
• volunteer coordination
• charity or project management

Most importantly — you need to believe in people, possibility, and what this project represents.

Initially this is about finding the right person and exploring what the role could become over time.

Reporting Structure

The Executive Director will report directly to:

• Founder & Creative Director
• The Board of Trustees

To Apply

If it sparks your interest, please apply with your CV and we can organise an informal chat with the Founder and Creative Director.

Ref: V268 | Advisory Group Member | Northern Ireland

We’re looking for three Advisory Group Member Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based in Northern Ireland.

You would need to commit to at least three quarterly meetings per year, and other ad hoc sub-group meetings and events as requested.

We are particularly Interested in applications from individuals with lived experience and skills or knowledge in income generation, communications, commissioning or rehabilitation.

Our Advisory Group normally meets in Belfast; however, events can be anywhere in Northern Ireland and meetings can be joined remotely. Travel expenses will be covered. 

The volunteer will be

· Someone with the skills and expertise to advise Northern Ireland’s senior management team on organisational strategy, operational planning, influencing the Stormont government, income generation and the external environment.

· A people person with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

Volunteering as a Social Media Volunteer provides an opportunity for you to help promote the our  Charity causes, You can truly make a difference to our Charity Partners. 

Forces Support is a national charity dedicated to supporting bereaved families of Service Personnel and helping Veterans rebuild their lives. Through our network of charity shops across the UK, we raise vital funds thanks to the commitment of our dedicated staff and volunteers. Every item donated and every purchase made in our stores directly supports meaningful projects delivered by our trusted charity partners.

Founded in March 2010, our mission is to provide relief and support to the families of those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, and to ensure that all Veterans have access to world-class care and opportunities to thrive in civilian life.

We are also proud to be a national employer, supporting both paid and volunteer roles. Our shops are recognised as centres of excellence for recycling, and we are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant as well as recipients of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

From donated furniture and clothing to household goods and bric-a-brac, every item we sell helps us make a real difference to bereaved families and Veterans across the UK.  

The role will Support, develop and implement a communications strategy, raising the profile of Forces Support, that supports both community and Charity Partner engagement. Responsible for creating and updating content via social media platforms, increasing awareness and engagement. Maintaining Forces Support website and ensuring that our stores have all branding and marketing literature

THE OPPORTUNITY

ORCD UK is the British entity of Afghanistan's most established local humanitarian organisation ORCD Global with $100M+ delivered, UN ECOSOC status (first Afghan NGO), and partnerships with UNICEF, WFP, WHO, and four other UN agencies. We are building our UK presence from scratch and need a talented writer to give us our voice.

This is a rare opportunity: the chance to write the complete communications infrastructure of a new charity,  website, fundraising appeals, donor emails, press releases and partnership outreach for real campaigns and impact.

THE ROLE

Ongoing work includes: monthly newsletter, fundraising appeal copy (Ramadan, Zakat, orphan sponsorship), donor email sequences, NGO partnership letters, and press releases. A full Communications Toolkit is prepared you will help improve and continue building.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Strong writer across multiple tones. Reliable and deadline-driven. Passionate about humanitarian work and Afghanistan. Experience in charity communications, journalism, or marketing is welcome but not required if you have the skills and the drive.

YOU'LL GET

A career-defining portfolio piece (full charity comms build), a strong reference, founding contributor status in our annual report, and the satisfaction of work that directly enables aid to reach Afghan families.

The Role

As ORCD UK's founding Social Media Volunteer, you will be responsible for building the organisation's presence on Instagram and LinkedIn from zero and for growing an audience of donors, diaspora supporters, trustees and NGO partners.

You will not be starting from a blank page. ORCD UK has prepared a complete Social Media Toolkit with a 12-week content plan, 30+ ready-to-post captions, Canva design instructions, a hashtag strategy, and WhatsApp broadcast guidance. Your job is to execute it, and to bring your own creativity, judgment, and digital instincts to make it impactful.

This is not a generic charity volunteer role.

ORCD has delivered over $100 million in humanitarian aid across Afghanistan since 2012. It is the first Afghan NGO with UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. Its partners include UNICEF, WFP and WHO.

ORCD UK will be the UK entity of ORCD Global. We have no social media presence but we have an extraordinary story, a clear strategy and a ready-made toolkit and we need someone with the skills to tell it.

What You'll Actually Do

Week to week:

• Create and schedule 4–5 Instagram posts per week using ready-made copy and Canva templates

• Post 2–3 times per week on LinkedIn with a more professional tone

• Manage ORCD UK's Instagram Stories daily: polls, facts, countdowns, quotes

• Build and maintain a WhatsApp broadcast list: sending 1–2 messages per week/2 weeks

• Monitor comments and DMs, respond or flag to the ORCD UK Lead

Monthly:

• Report key metrics to the ORCD UK Lead: followers, engagement, reach, link clicks

• Update the content calendar for the coming month

• Create new Canva templates as new content needs emerge

• Coordinate with the Communications Volunteer on captions and copy

• Attend a monthly check-in with the ORCD UK Lead (30 minutes, online)

Essential Criteria

Active Instagram and LinkedIn user, you know how the platforms work. Confident using TikTok, YouTube and Facebook

Confident using Canva (or other tools) to create compelling materials

Reliable, you can commit to 5-7 hours per week consistently

Self-motivated and you can work independently from a written brief

Committed to humanitarian work and Afghanistan

Comfortable with ORCD UK's values: Afghan-led on the ground, honest and respectful

Desirable

Experience managing social media for a charity, brand, or community organisation

Knowledge of Islamic giving culture e.g Zakat, Sadaqah, Ramadan fundraising

Understanding of the Afghan community in the UK

Experience with scheduling tools: Buffer, Later or Meta Business Suite

Photography or video editing skills (for future content)

We are seeking to recruit a Trustee with expertise in major donor fundraising to join our Board.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a global charity working to improve diagnosis, treatment, support and research for people affected by encephalitis.

The Role

As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and sustainability of Encephalitis International.

We are particularly seeking someone who can bring experience and insight in major donor recruitment, retention and stewardship to support the charity’s development and fundraising ambitions.

You will:

• Provide strategic guidance on major donor and philanthropic fundraising
• Help strengthen our approach to donor engagement, stewardship and long-term relationships
• Support the development of sustainable income streams and fundraising strategy
• Act as an ambassador for Encephalitis International and its mission
• Contribute to Board discussions and decision-making

This role is strategic rather than operational, though trustees may occasionally open doors, make introductions or support relationship-building where appropriate.

What We Are Looking For

We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in:

• Major donor fundraising or philanthropy
• High-value relationship management
• Philanthropic giving within the charity, corporate or private sectors
• Developing or advising on major gift strategies

You may have gained this experience through work in the non-profit sector, philanthropy, corporate leadership, wealth advisory, or as a major donor yourself.

We are also particularly keen to welcome candidates from under-represented groups.

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year (usually virtual) and one in-person away-weekend.
• Occasional participation in committee meetings or events
• Preparation time for meetings

This is a voluntary role, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why Join Us?

By joining the Board of Encephalitis International you will play a vital role in helping the organisation expand its impact globally. Strengthening philanthropic support will allow us to reach more people affected by encephalitis, accelerate research and increase awareness of this often misunderstood condition.

You will be joining a passionate and committed Board helping to drive forward meaningful change for patients, survivors and families worldwide.

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Askew Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Brompton Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Chiswick High Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Ealing store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Finchley Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Fulham Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Hampstead store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Kentish Town store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person