Volunteer roles

We are recruiting for a Peer Mentor Volunteer to join our team in Barking & Dagenham; the scope on this opportunity involves….

Title: Peer Mentor Volunteer

Location: Barking & Dagenham
Salary: Volunteering opportunity
Contract type: Minimum of 6 months commitment

Hours: Between 2-3 hours a week (days can be agreed)

We are looking for a committed and compassionate Peer Mentor Volunteer to join our service in Barking and Dagenham supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse. This role offers the opportunity to use your own experience, empathy, and insight to empower survivors as they rebuild their confidence, independence, and sense of safety.

As a Peer Mentor Volunteer, you will provide supportive, trauma‑informed mentoring to service users, You’ll work closely with staff to ensure a safe, appropriate, and empowering environment for survivors. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, lived experience relevant to the role, the ability to maintain boundaries, and a genuine commitment to supporting women in their recovery journey.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women at a crucial point in their journey. As a Peer Mentor Volunteer, you will gain valuable experience, build your own confidence and skills, and contribute to a supportive team that is passionate about creating positive change.

Closing date: 9.00am on 22 July 2026

Interview date: 31 July 2026

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

The Brent Centre for Young People
Chair

The Brent Centre is a long‑established London charity providing specialist psychoanalytic understanding, treatment of and research into Adolescent Mental Health. With a strong clinical heritage and a deep commitment to addressing social and economic inequality, the Centre supports young people experiencing complex and enduring mental health challenges.

We are now seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to lead the organisation through its next phase of development, as the current Chair comes to the end of their term.

This role is unremunerated, with travel expenses paid 
Time commitment: Up to 2 days per month remote/ hybrid (with quarterly Trustee meetings and ad hoc meetings in person)
Location: London (NW6)

About us

Founded in 1967 by a group of pioneering, internationally renowned psychoanalysts, the Brent Centre for Young People was established with a clear purpose: to transform mental health support for adolescents during the critical transition to adulthood, and to tackle the significant health inequalities that exclude many vulnerable young people from accessing the help they need. 

We achieve this by providing age-specific, timely and effective psychoanalytic psychotherapies and practical support to at-risk young people struggling with serious mental health issues like anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and disordered eating.

We have developed a clinical model that puts adolescent needs and development at its core. Our unique approach maximises engagement and achieves deep-rooted and long-lasting change. With nearly six decades of experience, we have evidenced that this model works.

The role

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the organisation is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering its mission with integrity and impact. Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Chair will help shape and steward the Centre’s long‑term vision, strengthen Board effectiveness, and support the organisation to respond confidently to a changing mental health landscape.

This is a governance leadership role that also carries an important external dimension. The Chair will act as an ambassador for the Brent Centre, helping to raise its profile, build relationships and champion the value of psychoanalytic approaches to improving young people’s mental health.

About you

We are seeking an inspiring and committed individual with the time and capacity to engage fully in this role. The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in a business, charitable, healthcare or public sector setting
• Demonstrable Board‑level experience, with a strong understanding of governance and trustee responsibilities
• Financial acumen and experience overseeing organisational sustainability and risk
• Strategic insight and the ability to support and challenge executive leadership constructively
• Credibility and confidence to act as an ambassador and external advocate
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing

Experience of the mental health sector, or familiarity with psychoanalytic approaches, would be welcome but is not essential. We value curiosity, sound judgement and strong alignment with the Centre’s mission and values.

How to Apply 
 
To express your interest in the role, please contact Prospectus. 

At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients to build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire. 
 
Recruitment Timetable 
Deadline for applications: 20th September (midnight) 

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 12/07/2026
• Interviews will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised 

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 12/07/2026
• Interviews will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Lead of Staffordshire, Shropshire & Wolverhampton you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks, aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice.

We are seeking individuals who are innovative in their approach, willing to explore new ideas, and able to adapt to a changing environment. You will be confident in driving technology-led solutions, while recognising the diverse needs and experiences of our volunteer community. We value those who can challenge existing ways of working respectfully and constructively, bringing forward creative approaches that enhance collaboration and impact, and minimise over-complication and disruptive processes. This is an opportunity to shape how we deliver outcomes across the county, ensuring our services remain relevant, inclusive, and effective for all the communities we serve.

The volunteer would be expected to attend monthly County Council meetings and attend visit Networks and other meetings within the role.

The closing date for this vacancy is 24/07/2026

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are: Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on: Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised

 Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

Network Meetings 20:00 on Tuesday evening

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are: Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on: Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised.

Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth 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 health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, 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. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, 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. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Locations to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 22/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, 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.

Weekly commitment to 1 night per week at either of the 3 Youth groups within the borough. We require someone who can confirm they are able to attend and be comfortable with supporting ages 5-18 year olds learn new skills and teach sessions.

Recruiting for Erith, Sidcup and Bexley

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. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/09/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth 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 health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, 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. 

Meetings held on Friday evenings

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised
•  

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

JOIN THE FOUNDING LEADERSHIP TEAM

Help Build London’s Movement Against Loneliness

Volunteer Leadership Opportunities

Loneliness is one of London’s quietest crises.

Every day, thousands of people across London feel invisible, isolated or disconnected.

At SUNSHINE, we believe everyone deserves friendship, belonging and hope.

We’re building more than a charity.

We’re building a movement.

SUNSHINE is recruiting its Founding Leadership Team—a group of passionate, skilled and committed volunteers who want to help shape the future of an organisation dedicated to ending loneliness through genuine human connection.

• These aren’t ordinary volunteer roles.
• They’re an opportunity to build something that could change lives for years to come.

If you’ve ever wanted to leave a lasting legacy in your community, this is your chance.

Together, we can ensure nobody has to face loneliness alone.

1. Founding Chief Operating Officer 

Lead the Movement

We’re looking for an inspiring volunteer to become SUNSHINE’s first Founding COO.

Working alongside the Founder, you’ll help transform an ambitious vision into a sustainable organisation that changes lives across London.

Your role

• Lead the day-to-day running of the charity.

• Support and coordinate the leadership team.

• Develop organisational systems and processes.

• Deliver the strategic plan.

• Build a positive and inclusive culture.

We’re looking for someone who

✔ Loves building organisations.

✔ Enjoys leading people.

✔ Is organised and proactive.

✔ Shares our passion for tackling loneliness.

✔ Wants to make a lasting difference.

Together we’ll build something extraordinary.

2. Founding Chief Community Officer

Create Places Where Friendships Begin

Every event or programme has the potential to change someone’s life.

As our Founding Chief Community Officer you’ll design welcoming activities where strangers become friends and communities grow stronger.

You’ll help by

• Creating community programmes.

• Supporting activity leaders.

• Ensuring every event feels welcoming and inclusive.

• Listening to participants and improving experiences.

Your work will help people feel seen, valued and connected.

3. Founding Chief Volunteering Officer

Build the Team That Changes Lives

Great charities are built by great volunteers.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys encouraging people, building teams and helping others succeed.

You’ll

• Recruit volunteers.

• Welcome and support new team members.

• Organise training.

• Celebrate volunteer achievements.

• Build a culture where everyone feels they belong.

• Build our volunteering programme that feels like no-other.

4. Founding Chief Partnerships Officer

Bring London Together

No organisation ends loneliness alone.

You’ll build relationships with councils, community organisations, GP surgeries, businesses, universities and local groups to help SUNSHINE reach more people.

If you love networking and bringing people together, we’d love to hear from you.

5. Founding Chief Fundraising Officer

Turn Kindness Into Impact

Every donation creates another opportunity for someone to find friendship.

You’ll help secure grants, develop fundraising campaigns, build relationships with supporters and create a sustainable future for SUNSHINE.

Your work will help transform generosity into life-changing impact.

6. Founding Chief Communications Officer

Share Stories That Inspire Hope

People connect with stories.

You’ll help tell the story of SUNSHINE through social media, campaigns, photography, video, newsletters and public relations.

Your creativity will help more people discover a place where they belong.

Why Become a Founding Leader?

As a Founding Leader, you’ll:

1. Shape the future of a new charity from day one.
2. Help tackle one of society’s greatest hidden challenges.
3. Develop leadership experience within the charity sector.
4. Work alongside passionate people who believe in kindness, community and belonging.
5. Help build a legacy that will change lives for years to come.

This is more than volunteering.

It’s an opportunity to help create a future where nobody has to face loneliness alone.

Volunteer Graphic Designer – Help Us Shape the SUNSHINE Brand!

SUNSHINE Charity – 100% Volunteer Powered

Loneliness and social isolation are rising challenges across London and the UK. They quietly affect confidence, wellbeing, mental health and even physical health — often leaving people feeling unseen, unheard and disconnected.

At SUNSHINE Charity, we believe in something brighter:

• Connection can change lives
• Joy can spark hope
• Community can transform someone’s world

And now, we’re looking for a creative, passionate Graphic Designer to help us bring that vision to life.

Who We Are

SUNSHINE Charity is a brand‑new, volunteer‑powered start‑up charity dedicated to reducing loneliness and social isolation through positive, uplifting and engaging community‑based activities. Our charity number is imminent, our programmes are growing, and our mission is bursting with energy.

We already have a logo and a clear idea of the brand feeling we want — positive, vibrant, uplifting and happy — but now we need someone with real design skill to help us turn that vision into a fully developed brand identity.

Volunteer Role: Graphic Designer (A Few Hours Per Week)

We’re seeking a creative volunteer who can help us shape and build our visual identity from the ground up. You’ll take our existing logo and AI‑generated concept ideas and develop them into a cohesive, professional brand style that we can use across all print and digital materials.

What You’ll Do

• Develop a full brand identity around our existing logo.

• Create a positive, uplifting, vibrant and happy visual style.

• Build brand guidelines for colours, typography, layouts and graphic elements.

• Help us design promotional materials, publicity assets and digital content.

• Support us in creating a consistent, recognisable and joyful brand presence.

• Bring creativity, warmth and imagination to a charity built on hope and connection.

Why This Role Matters

• Because loneliness is real — and growing.
• Because people need connection, joy and community.
• Because SUNSHINE Charity is here to help, and your creativity can amplify that impact.

Your designs will help us reach people who feel alone. Your visuals will help us build trust, recognition and excitement. Your creativity will help us bring sunshine into people’s lives.

Join Us and Help Spread SUNSHINE

If you’re a creative soul who loves design, colour, positivity and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Help us build a brand that radiates joy. Help us bring sunshine into London — and beyond.

Chair of the Board of Trustees – Lead a Movement Bringing SUNSHINE to People’s Lives

SUNSHINE Charity – 100% Volunteer Powered

Loneliness and social isolation are quietly affecting thousands of people across London and the UK. They impact wellbeing, confidence, mental health and even physical health — often in ways that go unseen. But at SUNSHINE Charity, we believe in something powerful:

• Connection can heal.
• Joy can uplift.
• Community can transform lives.

We’re a brand‑new, volunteer‑powered start‑up charity with a bright mission: to reduce loneliness and social isolation through positive, engaging, community‑based activities that bring people together.

Our charity number is imminent, our programmes are developing, and our vision is growing. Now, we’re seeking an exceptional leader to help guide us into our next chapter.

Volunteer Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees

As our Founder steps back from chairing the board to focus on building and running the charity day‑to‑day, we are looking for an experienced, confident and inspiring Chair who can lead our Board of Trustees with clarity, compassion and purpose.

This is a pivotal role — one that will help shape the future of SUNSHINE Charity and ensure we remain strong, ethical, effective and mission‑focused.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience serving as a Trustee or Chair within a charity or similar organisation.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, support and performance‑manage a board.

• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

• Confidence in steering strategic discussions and ensuring good governance.

• A warm, people‑centred approach aligned with our mission.

• A commitment to giving a few hours per week to help us grow and thrive.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and inspire the Board of Trustees.

• Ensure the board is informed, engaged and performing effectively as a team.

• Support good governance, accountability and strategic direction.

• Work collaboratively with our Founder and leadership team.

• Help shape the charity’s future as we expand across London and beyond.

• Champion our mission to reduce loneliness and build joyful, connected communities.

Why This Role Matters

• Because loneliness is real — and rising.
• Because people need connection, hope and community.
• Because SUNSHINE Charity is here to help, and your leadership can amplify that impact.

As Chair, you’ll help build a charity that brings light into people’s lives. You’ll guide a passionate board, support a dedicated Founder, and help ensure our work is ethical, effective and full of heart.

Join Us and Help Spread SUNSHINE

If you’re an experienced Trustee with a passion for people, community and positive change, we’d love to hear from you.

Help us build a future where no one feels alone. Help us bring sunshine into London — and beyond.