227 Social care development volunteer volunteer roles

Opportunities across Hertfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire and Solihull

Make a real difference to the life of a child or young person

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is a leading children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering children, young people and care leavers.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Independent Visitor and Side by Side services, helping children and young people build confidence, reduce isolation and achieve positive outcomes.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience and becoming part of a supportive volunteer community.

Which volunteering opportunity is right for you?

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Children and young people in care deserve the opportunity to build trusted, positive relationships with adults who can offer consistency, encouragement and support.

As an Independent Visitor, you'll spend quality one-to-one time with a child or young person, taking part in activities, sharing experiences and building a meaningful friendship.

Young Person Quote:

"It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do."

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of two years.

Side by Side Volunteer

Many care leavers face adulthood without the support network that many young people rely on. Leaving care can be an exciting but challenging time, with some young people experiencing loneliness, isolation and uncertainty about the future.

As a Side by Side Volunteer, you will provide practical and emotional support to a care leaver, helping them build confidence, develop independence and navigate life's challenges.

Whether it's helping them access services, supporting them in achieving their goals, or simply being someone they can trust and talk to, your support can make a lasting difference.

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of 12 months.

What you'll do

Depending on the role, you could:

• Build a trusted, positive relationship with a child, young person or care leaver.
• Meet regularly for activities, outings and conversations.
• Offer emotional support and encouragement.
• Support young people to build confidence and independence.
• Help young people access opportunities, services and support.
• Promote their rights, wellbeing and aspirations.
• Maintain brief records of meetings and activities. You don't need specific qualifications or previous experience.

We're looking for people who are:

• Good communicators.
• Compassionate, reliable and non-judgemental.
• Committed to supporting children and young people.
• Able to respect and value individual wishes and feelings.
• Comfortable completing basic online records and reports.
• Willing to participate in training and ongoing support.

What you'll receive

• Full training and ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator.
• Regular supervision and volunteer support meetings.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and activity expenses.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the life of a vulnerable child or young person.

Requirements

• Based in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• References and Digital Risk Assessment.
• Completion of relevant training.
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports.

Applicants for Side by Side must be aged 25+.

Volunteer Quote

"Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation. Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals."

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help ensure that children, young people and care leavers have someone by their side when they need it most.

Are you a care leaver, foster carer or kinship carer? We are looking for new Trustees to join our Board and would particularly love to hear from people with lived experience relevant to our work.

Who we are

The Roots Foundation Wales is an award-winning charity based in Swansea. We support young people in care as they transition to independent living and into adulthood and we also support foster and kinship carers. Our beautiful centre was featured on BBC's DIY SOS and Children in Need in 2017 and we are proud of the community we have built here.

With the help of our young people and carers we have developed a new 3-year Strategic Plan and in 2027 we will be opening a new house with further accommodation for young people.

A message from our Youth Panel

“Roots is our home from home, it’s a place where we can share our personal experiences and always be supported. Building good relationships with the staff and other young people is very important to us. It’s important to have staff who are respectful, caring and trustworthy while being able to have fun and enjoy a bit of banter! We need someone who is honest, responsible and appreciative of the fact that Roots is like our family.”

What we are looking for

We are expanding our Board and are particularly keen to recruit Trustees with lived experience of care, including care leavers and kinship carers. We also encourage applications from young people, disabled people and Welsh speakers and from people based in Swansea and the surrounding area.

As a Trustee you will:

• Help guide the strategic direction of the charity
• Attend online board meetings every two months (usually Tuesday evening, 2 hours)
• Visit Roots 2-3 times a year as a minimum
• Work on sub-committee projects such as finance or safguarding
• Be visible and support the staff and young people
• Expenses are covered and full induction and training will be provided. An enhanced DBS check is required.

You can find out more about Roots, the work we do and the current Trustees here: https://www.therootsfoundation.wales/our-team/

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond

Voluntary Position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month, including four Board meetings per year, regular support to the CEO, occasional committee meetings and attendance at key events.

Closing date: 11 September 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date).

Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is a national charity supporting more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Through peer support, advocacy and practical assistance, we help families affected by service-related physical and psychological injury feel seen, heard and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to Chair our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and development.

Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide strategic leadership, support strong governance and help ensure the charity continues to deliver meaningful impact for military families and carers.

What You'll Do

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support the Board of Trustees.
• Act as a trusted partner and critical friend to the CEO.
• Oversee strategy, governance, risk and organisational performance.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion and good governance.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development.
• Represent The Ripple Pond externally and help build strategic relationships.
• Help shape the future direction and sustainability of the charity.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Senior leadership, executive or board-level experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience of governance, finance and risk oversight.
• The ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills.
• A genuine commitment to supporting Armed Forces families and carers.

Experience in the military, veterans, healthcare, public, charity or social care sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of military families across the UK.

You will work with a committed Board, an experienced CEO and a passionate community of Members to help strengthen support for families affected by service-related injury, influence wider understanding of their needs and guide a growing charity through its next stage of development.

Help people reconnect with nature, build confidence, and feel part of their community.

Penrose Roots delivers a range of inspiring recovery projects across Luton, including community gardens, social groups, and bike maintenance initiatives. We're looking for enthusiastic, supportive volunteers to help people take their first steps into these life-changing activities.

As a Community Buddy, you'll be matched with individuals who may have experienced long-term isolation, poor health, or a loss of confidence. You'll help them discover local green activities, make a plan to get involved, and, if they'd like, accompany them to their first few sessions until they feel confident attending independently.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference. A friendly face and a little encouragement can help someone build new connections, improve their wellbeing, and rediscover the joy of nature and community.

Location: Based in Luton within a non-residential setting. Unfortunately, this location does not have step free access. 

What is the Commitment?

Because building trust and relationships takes time, we are looking for volunteers who can commit to supporting members regularly - ideally between 4 and 10 hours per week for at least two months.

Volunteering must take place during the service's working hours (Monday - Saturday 10am-3pm) but there is flexibility within that. We will work with you to find a schedule that fits around your life and the needs of the service. 

About You

We’re looking for volunteers who are compassionate, proactive, and ready to make a difference! If you’re someone who can support people going through complex personal situations with empathy and without judgment, we’d love to hear from you.

We also welcome volunteers with lived experience of mental health, social care, or recovery-focused services, as well as those who’ve worked in caring roles or supported loved ones. Your insight and understanding can be incredibly valuable. 

You’ll need to be confident in planning days and journeys in and around Luton independently, and have a positive, encouraging attitude to help others step outside their comfort zones and try something new. Beyond this, we are very open to what you can bring to the team!

What You Can Expect From Us

To support you and set you up for success in your volunteering role with us, you can expect that we will:

• Work with you to find a volunteering arrangement that works for you and for the service. We will be as flexible as we can!
• Reimburse you for agreed expenses relating to your volunteering.
• Welcome you warmly into our team and support you to get the most from your experience.
• Recognise and celebrate your contribution to the team! We can provide references to confirm your achievements and contributions upon request.
• Provide the training and guidance you need to understand the context of our services and to keep you and residents and participants safe
• Provide regular supervision and opportunities to provide feedback on your experience
• You will be eligible to register with Blue Light Discount Card. 

About Us

Penrose Roots delivers community-based recovery services across Luton, from community gardens and social groups to bike maintenance projects. This volunteer role supports our Green Social Prescribing Triage system, helping individuals who have experienced long-term isolation or ill health to access and engage with green projects, build confidence, and reconnect with their community. 

Penrose Roots community-based recovery services are part of the Social Interest Group. SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
 

Additional Information

For information about our volunteer recruitment processes, please see our website and Volunteer Recruitment Policy. 

Purpose of the Voluntary role:

The Purpose of this role is to provide an older Befriendee (a service user or member who needs social engagement, is lonely or bereaved) with an opportunity to develop a wholesome and mutually caring friendship with a willing partner (Befriender). The Trust believes that honest friendships are a positive way of establishing social value and support for those who may, for any number of reasons, find themselves isolated, alone, or lonely. Evergreen will endeavor to find a match with someone who has a shared interest with you.

Our volunteer Befrienders make a life changing difference to the older people we support.

Key Responsibilities:

Honest and accurate in all record keeping

Maintain appropriate boundaries and knowing the limits of the Befriending role

Raise any concerns with the Befriender Lead

Maintain confidentiality at all times unless given express permission to share information

Safe storage of Befriendee data.

Uphold the Values of Evergreen Care Trust

Key relationships:

Befriendee

Working with the Befriending Lead and Members of the Team

Working with Members of Staff delivering the Trust’s ‘Paid for’ Services

Working alongside other Volunteer Groups within the Trust

Skills, Qualifications and experience required:

No formal qualifications are required

Qualities of a Befriender include: Being friendly, honest and open, caring, a good listener, reliable and vigilant.

Desirable Skills: Your own transport would be helpful but is not essential.

Training and support required:

Online Safeguarding training is compulsory.

Introduction session to the role of a Befriender

Shadow an existing Befriender

Regular updates and support from ‘the Befriender team’

Invitation to attend relevant training courses as and when they are arranged

Availability of parking at work location:

Limited parking at Evergreen Care Office in Stamford. Home visits are usually arranged so parking can be varied upon location.

Expenses:

Non Applicable

Is this role eligible for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is renewable every three years? YES

If Yes, what level of DBS check is required for the role?

Enhanced DBS

Work Location: On the road

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping people in the local community know where to turn when they need urgent mental health support. You’ll be out and about in the community spreading the word about the our service — chatting to local people, connecting with community centres, faith groups and local organisations, and sharing information through leaflets and posters. 

What you will be doing

• Promoting the Crisis Café within the local community
• Visiting community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, faith settings and other local spaces
• Handing out leaflets and displaying posters
• Helping build positive relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Feeding back any insights, questions or community needs to the team

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable and confident talking to new people
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing and community support
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non judgemental approach

What's in it for you

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

Do you love gardening and being outdoors?  
 
We are looking for a friendly volunteer to help the people we support to get the most out of their garden! 

 
Activities will include: 

• Taking care of our garden to make it an enjoyable space for everyone

• Garden maintenance that includes – weeding, pruning, mowing, planting

• Building friendships with the people we support who may like to watch

• Helping with ideas and suggestions for the garden 

We're looking for volunteers who are: 

• Comfortable in the Garden, with good gardening skills and knowledge 

• Reliable/dependable 

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism 

• Willing to commit to volunteer regularly 

A DBS check and two character references will be required.

  
What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer: 

 
Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities across the UK.

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with: 

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses) 

• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff 

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector 

Want to apply for this role? 

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re excited to offer a new, rewarding volunteer opportunity in our Day Patient Unit (DPU) at the Hospice in Winsley, Bradford on Avon. If you’re caring, compassionate, and love connecting with people, we’d love to hear from you!

As a Nursing Support Volunteer, you’ll bring comfort and companionship to patients in our Friday respite group. You’ll help create a welcoming space where patients can enjoy activities, laughter, and support.

No two shifts are the same! You’ll be part of a friendly, dedicated team, helping with a variety of tasks and making a real difference to patients and their families. Respect, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.

We’ll give you a full induction, top-quality training, and ongoing support. All we ask is your energy, kindness, and commitment to person-centred care.

Why we need you

To assist the team in providing nursing and personal care to our patients and support to their families and friends.

What you will be doing

• To provide personal care for the patients as required
• To prepare and serve refreshments and meals during your shift and assist with eating as needed
• Connect and chat to patients and families – led by them
• To inform the nurses of care you have provided and handover at the end of your volunteer shift

The skills you need

• Good communication skills and ability to be led by the patient
• Empathy & understanding
• Friendly and approachable
• Ability to work in a team
• Reliability
• Awareness of you own support needs
• Experience of caring / nursing 
• Volunteers must be over 18 years of age for this role

What's in it for you

• Help a local charity and give something back
• Learn new skills
• Gain more confidence
• Make new friends
• All training and induction to Dorothy House provided
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed

Please note

This role will requires a DBS check

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a local group Support Volunteer you’ll signpost people affected by MS to information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application.

In this role you’ll develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services.

Purpose

To deliver hot meals directly to the homes of client in Stamford and providing caring social interaction. Working in partnership with Second Helpings, Evergreen volunteers deliver to people who are housebound, socially isolated, or vulnerable and who would benefit from a nutritious meal and seeing a regular friendly face.

Key responsibilitie

Must have access to an insured, roadworthy vehicle, with current MOT / tax, along with a valid driver's licence

Co-drivers typically help deliver the food bags to recipient’s houses, assist with ‘map reading’ on the route, but don’t need to have a car or driver’s license as they are passengers.

Capable of delivering on a route

Engaging positively with members in a friendly, kind, compassionate and caring manner

Can follow all new health and safety meal delivery protocols.

Notify your car insurance company that you are doing volunteer deliveries.

Volunteers should keep clear records of journeys taken as volunteers, with the mileage, time/date and purpose of journey

Volunteer drivers should wear their Evergreen ID badge for volunteer drivers so that the people they are delivering to can clearly recognise it is an Evergreen volunteer.

Report any concerns to the Volunteer Services Manager or to the Delivery Service Lead Volunteer

Always work within Evergreen’s values and represent the charity in a professional and friendly mannerKey relationships:

Working with other Evergreen volunteers

Evergreen’s members who receive the service

Working with Members of Staff delivering the Trust’s ‘Paid for’ Services

Working alongside partner organisations such as Second Helpings

Could you share your love of music and inspire someone to grow in confidence through learning the piano? We are looking for a friendly and encouraging Piano Tutor Volunteer to support a resident who has taught himself to play the piano and is keen to develop his skills further. Your support could make a real difference to his confidence, wellbeing, and musical journey!

What you will be doing

• Deliver one-to-one piano lessons.
• Help develop piano techniques, musical skills, and confidence.
• Encourage creativity and enjoyment through music.
• Support the individual to work towards their own learning goals.

The skills you need

• Experience playing and teaching piano.
• Patient, encouraging, and reliable.
• Enjoys helping others learn and develop new skills.
• Can build a positive and supportive relationship with service users.

What's in it for you

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

Are You Creative, Organised, and Passionate About Making a Difference?

Turn your ideas into meaningful experiences as an Activity Coordinator Volunteer. You'll help plan and deliver fun, engaging activities that promote wellbeing, build confidence, and bring people together.

From arts and crafts and games to wellbeing sessions, themed events, and community outings, every activity you support will help create connections, inspire smiles, and make a positive impact on people's lives.

What you will be doing

• Support the planning and delivery of activities based on the interests of service users
• Help facilitate social groups such as coffee mornings, walking groups, and activity workshops.
• Encourage participation and help create a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Build positive relationships with service users and support them to develop confidence and social connections.
• Work alongside staff to identify new activity ideas and opportunities.
• Assist with setting up and tidying away activities where required
• Provide occasional one-to-one support, such as accompanying service users to appointments, shopping trips, or community activities.

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and a good listener
• Organised and dependable.
• Confident engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Creative and interested in helping others try new activities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Able to work as part of a team.

What's in it for you

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

Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

What's in it for you

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