Social welfare volunteer volunteer roles

Purpose of the Role

The Communications & Social Media Volunteer will support Disability Africa in strengthening its external communications and digital presence. The role focuses on translating programme realities into clear, consistent, and engaging content across social media and other communication channels, aligned with the organisation’s values and voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and scheduling of social media content (primarily LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook).
• Draft posts that communicate programme updates, impact stories, partner highlights, and key milestones.
• Help ensure consistency of tone, messaging, and visual identity.
• Work with the team to translate project updates into clear and accessible communications.
• Support basic analytics tracking (engagement, reach, growth trends).
• Contribute ideas for campaigns linked to fundraising, events, or key moments in the year.
• Assist in maintaining simple content calendars and communication plans.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong written communication skills in English.
• Ability to communicate impact clearly without exaggeration or tokenism.
• Basic understanding of social media platforms and content formats.
• Organised and comfortable working to light deadlines.
• Creative but structured approach to storytelling.
• Comfortable working independently with guidance from the team.

Approach and Mindset

• Alignment with Disability Africa’s Social Model of Disability and rights-based framing.
• Strong awareness of ethical storytelling and representation.
• Care to avoid perpetuating traditional “aid” narratives that centre pity, saviourism, or deficit-based portrayals.
• Commitment to communicating dignity, agency, and structural inclusion.
• Respect for partner-led priorities and contextual nuance.
• Interest in inclusive communication and accessibility.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience managing social media for a charity, NGO, or small organisation.
• Basic design skills (Canva or similar).
• Familiarity with simple analytics tools.
• Interest in disability inclusion or international development.

Time Commitment

Flexible; typically 4–6 hours per week.
Minimum commitment of 12 months.

What the Volunteer Will Gain

• Experience shaping communications within a growing international charity.
• Exposure to programme-based storytelling grounded in dignity and inclusion.
• Opportunity to contribute to campaigns with real organisational impact.
• Professional reference upon successful completion of the role.

About us 

Dons Local Action Group is a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to supporting people in crisis and creating meaningful impact through collective action. Through partnerships, volunteers and local initiatives, we work to provide practical support and strengthen our communities across food, technology and furniture. 

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and creative volunteer to join our Marketing team and help us grow our digital presence, engage supporters, and tell the stories that matter. 

What you'll do: 

• Manage and moderate our social media channels

• Support the creation of engaging content across platforms

• Help plan and schedule posts and campaigns

• Analyse channel performance and identify key insights

• Suggest ideas to improve engagement and evolve our communications

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Has an interest in marketing, social media or communications

• Is creative, organised and proactive

• Has strong written communication skills

• Enjoys working with data and spotting trends

• Wants to contribute to a meaningful cause

What you'll gain: 

• Hands-on marketing and social media experience

• Opportunities to develop content and analytics skills

• Flexible volunteering around your schedule

• The chance to make a real impact in the community

Interested? We'd love to hear from you. Tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to get involved. 

Volunteering Opportunity

Social Media and Communications Assistant

What You’ll Do

Help promote Age UK Enfield’s work by creating engaging content for social media and supporting our communications. You’ll help us reach more older people, volunteers, and supporters through creative, informative posts and storytelling.

You will:

· Create social media posts using provided content or your own creative ideas

· Take photos or short videos at events

· Assist with newsletters, leaflets, and other communications

· Share insights or analytics to help improve our reach

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Creativity and written communication skills

· Social media content creation

· Basic digital design (e.g., using Canva – training can be provided)

· Attention to detail and tone of voice

· Awareness of inclusive and accessible communication

Time Commitment

2–4 hours per week (Flexible days)

Location: Age UK Office and some remote working
Reports to: Communications, Marketing & Volunteer Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.
 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

Time expectation

Our social media volunteers can expect to spend between two to five hours per week in this role. This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

Time expectation

Our social media volunteers can expect to spend between two to five hours per week in this role. This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

We're excited to be recruiting a brand new Social Media & Digital Marketing Volunteer to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in marketing and social media management for a non-profit, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people struggling with loneliness.

Key Responsibilities

- Content Creation: Develop original, captivating, and platform-relevant content for social media that embodies the organisation's mission and resonates with the target demographic.]

- Photography and Filming: Capture high-quality photos and videos at events, for campaigns, and for daily content needs, ensuring visuals align with the brand's voice and messaging.

- Social Media Strategy: Keep up-to-date with social media trends, create content plans, and ensure consistent posting to maintain and grow the platform's following.

- Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with partners and agencies to promote our content across other channels and vice versa.

- Social Media Management: Support with the growth of other organisation's social media platforms

- Create engaging content, schedule posts, and interact with the online community to promote events, initiatives, and success stories.

Qualities/Attributes

- Driven by the project's vision and dedicated to addressing loneliness among young adults.

- Outstanding ability to conceptualise and execute trending content.

- Basic video editing skills and familiarity with mobile content tools.

- Independent, organised, and self-directed.

- Welcoming of constructive critique and eager to evolve and collaborate within a team setting.

Your Role

As a Social Media & Digital Marketing Volunteer, your help will not only contribute to immediate outcomes such as increased event attendance and community engagement but also play a pivotal part in the organisation's larger mission of reducing loneliness among young adults and creating a lasting positive impact on their lives.

This is an unpaid role suitable for individuals seeking valuable experience in the non-profit sector, and looking for opportunities for skill development, networking, and making a meaningful contribution to the community. 

When you've submitted your application, you will be contacted and asked to complete a series of questions, so that we can consider you for this role.

We are looking for someone to assist us to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow.

What will you be doing?

• Leading on one of our social media channels (currently Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn)
• Producing occasional blog posts (minimum one per quarter except LinkedIn lead who will do one per month) on topics related to Plateful Café including research and interviews.
• Recording social media analytics on a weekly basis
• Identifying potential content and opportunities
• Adding ideas to the content planner
• Postings and scheduling content
• Attendance at team catch-ups virtually/phone
• Ad-hoc attendance at events and markets
• Other duties in line with the role description

Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English
• Has 3+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)lls and experience as a Social Media Officer and Blogger? We are looking for a new volunteer to help us at Plateful Cafe.
• Able to create interesting and engaging content
• Good computer skills
• Good time management skills
• Engaging and friendly
• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills
• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe
• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience
• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

We are currently recruiting for a Social Media Volunteer. The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other ethnic minorities in south-east London. Our commitment is to ensure we reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. 

Videos are a powerful medium to engage with our supporters and also the wider public. You will play a great role to promote our brand and build our presence online.

Help older people claim welfare benefits through home visits, form-filling and friendly support.

About Us

Age UK Buckinghamshire is a local, independent charity and part of the wider Age UK Network. We support older people across the county through vital services including befriending, information and advice, dementia support, practical help at home, and welfare benefits support - helping people stay independent, connected, and supported.

Our work is more important now than ever. Many older people face growing challenges such as the rising cost of living, social isolation, and difficulty accessing support. 

As demand for our services continues to increase, community support is essential to help us reach more people in need. By raising awareness of what we do, we can ensure that older people know where to turn for help, and inspire others to support our work through volunteering, fundraising, and partnership.

What do Welfare Benefits Volunteers do?

Help older people boost their income by becoming a Welfare Benefits Volunteer.

Many older people face financial difficulties because they are not claiming all the welfare benefits they are entitled to. At Age UK Buckinghamshire, we support older people to access the benefits they deserve by offering personalised advice and practical help.

Our trained volunteer advisors visit people in their own homes to guide them through the claims process, completing benefit forms on their behalf and ensuring applications reflect their individual circumstances.

Following full training, you will be matched with clients for one-off home visits, usually lasting one to two hours. Along the way, there’s often time for a friendly chat, and perhaps a cup of tea, while making a real difference to someone’s quality of life.

What skills does a Welfare Benefits Advisor need?

• Empathy and patience with older people
• A professional, friendly and approachable manner
• Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills
• A non-judgemental approach
• Willingness to learn about older people’s benefits

What training do we provide?

Successful applicants complete 2 training sessions covering the needs of older people and welfare benefits.  At the end of this initial training, you will be “buddied” with one or more experienced volunteers, first as an observer and later as an advisor until you have the knowledge and confidence to undertake one-to-one visits.

How much time do we expect you to give?

Once trained, you can commit to as many or as few visits per week as you wish. Each visit takes, on average, about 1 – 2 hours.  There are quarterly meetings that provide support and additional training days from time to time to keep up with new legislation.

What is our commitment to you?

• We will provide initial and ongoing training to help you develop your knowledge and skills.
• We will continue to support you in your role, providing information and advice as necessary.
• We will discuss with you any problems you may have with your role, or any concerns we have.
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses.

Walking Group Volunteers help service users build confidence, improve wellbeing, and reduce social isolation by supporting them to take part in regular group walks in their local community. The role also includes light shopping support—helping individuals access local shops, build independence, and feel more comfortable navigating their community.

What you will be doing

• Encourage conversation, connection, and gentle physical activity in a supportive and friendly environment, helping service users feel safe, included, and confident during walks.
• Create an inclusive, encouraging atmosphere where service users can build social skills, connect with others, and increase self esteem.
• Provide light, practical support with shopping trips, such as visiting local shops before or after walks.
• Help service users plan small shopping tasks (e.g., picking up essentials).
• Lead or co lead regular walking sessions with service users in local parks, streets, and community areas.
• Encourage independence while offering reassurance and support with navigating shops, queues, and payment if needed.
• Assist service users in becoming more familiar with their neighbourhood, including shops, parks, cafes, and community spaces
• Help identify opportunities to take part in local activities that promote independence and wellbeing.
• Report any concerns or changes in a service user’s wellbeing to staff promptly.

The skills you need

• Friendly, patient, and supportive
• Good communication and listening skills
• Empathetic and encouraging
• Reliable and able to maintain 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 - 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.

Befriender Volunteers play a key role in supporting individuals as they move on from our services and begin to live more independently. This role helps individuals stay connected, build stability, and feel confident in their next steps. Volunteers provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to help people achieve their personal goals and stay engaged with their community.

What you will be doing

• Carry out regular check-ins—via phone, online, or in person—to help service users feel supported after leaving the service. Provide friendly visits where appropriate, offering a listening ear and encouragement during the transition to independent living
• Support individuals to build links within their local community, such as identifying clubs, social groups, local activities, or places of interest based on their personal goals.
• Encourage service users to take part in community events and build social connections that promote long-term wellbeing.
• Accompany service users to view potential properties where needed. Provide assistance exploring practical items or resources they may need after moving on, such as furniture options, budgeting tools, or local amenities.
• support service users to attend GP or other health appointments, helping reduce anxiety and build confidence in navigating services.
• Help individuals develop social skills, communication skills, and confidence through positive interactions and gentle encouragement. Providing motivation and reassurance as they work towards independent living goals.
• Support service users to access and participate in our online activities, helping them build digital confidence and stay connected. Assist with basic digital navigation, where needed (e.g., joining online groups, using communication platforms, accessing resources).

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Friendly and calm nature
• Mental health experience who feels strong enough to help others
• Willingness to listen to people with a genuine enthusiasm to support others
• Confident, sympathetic and can inspire trust and able to maintain boundaries in a non-judgemental way
• Warm, friendly, and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience and empathy
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Reliability and consistency

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

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.

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 - 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.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!