Volunteer roles in south east

The Centre Manager needs some admin support on a Friday morning. Tasks include

Answering the phones

Taking a register

Communicating with schools, volunteers, staff and clients

Other administrative activities

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

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 by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

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. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

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.

Meetings will take place at the Dunk Memorial Hall Maidstone Tuesdays 19:30 - 21-00, Meetings are on a Tuesday night, and volunteers should make at least 1 a month

Interviews will be at a selection event in the new year

24/01/2026, at the dunk Memorial hall for interviews from 10 till 2pm
 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK.

We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

This role is based in the Thanet area.

We are looking for a volunteer to help support us with gardening and working alongside our service users to support them with all things gardening related, tasks will include:

•Trimming hedges and bushes

•Weeding, planting and watering plants

•General vegetable patch maintenance

•Sharing knowledge of plant, flower and food cultivation with service users

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Have experience or qualifications in gardening, cultivation, harvesting of plants.

•This role requires a regular commitment- weekly

•Be able to get to the venues which is in Thanet

•Be computer literate and have a good standard of spoken and written English

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role and ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.

Join DOCA as a Trustee (Secretary role) 
We're looking for a passionate, organised individual to join our board as a voluntary trustee – someone who can help keep us on track and bring some HR knowledge too.

You'll take minutes, help with key documents, and guide fair practice across our small but mighty arts organisation.

At DOCA, we bring people together through magical, shared experiences that transform places, hearts and minds.

We especially welcome applicants from global majority groups and those under-represented in the arts.
Based in Devizes, Wiltshire (hybrid considered).

Interested? Let’s chat!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and skilled at creating engaging Instagram content?

IAPWA is looking for a talented Social Media Manager (Volunteer) to help us grow our audience on Instagram, strengthen supporter engagement, and above all, develop this channel into a source of vital fundraising income.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience managing and growing Instagram accounts
• Can create high-quality, tailored content that aligns with our brand and mission
• Understands how to drive engagement and build online communities
• Is enthusiastic about using social media to make a real impact for animals in need

We’re ideally looking for someone who would like to manage this channel as their own project, offering a small amount of time each day to post, respond, and engage with our audience. As social media and fundraising are dynamic and fast-moving, this regular attention will help us build momentum and maximise opportunities for growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your creative and strategic skills to support a global animal welfare charity and make a difference to the lives of so many animals in need.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

The Diana Award are thrilled to invite you to volunteer for our Mentoring Programme in Spring 2026, which operates across London. 

We collaborate with volunteer mentors to support young people aged 14-18 who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) through mentoring interventions, career skills development programmes, and support with their youth-led social action projects. 

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AS A MENTOR? 

We welcome applicants of all industries and levels of experience. Through mentoring you will gain skills in communication and leadership, building empathy and understanding of issues and barriers facing young people in their communities. 

OUR MENTORING PROGRAMMES  

We will be running our exciting Twelve-week Mentoring Programme from March - July 2026, across London, in the boroughs of Enfield, Hounslow, Southwark, Redbridge, and Sutton. 

The programme will involve: 

• Twelve weeks of in-person weekly mentoring sessions that last one hour (excluding travel) and are delivered on the same day and time each week. 

• Group mentoring, where a group of volunteer mentors work together to support a group of mentees, with the help of a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Volunteer mentors will share advice and guidance with young people who are at risk of becoming NEET.

We will train you to mentor and provide ongoing support for the duration of your programme. 

The Diana Award can provide you with a professional reference, paid for DBS check, and refund your travel expenses in exchange for your voluntary work. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Requirements 

• A minimum of 18-years-old.

• Willing to complete a DBS Check (paid for by The Diana Award).

• Willing to provide contact details for two referees.

• Has the right to work and volunteer in the UK. 

• Able to attend a three-hour in-person mentor training session. 

• Able to commit to weekly face-to-face sessions. 

• Lives or works in London.

Skills 

• Passion for working with young people. 

• Has developed or willing to develop active listening skills. 

• Ability to see solutions and opportunities when working with people or in a group setting. 

• Ability to show resilience when faced with challenging situations or behaviours. 

Experience / Knowledge 

• Has work experience, this can be professional, from previous volunteering, or social action initiatives. 

• Has developed or willing to develop experience of picking, planning, and delivering a social action campaign. 

Optional Experience / Knowledge 

• Has prior experience working with young people. 

• Has experience in organising grassroots activism. 

• Has experience or knowledge in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

• Has experience or knowledge in Widening Participation. 

• Has experience in project management. 

Responsibilities

• Commit to weekly sessions for twelve weeks, demonstrating consistency and punctuality. Mentoring Programme sessions last 60 to 90 minutes (excluding travel time). Follow through is key when working with young people at risk of becoming NEET. 

• Collaborate with a Diana Award Facilitator and other volunteer mentors to deliver and support group mentoring sessions within a school setting. 

• Review session plans and prepare for weekly sessions. Communicate weekly and in a timely manner with other volunteer mentors and a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Create a safe and positive learning environment and provide young people with encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback. 

• Nurture positive relationships with young people. Listen, understand, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. 

• Support young people to plan a social action project. 

• Foster a growth mindset and encourage young people to challenge themselves to work towards their goals. 

• Support young people’s professional development by connecting them with further opportunities. For example, workplace visits, work experience, resources, relevant networks etc. 

• Identify and report any safeguarding and child protection concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as per The Diana Award Safeguarding Policy. 

OUR CHARITY 

The Diana Award is the charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. We seek to empower young people, delivering bespoke youth programmes for children and young people aged 9 – 25. We work with young people to unlock their potential, create opportunities for their growth, and inspire action from them to lead the change they want to see. 

HOW CAN I APPLY?

1. Read the Mentor Application Pack attached, so you have all the necessary information before applying. 

2. Apply now using the Online Application Form. The deadline to apply is 7th January 2026 you will hear back about your application in mid-January 2026.

If your application is successful, volunteer mentoring will begin in March 2026, following identity checks and training. 

We can’t wait to receive your application! 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

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 by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

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. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

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.

All training provided. Knowledge of 52 medical conditions.

There will be a recruitment day with some basic first aid skills taught as a pre-cursor to full training course if the interview and screening is passed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Job Title: Trustee (Treasurer Role)

Location: Kent- but this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people and families navigate grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Treasurer, you’ll play a key part in keeping us financially accountable making sure we can keep supporting young people in the best way possible. You don’t have to be an accountant; we just need someone confident with numbers, organised, willing to learn and passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

 Finance Management

• Keep track of the charity’s income and spending.

• Manage the charity’s bank account and ensure everything matches our records.

• Work with the other trustees to plan an annual budget and keep an eye on how we’re doing.

• Prepare simple finance reports for trustee meetings so everyone understands how funds are being used.

 Reporting & Compliance

• Help prepare our yearly accounts and returns for the Charity Commission.

• Make sure we’re following all the right financial policies and keeping our records clear and transparent.

Advising the Board

• Explain financial info in plain English so everyone feels confident making decisions.

• Support us in planning sustainable income streams (like grants, donations, and fundraising).

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone confident with money management, budgets, or spreadsheets (finance or bookkeeping experience is great but not essential!).

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and honest.

• Friendly communicator who can make numbers make sense.

• Passionate about supporting young people, families, and communities through loss and mental health challenges.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary role — trustees are not paid, but reasonable expenses (like travel or supplies) will be reimbursed.

• We usually meet once every 1–2 months, and you’ll also help out a little between meetings when needed.

• You also have the opportunity to be involved in the charity's community work, however there is no expectation of this.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A meaningful role where your skills make a real difference.

• The chance to help shape a starting charity and see the impact firsthand.

• Experience in the charity sector, finance, strategy, and leadership.

• A warm, supportive team that actually cares about the cause 

• A great addition to your CV for employers.

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Volunteer Trustee (Secretary Role)

Location: Kent- however this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity supporting young people and families through grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Secretary, you’ll be the organised heartbeat of the board, keeping everything running smoothly, making sure meetings are well-structured, and helping us stay on top of our legal and admin responsibilities.

You don’t need to have charity admin experience — just good organisational skills, a bit of tech confidence, and a passion for helping young people heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

 Meetings & Records

• Arrange trustee meetings (usually every 1–2 months) and make sure everyone has the agenda and papers in advance.

• Take clear minutes and track action points so nothing slips through the cracks.

• Keep an organised record of all meetings, decisions, and official documents.

Governance & Compliance

• Help ensure the charity meets its legal requirements with the Charity Commission.

• Maintain up-to-date trustee contact details and declarations of interest.

• Support the Chair and Treasurer with key governance documents like policies, annual returns, and reports.

 Communication & Coordination

• Be the main point of contact for trustee communication — keeping everyone in the loop.

• Help coordinate between trustees, volunteers, and partners.

• Make sure important dates, tasks, and documents are shared in good time.

What We’re Looking For:

• Super organised and reliable — someone who loves keeping things in order.

• Good written communication skills and attention to detail.

• Comfortable using email, Google Drive, Word, or similar tools.

• Friendly and collaborative, with a genuine passion for supporting young people and families through loss.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary trustee role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (like travel or supplies) can be reimbursed.

• Trustees usually meet once every 1–2 months, with a few extra hours between meetings for admin or follow-ups.

• You will have the opportunity to be involved with community work, however this is not an expectation.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A hands-on role helping a growing charity stay organised and effective.

• Experience in charity governance, leadership, and administration.

• A friendly, purpose-driven team who truly cares about what we do.

• A good opportunity to get hands-on experience in the world of admin.

• The satisfaction of helping young people and families find hope and healing after loss.

Our partner is a long-established charity providing vital advice, support, and advocacy for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in South East London. They help people to know and exercise their rights, rebuild their lives, and thrive as part of an inclusive and welcoming community.

They are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and play a key role in ensuring effective financial management and governance. Candidates should be qualified finance professionals, ideally with knowledge of charity finance and a commitment to the organisation’s mission of justice, inclusion, and empowerment for migrant communities.

As Treasurer and Trustee, you will support the Board in fulfilling its financial responsibilities including advising on financial strategy, budgeting, and reserves policy; reviewing management accounts and annual reports; overseeing audit processes; and ensuring effective systems of financial control. You will also contribute to wider Board discussions, bringing financial insight to strategic planning and risk management.

The Board meets quarterly (alternating between online and in-person evening meetings in London), and Trustees typically devote around 1–2 days per month to their duties.

______________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK.

We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

This role is based in the Thanet area.

We are looking for Volunteers to help support us with coordinating and delivering activities, tasks will include:

•Organising and delivering activities for service user participation, which could include walking groups, craft and wellbeing activities as well as attending trips out of service.

•Consulting service users to gain their feedback about what activities they would like to participate in.

•Helping service users to engage within a group setting, helping with any activity sessions that take place on or off the premises.

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users varying physical and mental wellbeing needs.

•Providing feedback to the Senior Service Manager and reporting any observations or concerns in a timely manner.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Be able to get to the venues which is in Thanet

•This role requires a regular commitment

•Be computer literate and have a good standard of spoken and written English

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role and ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.

Location: Remote or In-person (London-based preferred, flexible)
Hours: 8–12 hours per month (flexible)
Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to Counsellor / 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD
Payment Schedule: Weekly or monthly, depending on preference (flexible to support cash flow)

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

Guardian Light Enterprises LTD is the revenue-generating arm of Guardian Light Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, and hardship. Every service we provide contributes directly to creating safe spaces, housing, education, and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.

As a freelance counsellor with us, you are not just offering sessions—you are helping people heal, build resilience, and find hope, while supporting a social mission that changes lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Freelance Counsellor to provide emotional support, guidance, and therapy sessions to our clients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven social enterprise where your expertise directly fuels social impact.

As a counsellor, you will:

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions for children, teenagers, and single-parent families.

• Use your professional expertise to guide clients through challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, and abuse recovery.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards in line with UK regulations.

• Collaborate with Guardian Light Enterprises and the Foundation team to refer clients to additional support programs where appropriate.

• Participate in impact reporting to help shape future programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality counselling sessions tailored to individual client needs.

• Document sessions and maintain records securely in compliance with safeguarding and GDPR policies.

• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empowerment for clients.

• Engage with Guardian Light Enterprises LTD in strategic discussions to improve program delivery.

• Attend occasional training and team meetings (via Microsoft Teams).

Ideal Candidate

• Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Professional with relevant UK registration.

• Experience working with children, teenagers, and vulnerable families.

• Strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and a trauma-informed approach.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Passionate about social impact and committed to transforming lives.

Hours & Compensation

• Recommended: 8–12 hours per month (approx. 2–3 clients per week, depending on session length).

• Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to you, 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD.

• Payment Schedule: Flexible – weekly or monthly, depending on mutual preference and cash flow management.

Benefits

Even at this early stage, joining Guardian Light Enterprises LTD offers unique benefits:

• Impact-driven work: Every session contributes to funding programs that directly support children and single-parent families in crisis.

• Flexible schedule: Set your hours around your availability.

• Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities.

• Career progression: Exceptional counsellors may be invited to join our Advisory Board or eventually become a Board Member, shaping the direction of Guardian Light Foundation.

• Recognition: A chance to build your personal and professional brand as part of a pioneering social enterprise.

• Supportive environment: Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to real change.

Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK.

We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

This role is based in the Thanet area.

We are looking for an educational volunteer who can help empower service users in the safe house environment through informal English language support. Tasks will include:

•Listening to service users read

•Play games such as scrabble and wordsearches to help them learn in an informal and relaxed way

•Work through every-day scenarios like booking a GP appointment, communicating in a shop, purchasing train tickets

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•ESOL or TEFL qualifications would be advantageous

•This role requires a regular commitment- weekly

•Be able to get to the venues which is in Thanet

•Be computer literate and have a good standard of spoken and written English

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role and ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.

This is an exciting time to be joining the Board of BMS World Mission. As a trustee, you will be joining at a time of transformation. The phenomenal growth of the Church in the Majority World is arguably the most significant development in Christianity in the 21st century. While the Church in the West has struggled, in Africa, Asia, and Latin America it thrives. This reality has presented unprecedented opportunities for the spread of the gospel, as mission becomes from everywhere to everywhere.  

We are currently looking for two trustees, including a safeguarding trustee. 

To maintain the gender balance on our Board, we welcome female applicants for this role.

Please note that this is a voluntary position. 

 As a BMS trustee, you will: 

• Be committed to BMS’ vision and mission 

• Be able to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement

• Be able to communicate effectively 

• Be willing to participate actively in discussion, including sharing different perspectives 

• Be able to work collaboratively

• Be open to learn and develop in your role as trustee 

BMS World Mission was founded in 1792 and we are proud of how we have adapted to the challenges facing each generation. BMS has grown as a global community of mission personnel, partners and international workers in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, supported by more than 1,500 churches around the UK. Together, we’re inspired by our heart to bring the gospel where it’s not known, to bring practical hope to a troubled world and to bring help for the journeys of the displaced.

The successful applicant will be a committed Christian. The nature of this voluntary position means that this is a specific occupational requirement.

Key information

• BMS Office Location:  Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

• Closing date:  17.00 UK time, Thursday 8 January 2026  

• Interviews will be held online on Wednesday 4 February 2025 

You can download the BMS Trustee Recruitment Pack (below) to find out more. If you have any questions about this opportunity or the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Heather Drury, Director of People and Culture.