Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

We are working in partnership with Guildford Sunset Homes (GSH) a small, well-respected charitable trust based in Merrow, near Guildford, registered under the Communities and Societies Benefits Act of 2014, and who provide 87 social rent apartments for retired individuals of limited means from the local area. The estate features a converted Grade II listed Manor House and several purpose-built apartment blocks set within peaceful and well-maintained grounds.

GSH now seeks a new Trustee to join their friendly and dedicated Board, to work alongside a supportive team and professional estate management company, ELM Group, who employ two members of staff to take care of the day-to-day running of the Estate.

This is an exciting opportunity, where you will help guide the development and direction of a thriving retirement community, and improve the estate for their residents.

They are looking for experience in the following areas:

• Housing associations
• Property sectors
• The charity sector

What’s in it for you:

• A chance to make a positive impact in the area.
• Gain additional experience in governance, leadership, and nonprofit management
• Develop valuable skills for your career and personal growth.
• Broaden your own networks

If you can commit to attend approximately 6 board meetings a year and are passionate about giving back to the community, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date for applications: 2nd November 2025

We are seeking to appoint a voluntary Trustee for our charity who will also take up the role of Company Secretary.

As Company Secretary, you will:

• Liaise with and support the chair and other trustees in organising meetings and taking minutes.
• Ensure the trustees are aware of their legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Maintain the register of members, trustees, directors, and secretaries.
• Prepare and file annual returns and other statutory documents with Companies House and the charity regulator.
• Help us maintain compliance with charity regulations and governance standards.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Well-organised.
• An excellent communicator.
• Passionate about our mission.
• Committed to upholding the highest standards of governance

About Maidstone Homeless Care:

Maidstone Homeless Care is a well-established charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people in the Maidstone area . We run an active day centre, busy food bank and a small residential unit supporting homeless people. 

We have one formal evening meeting each month . The role of trustee is a voluntary role and consistent support is available from the trustee group as well as appropriate training.

If you're looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity where you can use your skills to support a vital cause, we'd love to hear from you.

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? We are seeking organised, compassionate individuals to be the welcoming heart of our Hub. If you have a friendly smile, are well orgabnised and are looking for a reception based role, this could be for you.

BACKGROUND:

• The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness, we: 
• Provide a home to 39 young people
• Offer support to local children and families at risk
• Help families keep or find a stable home and manage their money
• Mentor people to find work or training
• Help people secure their legal right to remain in the UK and access homes, work and benefits.

Last year we helped over 1200 people including nearly 600 families and 230 children and young people.  Our aim is to tackle homelessness, poor housing and poverty at a young age and break its cycle into later life.  We want to see the value in each individual and nurture potential, helping young people and families to thrive.

The Centre prides itself on its welcome and person-centred approach. It recognises each individual is different, often with complex needs and so our response must be multi-layered. We therefore have six principal services: residential services for homeless young people; family support; housing and welfare rights advice; employment support; learning; and immigration advice and advocacy. 

OUR PEOPLE - We believe each person matters: 

Our clients guide everything we do. We’re here to help children, families and young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or clients who have urgent needs that can be met at the Centre and not elsewhere. 

We seek to develop trusting relationships with our clients. We rely on them to help us improve and develop our services, so we include them wherever possible in our work. 

Our staff and volunteers: 
Our staff and volunteers are diverse in their backgrounds, and their skills and experience. Many have lived experience of the challenges our clients face. We are proud of our warm welcome and our team’s commitment to support people facing disadvantage to escape the cycle of poverty and homelessness. 

The HUB on Medway Street is the main entrance for clients who wish to access the services on offer.  Staff in the Hub can provide level 1 advice on housing and welfare rights and for more complex cases, can refer clients to one of our other services, such as housing, welfare rights, immigration, employment and learning, and family services. 

Summary of Role.

You will be supporting a team that is helping people from the local community, who are vulnerable and facing disadvantage, including; homeless young people, people living in insecure accommodation or at risk of losing their housing, low-income families with young children, unemployed people, refugees and migrants. (further details below)

Your presence supports the smooth running of the Centre and increases the team’s capacity to see and help more people.

This role is in the heart of the organisation where you will meet people of all backgrounds and learn how a community organisation responds to local need.

What will you be doing?

• Answering the intercom and buzzing clients in when they arrive
• Welcoming clients to the Centre, signing them in and out of the building calling the staff member to tell them that their client has arrived
• Registering new clients and booking an appointment with the Assessment team
• Assisting with the collection and distribution of client mail
• Administrative support to services, such as, photocopying or scanning documents for service teams and emailing them to relevant staff member
• Printing off and posting out letters to clients
• Possibility of assisting with benefit claims/forms

Other tasks that can be undertaken during quieter periods:

• Assisting clients and staff with phone calls if volunteer speaks a needed language

What are we looking for?

• You will be a confident and patient person with a professional and friendly manner and able to remain calm under pressure
• Some experience of customer service or dealing with a diverse range of people desirable
• Good listening skills
• An ability to communicate well and with confidence when handling enquiries
• Some IT skills useful
• A non-judgemental attitude towards people’s problems in their lives

What is the time commitment?

We are seeking someone for one day a week on a Thursday or Friday from 9.30am to 3pm, with an hour lunch break at 1pm. We are looking for a commitment of 6 months, which sounds like a long time, but there’s lots to learn and volunteers find this goes very quickly! 

How will you be supported?

You will be supported by the Advice and Assessment team  

You will be offered regular supervision and a staff member will be present in the Hub whilst you are on duty

You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel and contribution to lunch up to £6.

Recruitment Procedure

Apply> Informal interview> Reference and DBS checks> Trial period

Winter Bucket Collections Volunteer - Norfolk

Do you want to raise some money for Shelter, while having fun along the way?

Information about the role 

This role involves supporting our Community Fundraising teams. You’d be joining bucket collection events in the community to help us raise money. This is a highly flexible role. We’ll let you know about upcoming opportunities, and you can choose which you’d like to do. 

Location:  Shelter Norfolk, Whitefriars House, 50 Fishergate, NR3 1SE

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! You can choose the shifts you’d like to volunteer at.

Availability: This is a varied opportunity with bucket collections taking place on different days. You can choose the days that best suit your availability.

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include: 

• Holding collection buckets in public spaces.

• Making sure the money raised is counted and safely banked for Shelter.  

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience  

No specific skills or experience are required for this role. We’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about joining our fight for home! 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

You can apply for this role and we will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

Volunteer with Us at the Big Sleep Out 2025 

On Friday, 14th November, Off The Fence will host its Big Sleep Out at St Peter’s Church, Brighton – our largest fundraising event of the year to support those experiencing homelessness in our city through our Antifreeze programme.

We’re looking for a team of volunteers to help with hospitality at the event and event delivery to ensure it runs smoothly and we create a welcoming, supportive experience for all participants. Volunteers will play an important role in greeting, serving, supporting, and encouraging participants throughout the evening and overnight. 

You’ll be part of a fun, committed team helping make this event possible – ensuring participants are cared for and that every detail runs smoothly. 

Once you’ve completed the volunteer application and have let us know which role you’re interested in, we’ll get back to successful applicants about an interview and provide a full role description. 

This is a brilliant opportunity to take action, grow in awareness, and work alongside Off The Fence, an established local charity equipped to support those most at risk of experiencing homelessness or trapped in the cycle of poverty here in Brighton & Hove. By volunteering, you’ll play a part in creating real change in our city. 

Hospitality Roles include: 

• Greeters – welcoming and checking in participants as they arrive. 

• Servers – helping with dinner (Friday evening) or breakfast (Saturday morning). 

• Overnight Support – topping up drinks and snacks, signposting toilets, and providing a friendly presence alongside our security team. 

• Essentials Kit Packing – guiding participants in packing practical kits and writing encouragement cards for our clients. 

Event Delivery Roles Include: 

• Set-Up Team - Help unload, set up barriers, tables, signage, and prepare spaces for participants. 

• Take-Down Team - Assist with packing away equipment, signage, and tables, leaving the site clear and tidy. 

• Promotion Team - Share leaflets and digital materials with your networks to create buzz, encourage participation, and promote sponsorship opportunities. 

• Media Team - Capture photos, videos, and participant stories (with consent) to thank supporters and promote future Big Sleep Outs. 

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
• Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
• Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:

• Gardening work
• Flat pack furniture assembly
• Putting up curtain rails/blinds
• Hanging pictures and shelves

Skills required

No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:

• Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
• Good listening and communication skills
• Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Radcliffe Housing Society is a small, registered provider based in Sevenoaks, Kent, with properties across the Southeast. We are more than just a financially strong Housing provider, we are making an impact on the housing crisis, supporting sustainable communities, and providing life-long homes for our customers.

Our Chair is due to stand down in July 2026 and we are therefore seeking a new Chair of the Board to help us shape the future. This is an opportunity to lead an organisation with a clear social purpose, working alongside a committed Board and Executive to make sure the voice of our tenant’s guides everything we do.

In a new Chair, we are seeking someone who understands the current expectations placed upon the sector.   A Chair who can help us deliver on our ambitions and strengthen our role as a trusted partner across South London, Kent and Sussex.

Given the nature of the role, we are keen to attract candidates who have a proven track record in a Non-Executive (NED) role and can drive the delivery of our strategic objectives whilst working collaboratively to ensure our business runs effectively and that our residents continue to receive good quality services.

We welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our Board, and we are keen to hear from those who can bring fresh perspectives to help us reflect the communities we serve.

The position is voluntary (reasonable expenses paid) and there are 4 Board meetings per year (held remotely), plus the AGM and Board Away Day that take place in person.

Closing Date: Friday, 31st October 2025

Interview Date: TBC

Please call us or visit our website for an application pack.

Overall purpose

To hold oversight of the financial operations of the Society and ensure transparency of this information.

Support and communicate with board members and staff/associates: Act as a reliable point of contact for understanding the financial status of the society.

Communicate financial information to the society’s members.

Assist with additional administrative tasks regarding managing the funds of the society such as bank accounts, mortgage accounts and share capital.

Organize and Chair the Finance Subcommittee.

Estimated time commitment is around 2 to 3 days per month and reports to the board. 

Main Responsibilities

1. Report regularly on the financial status of the society to the Board of Directors.
2. Report at the Annual General Meeting and Ordinary General Meetings to the members of the society on financial matters.
3. Act as a point of Contact for Financial questions of Directors, Staff / Associates and where applicable User Members.
4. Ensure accurate recordkeeping, compiling of financial accounts and other reports as required by regulators and ensure submission of such documents on time.
5. Chair and organize meetings of the Finance Subcommittee of the Society, collaborating with members of the subcommittee on relevant delegated tasks.
6. Occasional Duties: Provide support to User Members on financial matters or questions.

 Person Specification

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including breaking down complex financial information.
• Collaboration and teamwork abilities.
• Optional: Familiarity with cooperative principles and practices.

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.

As an Involvement and Engagement Volunteer, you will be ensuring our clients are actively and meaningfully involved in their local service. Involving clients not only makes our services better and more sustainable but also helps the individuals develop new skills and gain confidence.

You will need to be able to build good relationship and rapport with clients, feel confident leading group activities with support from staff, and to motivate and encourage

In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:

• Engaging with clients and getting their feedback on how to improve the service. • Building rapport and relationships with clients and finding out more about their skills and interests • Planning and facilitating activities based on client feedback e.g. gardening, barbecues etc • Encouraging and supporting clients to participate in activities • Evaluating these activities and presenting findings to both staff and clients • Attending resident/client meetings • Empowering clients to get further involved with the local community or other involvement opportunities offered within St. Mungo’s • Adhering to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times.

Do I need to have any specific skills? • Any skills or interests that you can share with clients would be welcome • Experience of working with people with complex support needs is welcome • Ability to work on own initiative, flexibility and adaptability • Problem solving skills and a can-do attitude • A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills and enthusiasm. • An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. • Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. • An understanding of and commitment to diversity & eq client engagement and involvement with activities or feedback sessions.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Brighton-Monday-Friday, between 1pm-5pm, one day per week.

We are looking for volunteers to facilitate regular gardening sessions for our clients, guided by St Mungo’s values. This will be a great opportunity to share your talent for and interest in gardening. We’re seeking someone who is open to helping clients learn at their own pace, and take pride in their achievements. You will also support in planning the gardening sessions to meet the needs of the participants and take a creative approach to how these are facilitated.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Brent- Monday-Friday, between 8am-4pm, 4 hours a week (1-2 month commitment needed)​
• Hounslow-Monday-Friday, 2pm-4:30pm, one day per week
• South Camden- between Monday- Sunday and can be very flexible with timings, one day a week.
• Islington-either Monday or Thursday, two hours per week.

In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:

• Supporting clients to learn at their own pace and take pride in their achievements. • Planning the gardening sessions to meet the needs of the participants and take a creative approach to how these are facilitated. • Facilitating regular gardening sessions for our clients. • Teaching clients how to grow plants/herbs/vegetables. • Empowering clients to care for their garden. • Liaising with the staff around maintenance, ordering seeds etc. • Maintaining the garden to keep the space tidy and accessible to residents (e.g. weeding, lawn mowing, weeding, trimming, pruning, and clearing up leaves) • Operating tools including lawnmower and hedge trimmers. 

Do I need to have any specific skills?

• A passion for gardening and knowledge which you are keen to pass on to others. • Plenty of patience – this role is about encouraging others to take part and try something new. • Client and customer focused. • A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and motivation. • Willing to learn and develop within the role. • Collaborative with good communication skills. • An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. • Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. • An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality. 

Join us as a trustee and transform lives!
Are you an experienced professional driven by a desire to make a real difference? Do you want to collaborate with highly effective leaders to empower people to live independent, fulfilling lives?

If so, we want you on our Board of Trustees!

What we’re looking for

We are looking for experienced and thoughtful leaders to play an active role in helping Transform expand our positive impact on clients and pave the way for an even brighter future.

We are recruiting three new trustees. If you have board-level experience and expertise in any of the following areas, we'd love to hear from you:

■ strategic finance

■ consumer/client-facing

■ legal and/or governance (preferably in social housing)

Don’t worry if your background doesn’t perfectly match these areas – what matters most is the unique perspective, insight and skills you can bring. We value diversity of thought and experience and believe this strengthens our Board and the communities we serve.

Ready for a unique opportunity?

Help govern a successful organisation dedicated to transforming lives.

What is in it for you?

Although trustees are unpaid, research shows that being a non-executive director for a respected and valued organisation such as Transform is rewarding and has a positive impact both on wellbeing and career progression.

We also cover expenses for travel, childcare and care for dependents. Plus, we offer an induction package and ongoing training.

Join us

We strive to reflect the diversity of the clients we support so particularly welcome applications from women, candidates from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

If you would like to discuss the roles in confidence, please contact our recruitment consultant Julie Kellaway at The Housing Executive.

The closing date for applications is Monday 20 October and we will be interviewing from November 2025.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Join Us as a Trustee 

The Woolwich Service User Project (WSUP) envisions a community free from hardship and housing insecurity, with the ambition of preventing homelessness and housing insecurity in our area. 

We work towards this vision by delivering compassionate, practical support services that empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope. 

We are a charity governed by a small, committed board of trustees who provide oversight, governance, and strategic direction. As we grow and strengthen our impact, we are looking to expand the skills, perspectives, and diversity of our board. 

What we are looking for 

We are particularly keen to appoint trustees with experience in the following areas: 

• Legal and Governance 

• Housing and Homelessness 

• Facilities & Operations 

• Finance & Fundraising 

• Digital & IT Systems 

• Community Voice & Lived Experience 

• Public Health 

Trustee Responsibilities 

As a trustee, you will share responsibility for: 

• Ensuring the charity complies with its governing documents and legal obligations 

• Providing strategic direction and constructive challenge to help us achieve our mission 

• Overseeing the charity’s financial health and the effective use of resources 

• Acting as an ambassador for WSUP and upholding our reputation 

• Supporting the Chair and fellow trustees with decision-making, risk management, and planning 

Time Commitment 

• Board & Sub-Committee Meetings: Monthly, a mix of in-person (Woolwich) and online – 2 hours 

• Additional Involvement: Attending occasional events and functions 

• Projects: Contributing to specific tasks or initiatives within your area of expertise 

What you will gain 

• The chance to make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community 

• An opportunity to give back and help shape a fairer, more compassionate local community 

• Experience in charity leadership and governance 

• Being part of a supportive, passionate team of trustees and staff 

When: Saturday 8th November 2025

Role Details: 

Join us for a wonderful evening of music at Ralli Hall in Hove, where the Brighton & Hove Concert Orchestra will perform a programme of film and theatre favourites with their 50-piece orchestra. 

We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help collect donations before and after the concert using both donation buckets and card machines. 

Whether you're looking to support a great cause, meet new people, or gain experience for your CV, we’d love to have you on board. No previous experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved. 

Availability: Flexible shifts available between 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM 
Location: Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TH 
Supervised by: Community and Events Assistant