Volunteer roles

Join Candlelighters as a Fundraising & Events Office Volunteer!

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer? We invite you to be part of our team!

As a Fundraising & Events Volunteer, you will support the team during an exciting phase as we aim to increase income and enhance our services for families. You will support corporate fundraising efforts, ensuring local businesses have an excellent experience supporting Candlelighters.

You will also play a key role in organising our Business Collaboration Events—fun, networking-focused gatherings that bring together current and potential supporters to foster collaboration.

Location: 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD

Time commitment: 1 day per week (flexible)

Key Activities

General Fundraising

• Research potential new business partnerships.
• Approach businesses to explore partnerships with Candlelighters.
• Support the team in managing our business club.
• Thank supporters through letters or emails.
• Respond to supporter inquiries via telephone and email.
• Update the supporter database.
• Approach businesses to secure raffle and auction prizes.

Business Collaboration Project Event

• Book venues and negotiate with suppliers to secure free support wherever possible.
• Secure sponsorships for the event.
• Manage event invitations, including design and distribution.
• Organise the event itinerary, including speakers, games, and networking activities.
• Communicate with guests in the lead-up to the event.
• Liaise with the Marketing team to develop promotional materials.
• Perform other administrative tasks to support the fundraising team.

We are looking for volunteers who are: 

• Confident, friendly, and organised.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Reliable, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Experience organising events is desirable.

This role is subject to a basic criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from this role. We assess each application on a case-by-case basis.

Support and Benefits 

It’s vital that our volunteers feel rewarded for their amazing efforts so we want to match your goals, aspirations, availability and everything else with the right opportunity for you. Here are a few examples of what you will receive as a volunteer:

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Fundraising and HR teams 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists in 2023 and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

Use you skills, experience and contacts to support the Vision, Mission and Values of Bovey Paradiso Arts and provide a vibrant arts centre for the benefit of the local community

Trustee

Location: Cannock, Staffordshire (Hybrid – UK-based applicants only)

Time commitment: Minimum 4 board meetings/year + occasional involvement

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Closing date: 31 October 2025

About Newlife

As one of the UK’s leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better - for the families we serve, and for the people who help us to make that happen.

Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get the vital equipment they need, when they need it, while our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information – as well as a listening ear. Our campaigns help to give children with disabilities and their families a voice, advocating for change to benefit the families we serve. And we support adults with additional needs with volunteering and employment opportunities, providing an introduction to the workplace and a means for career development.

Across the whole of Newlife, our teams are crucial to our success – it’s not just a job; here you’ll be helping us to change lives every day.

We’re now seeking new Trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of our vital work.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and our mission. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Retail & Commercial – helping us grow and develop our network of charity shops and enterprise initiatives.
• Digital Systems & Infrastructure – supporting digital transformation, data management, and IT governance.
• Disability – lived or professional experience of disability, access and inclusion.
• Children’s Services – knowledge of child development, safeguarding, or children’s policy.

Previous trustee or governance experience is welcome but not essential. We offer support and induction for all new trustees.

Trustee responsibilities

• Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings (hybrid format, with at least one in-person meeting in Cannock annually)
• Provide strategic direction and oversight
• Uphold good governance and regulatory compliance
• Contribute to committees or working groups aligned with your expertise
• Act as an ambassador for Newlife, upholding our values and promoting our work
• Trustees are expected to dedicate time to meeting preparation, email communications, and occasional events, equating to roughly 1–2 hours per month outside of meetings.

Why join us?

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of disabled children and their families. You’ll contribute to meaningful change, work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues, and help guide a respected national charity into its next chapter.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience by 31 October 2025.

Informal conversations with the Chair can be arranged upon request. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview and a visit to meet the team and learn more about our work.

REF-223 793

Graphic Designer: Create the Face of a Movement

Do you have a talent for visual storytelling and a passion for shaping a brand's identity from the ground up? Urban Youth is looking for a creative Graphic Designer to craft the visual identity that will attract and inspire young people.

We are a brand-new youth work charity committed to bringing young people in London, aged 11-19, together. We want to get them off their screens and into the real world, forging connections, building social and teamwork skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This isn't just a design project; it's about giving a voice to a new movement. Your mission is to create a logo and brand identity that are fresh, bold, and irresistible to young Londoners.

In this vital role, you will:

• Design the Core: Develop our charity's logo and core brand identity.

• Create the Look: Design a visual style guide that is both modern and memorable, appealing directly to our target audience of 11-19 year-olds.

• Attract the Crowd: Ensure our brand's look and feel is exciting and inviting, encouraging young people to get off their screens and join our community.

• Build the Foundation: Lay the visual groundwork for all our future communications, from social media to flyers and website design.

We're looking for someone with a strong portfolio, a keen eye for youth-focused design trends, and a deep understanding of what resonates with today's teenagers. Your creativity will directly influence our ability to connect with the very people we aim to serve.

If you're ready to create the face of a movement and help us build a brighter future for young Londoners, we want to hear from you.

Be a visionary. Be an artist. Create our brand.

URBAN YOUTH

Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures

Events Volunteers support the wide-ranging programme of events at the National Science and Media Museum, including Bradford Science Festival, Widescreen Weekend and Yorkshire Games Festival. Volunteers have the flexibility to choose events they are interested in volunteering at and have availability to support. 2025 is a big year for the museum and for the Bradford District as UK City of Culture; our flagship events will be bigger and bolder than ever. These events are usually held at the museum and occasionally at external venues.

The next opportunity to get involved is Bradford Science Festival, 25 October – 2 November 2025. Across 9 days, expect hands-on science activities for all ages to explore. This year's theme is all about the future of technology, fashion, climate, sound, and food. Don’t worry if you don’t have a science background; just bring your enthusiasm for helping our visitors make the most of their visit. We’ll provide a full briefing to help you understand what’s on and where.

This role gives volunteers the opportunity to make a difference as part of a lively programme of high-quality public events and activities. In this role, volunteers help the event run smoothly by assisting with activities and providing friendly customer service to all visitors. It also gives them the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests, meet colleagues across the museum, and gain valuable experience supporting public events.

In this role you will:

• Assist staff with the smooth delivery of events and activities
• Provide excellent customer service to all visitors, including a warm welcome and promoting what’s on and where
• Support visitors waiting to take part in activities and help make sure queues are managed positively
• Help with the set up and pack down of events and activities
• Assist in visitor surveys and data-gathering

What you’ll bring to the role: 
This role is perfect for people who:

• Are friendly, approachable, and enjoy working as part of a team and chatting with people
• Have the confidence to meet people from all walks of life
• Are reliable and able to follow instructions

It would be good if you:

• Have customer service experience
• Are proactive and willing to take initiative where needed 

We are seeking two Non-Executive Directors to join the Board of St Helena Hospice Trading Lts, the wholly owned trading subsidiary of St Helena Hospice. As we continue to diversify our income to support specialist palliative and bereavement care across North East Essex, our trading company plays a vital role in generating sustainable revenue through retail and enterprise.

We are now seeking two new Non-Executive Directors to strengthen our Board:

• A commercial retail leader with experience in high street, online, or multi-site operations
• A finance professional with senior-level experience in financial strategy, risk, and performance

You will join a dynamic, commercially focused Board committed to growing our trading activity with purpose and impact. Your expertise will help us sharpen our business model, enhance profitability, and ensure our trading arm continues to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Youth Programme Manager: Design the Future for Young Londoners

Are you a creative visionary with a passion for designing unforgettable experiences? Do you have a knack for turning a great idea into a tangible, inspiring activity? Urban Youth is looking for a dynamic and innovative Youth Programme Manager to craft the activities that will be at the very heart of our mission.

We are a brand-new youth work charity committed to bringing young people in London, aged 11-19, together. We want to get them off their screens and into the real world, forging connections, building social and teamwork skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This isn't a role for the faint of heart; you'll be the architect of adventure, connection, and growth. Your mission is to create one-off and short-term programmes that get young people off their phones and into a world of real-life interaction.

In this vital role, you will:

• Innovate: Design and develop engaging activities and workshops that align with Urban Youth's mission to boost young people's social skills, teamwork abilities, and confidence.

• Create Impact: Craft programmes that provide positive, hands-on experiences and help young people build memories that will last a lifetime.

• Collaborate: Work closely with our Volunteer Coordinator and team to bring your programmes to life.

• Be a Catalyst: Ensure our activities are not just fun, but truly help young people build the skills and resilience they'll need for a successful future.

We're looking for someone with a creative spark, excellent organisational skills, and a deep understanding of what makes young people tick. Your work will directly shape the experiences that will define Urban Youth and its impact on the community.

If you're ready to design programmes that will help young Londoners thrive, we want to hear from you.

Be a creator. Be an innovator. Design their future.

URBAN YOUTH

Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures 

Volunteer Coordinator: Lead Our Urban Youth Movement

Do you have a passion for people and a knack for bringing out the best in others? Are you a natural leader with a talent for building strong, positive teams? Urban Youth is looking for a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to be the heart of our new community.

We are a brand-new youth work charity committed to bringing young people in London, aged 11-19, together. We want to get them off their screens and into the real world, forging connections, building social and teamwork skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This isn't just an administrative role; you'll be the architect of our volunteer team. Your mission will be to find, inspire, and support the incredible individuals who will directly shape the lives of young people in London.

In this vital role, you will:

• Recruit & Select: Find passionate volunteers who align with our mission to get young people away from screens and into the real world.

• Induct & Train: Equip our volunteers with the skills and confidence they need to become positive role models.

• Inspire & Retain: Foster a forward-thinking, supportive team culture where everyone feels valued and motivated.

• Build the Dream Team: Help us create a community of like-minded individuals who are excited to make a difference and build something special together.

We're looking for someone with excellent communication skills, a proactive attitude, and a genuine belief in the potential of young people. Your work will directly impact our ability to provide unforgettable, life-changing experiences for teenagers across London.

If you're ready to lead our urban youth movement from the front, we want to hear from you.

Be a leader. Be an inspiration. Build our community.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

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:

· Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group

· Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection

· Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office

· Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

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:

· Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group

· Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection

· Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office

· Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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

· Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food

· Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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

● A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us

● Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction

● A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare

● Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home ● You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

Urban Youth: Be a Catalyst for Change

Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? The excitement, the challenges, the endless possibilities. Now, imagine a city where every young person has the opportunity to connect, grow, and build a positive future. That's the city we're creating at Urban Youth, and we need your help to make it a reality.

We are a brand-new youth work charity committed to bringing young people in London, aged 11-19, together. We want to get them off their screens and into the real world, forging connections, building social and teamwork skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Join Our Board of Trustees

Are you a passionate, experienced professional ready to make a significant impact? We're building our founding Board of Trustees and are looking for dedicated individuals to guide our mission and ensure we provide the best possible support for young Londoners.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a new and vital organization from the ground up. We are actively recruiting for the following roles:

• Vice Chair: Help lead the board and provide strategic direction.

• Treasurer: Manage our financial health and ensure sustainable growth.

• Company Secretary: Ensure we operate with the highest standards of governance. Take meeting minutes and keep official records for the Charity Commission.

• Trustees: Contribute your expertise and passion to our mission.

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in:

• Setting the strategic direction and vision for Urban Youth.

• Overseeing our financial performance and ensuring we meet our goals.

• Ensuring the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Acting as an ambassador for Urban Youth in your professional networks.

This is a volunteer position, with quarterly evening meetings. We are seeking individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, a passion for youth development, and a strong commitment to our values.

Ready to help us build a brighter future for young Londoners?

Be a role model. Be a guide. Be a part of something big.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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

· Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food

· Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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

● A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us

● Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction

● A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare

● Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home ● You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

About Roots Academy 

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As part of teaching at Roots, instructors are supplied with many teaching resources to help them teach the Roots way, such as instructor slides, teaching notes and walk-through videos.
Your role at Roots is to produce well-curated teaching notes, to ensure instructors understand the content and know exactly what is being taught.

Key tasks

• Assessing the current standard of teacher note 

• Taking on the role of editor/proofreader of all academic content

• Have a keen eye for detail such as grammar, language and punctuation

What we’re looking for

• Has a keen eye for detail

• Has experience in copy editing 

• Able to prioritise and organise workload

• Has some experience in assessing the quality of educational material

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.