Volunteer roles

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about increasing and representation for disabled families across society. 

What do I have to do?

Attend meetings roughly four times a year to help steer the organisation towards its goals. And using your skill set to help grow and advance our non-profit. 

Part of the fabric of Buttons & Bubbles that wherever possible people who volunteer and work with us have lived experience of disability and or illness, (including parents, carers, siblings and friends) This includes our board members.

If you would be interested in having more information about this opportunity or need the board member pack in a different format, please get in contact for an informal chat. 

Are you a tech professional passionate about giving back?
Career Compass is looking for a volunteer from the Technology sector to help inspire sixth form students (ages 16–18) by delivering a dynamic session about the world of tech.

We're a UK social mobility charity supporting state-educated students by connecting them with professionals and opening up access to careers they may not otherwise encounter.

What we’re looking for:
A tech professional who can:

• Talk about what it's like to work in the tech industry

• Share insights on the variety of roles available (e.g. software, data, cybersecurity, product)

• Discuss key skills, emerging trends, and real-world challenges in the sector

• Offer honest, relatable advice to students who may be new to the field

Your commitment:

• �� 5 hours upfront to co-design the session with our team

• �� 1.5 hours, twice a year to deliver the session online and answer questions

What you’ll gain:

• The chance to inspire and empower students from underrepresented backgrounds

• A rewarding pro bono opportunity that fits flexibly around your work

• A way to use your industry knowledge to promote diversity in tech

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

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. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

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. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025

This Group meet on a Friday evening.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

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. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025

An exciting opportunity to join the board of a growing and highly valued local charity, which supports the wellbeing of the 9000 residents of Park Wood, a deprived community based on the outskirts of Maidstone

Fusion Maidstone is a charity working at the intersection of health inequality and social exclusion. We support communities disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes — including people facing poverty, discrimination, isolation, and barriers to healthcare. Our mission is to challenge inequality, promote wellbeing, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, connected life.

We are seeking new trustees who share our passion for equality, inclusion, and social justice.  As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of our organisation, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission.

What We’re Looking For:

You don’t need previous board experience — we’re more interested in your commitment, perspective, and willingness to contribute. We're particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in areas such as:

• Public health or community health
• Mental health or social care
• Finance, legal, or charity governance
• Lived experience of health inequality or social exclusion
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
• Community organising, activism, or grassroots leadership
• Communications, fundraising, or digital engagement

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are especially keen to include voices that reflect the diverse community we serve.

What’s Involved:

• Attend around 6 board meetings per year and our AGM
• Join occasional working groups or provide advice in your area of expertise
• Champion our values and help guide the strategic direction of the charity

Why Join Us?

• Influence real, lasting change in health and social outcomes
• Be part of a values-led team dedicated to inclusion and empowerment
• Gain or develop experience in leadership and nonprofit governance

Help shape the strategic leadership and people agenda of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), advancing professionalism and public trust across insurance and personal finance.

• Location: Hybrid – Virtual/London
• Type: Remunerated (£24,000 per annum), with all reasonable expenses reimbursed
• Term: Three years, which may be extended for one further term of up to three years
• Time commitment: Approximately 6 Board meetings and 4 Committee meetings per year, plus preparation and additional engagement as required

About us

We are the professional body dedicated to building public trust in the insurance and financial planning professions. Our strapline Standards. Professionalism. Trust. reflects our commitment to raising professional standards through competence, integrity, and care for the customer.

Serving over 122,000 members globally, we support our community through learning, insight, and a robust ethical framework. As we deliver against our strategic plan, we are focused on creating excellent member experiences, demonstrating sector leadership, and building a modern, inclusive, and sustainable organisation.

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced Non-Executive Director to join our Board and lead the work of our Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC). This is a pivotal role in our governance structure, providing oversight and strategic direction across Board and executive appointments, succession planning, people strategy, remuneration frameworks, and EDI&B initiatives across the CII Group.

The NRC plays a central role in shaping the CII’s organisational culture and leadership capacity, ensuring transparency, fairness and consistency in how we recruit, develop, and reward our people. As Chair, you will lead and influence critical decisions affecting the long-term success of the Institute, providing challenge, support, and governance rigour at Board level.

About you

We seek those with senior-level non-executive experience, ideally within a complex or regulated organisation, with a strong track record of leadership and experience chairing boards or committees. You will have demonstrable expertise in HR, people strategy, reward, and recognition, with the ability to contribute to strategic oversight, corporate governance, and succession planning.

You will be an inclusive and insightful leader, capable of constructive challenge and collaborative contribution. You’ll bring sound judgement, high ethical standards, and a clear understanding of how excellent governance supports organisational impact and public confidence. Equally, you will come with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and embedding these values at Board level.

• Time commitment

The role requires a meaningful time commitment across the year. This includes attending six Board meetings and one full-day strategy session annually, with most meetings held in a hybrid format and a preference for in-person attendance where possible. There are also four Committee meetings a year, occasional development sessions, and involvement in recruitment, induction, and appraisal processes. Board Members are also expected to attend the CII AGM and support urgent matters between meetings as needed.

If this sounds like you and you are excited to play a key role in shaping the CII’s future through people and leadership, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025.

Research Volunteer [Norfolk]

Do you want to help identify the housing issues that shape our campaigns?

Information about the role

At Shelter Norfolk we’re building a coalition to secure long-term change. As a Research Volunteer, you’ll be a vital part of our work to achieve this. You’ll research important areas to help us learn more about the issues and the ways to fix them. Your research will contribute directly to our campaigning work to change housing in Norfolk. 

Location: Shelter Norfolk Hub, 50-52 Fishergate, Norwich

Suggested contribution: One day per week (can be flexible around your commitments)

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on more for details.

Main activities may include:

· Supporting Shelter Norfolk’s project work by carrying out research and data collection.

· Using the internet to research relevant topics, for example, Landlord Licensing Schemes and Council Enforcement Schemes.

· Making Freedom of Information requests to Local Authorities.

· Gathering data on the experiences of people affected by homelessness and bad housing, for example via questionnaires or surveys.

· Compiling the data collected in an accessible format. 

· Providing updates of your findings to the relevant action groups at Shelter Norfolk

This role fights the housing emergency by identifying local issues, so we can make sure our campaigns are relevant to the changes that are needed in the local area.

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

We’re looking for someone who is interested in housing and homelessness and who has enthusiasm for improving the experience of renters in Norfolk. The volunteer in this role will need some basic IT skills, including using the internet and sending emails.

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 expenses 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

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 and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. 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.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

We are looking for a passionate and creative volunteer to assist in leading our Acrylic Painting sessions. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys art, has a keen interest in acrylic painting, and is enthusiastic about supporting others in their creative journey.

This group will run on Monday between 11am and 1pm!

What you will be doing

• Assist the session leader in setting up and organizing art materials before the session.
• Support participants with basic acrylic painting techniques, color mixing, and brushwork.
• Provide encouragement and guidance to attendees, helping them feel comfortable and inspired. independent activities
• Help maintain a clean and safe workspace by managing supplies and cleaning up after sessions.
• Assist with any administrative tasks, such as attendance tracking or taking photographs of completed artwork (if permitted).
• Ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed.

The skills you need

• Basic knowledge of acrylic painting techniques (formal training is not required but is a plus).
• Passion for art and creativity.
• Patience and good communication skills to assist participants of all skill levels.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions from the session leader.
• Reliable, punctual, and willing to commit to regular sessions.
• No prior teaching experience is necessary, but a willingness to engage and support others is essential.

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

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you!

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - 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

We are looking for a volunteer who would like to play a role in building children’s confidence. Would you be interested in supporting children to improve their numeracy abilities? We are looking for a volunteer who understands children with specific needs particularly around attention and memory challenges. Through your support, encouragement and tutoring you will make a difference to the people you work with! Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

In the last year, 3,855 women and children were supported by Hestia to recover from domestic abuse.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, at any point in their life, regardless of their background, age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. However, it is a gendered crime, with women being three times more likely to be victims.

We help people understand what domestic abuse is and develop the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves, stay safe and leave a relationship, if and when they’re ready to do so.

What you will be doing

• To support children who are not confident with numeracy to develop these skills through tutoring sessions over a video call
• Engage in conversation, problem solving examples, maths based support
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions

The skills you need

• Interest in supporting children to develop their math skills. Background in teaching maths/numeracy is desirable
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• A tutoring qualification is desirable but not essential
• Mathematics qualification is essential

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.

Are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation.

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

• 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
• To be consistent in attendance

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

Irise International is at a pivotal and exciting moment in our journey to achieve menstrual justice.

We are a small but globally respected charity based in Sheffield, working across the UK and East Africa to end menstrual injustice by shifting power to young activists and grassroots leaders. Our work is bold, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience. From launching youth-led policy tools in UK schools to co-hosting pan-African feminist gatherings, we amplify the voices of people who menstruate in spaces they’ve historically been excluded from.

We’ve just launched our 2025–2030 strategy and are entering a crucial phase of development. We’re building new income streams, deepening youth leadership, and evolving into a post-founder organisation under new leadership. We’re also piloting exciting collaborations—with councils, universities, and feminist businesses—while supporting our small team with the structure they need to thrive.

Our current Chair will step down in 2025, and we’re seeking someone to work alongside them and our CEO over the next 6–12 months to support a smooth and values-led transition.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a hands-on, relational governance role where your voice will help shape the next chapter of an ambitious and radically hopeful organisation.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Lead with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to equity

• Champion inclusive, youth-led governance that centres marginalised voices

• Act as a sounding board and strategic partner to the CEO

• Facilitate a collaborative and engaged board culture

• Support fundraising, advocacy, and strategic partnerships where appropriate

We particularly welcome interest from individuals with lived or professional experience in menstrual health, youth-led activism, gender equity, or anti-oppressive practice. We value non-traditional leadership journeys and want this role to be accessible and sustainable for the right person.

As Chair, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the CEO between board meetings and leading their annual appraisal

• Chairing quarterly, inclusive board meetings

• Supporting board recruitment and mentoring

• Supporting strategic reflection on partnerships, funding, and risk

• Upholding Irise’s values and accountability to our menstrual justice framework

This voluntary role requires an average of 3–4 hours per month. We offer flexibility and support with access needs, caring responsibilities, or other adjustments. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

Your role

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role 

As a Regional Fundraising Volunteer, you will support Rethink Mental Illness in generating income, raising awareness, and building community engagement through local fundraising initiatives. The role will involve event planning and support, and public engagement to help achieve regional fundraising goals. 

You will play a major part in bringing to life regional fundraising activities in line with our “Rethink in the Community" concept and increase regional awareness to generate much needed additional income and amplify the impact of the work Rethink Mental Illness do.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

Regional locations

Whilst this is a home based role, you will occasionally attend events within your region. We're particularly interested in receiving applications from people who live in the following areas:

Yorkshire & Northeast: Newcastle, Gateshead, York, Sunderland

Northwest: Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent

Midlands: Birmingham, Solihull, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Walsall

Southwest: Gloucester, Bristol, Plymouth, North Devon, South Devon, Cornwall

East of England: Norfolk, Norwich, Ipswich

What you will be doing as a Regional Fundraising Volunteer: 

• Support and assist in organising and participating in local fundraising events.

• Help with event logistics, set-up, and participant engagement to ensure smooth delivery. 

• Take part in local initiatives acquiring donors and do it yourself fundraisers. 

• Increase awareness of the organisation’s work by helping to promote regional fundraising activity. 

• Represent the organisation at schools, community groups, and public events, delivering presentations to inspire support. 

• Communicate with supporters via phone, email, and face-to-face interactions. 

• Attend and contribute to meetings with the fundraising team and supporters to share updates and ideas. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

You will have good knowledge of your local community and be passionate about making a difference to those severely affected by mental illness. You will also have:

• The ability to organise events and activities

• The ability to inspire and motivate others

• Good communication skills

• Creative ideas to promote diverse fundraising activities 

• Dedication to our cause 

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.