74 Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

Project Overview

This role will offer the opportunity to become part of the volunteer team at the Warner Textile Archive to support the progress of making inert conservation polyester enclosures for the paper artworks within the collection. The role will involve careful handling of historic paper artworks and creation of bespoke inert polyester enclosures to contribute to the long-term preservation of our significant collection.

Role Description

• Careful handling of fragile historic artworks ranging in date from c.1870-2000s in order to produce accurate measurements to make polyester enclosures.

• Sorting artworks by size and condition to prioritize enclosure creation.

• Measuring, cutting via guillotine, and welding polyester to make the enclosures to exact measurements and conservation standards.

• Ensuring artworks go back into the correct locations after enclosures are made.

• Working with the team on any emergency enclosure requirements for vulnerable items.

Further Information

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. 

We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the volunteer’s existing responsibilities and deadlines. We require a minimum of ten days commitment to offer training, and to provide a meaningful work experience. A longer time period is preferable. 

Some online training on the history of Warner & Sons and collections care will be required prior to the volunteer’s start date.

The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB. We have a travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs, and £5 per day for subsistence.

About the Warner Textile Archive

The Warner Textile Archive is a significant collection of design, business, economic and social history of textile manufacturing firm Warner & Sons, based in Braintree between the dates of 1870 – 2001. The Warner Textile Archive is the largest collection of an individual textile manufacturer available in the public domain in the United Kingdom. We hold over 100,000 administrative records, paper designs, trial samples, manufacturing equipment and textiles of Warner & Sons, their predecessors and successors, illustrating how furnishing textile manufacturing changed over more than 150 years.

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent spatial awareness and practical making skills which require attention to detail such as a background in pattern cutting, dress making or technical drawing.

• Interest in solving visual and spatial puzzles to limit wastage of materials.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.

• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

This role will offer the opportunity to become part of the volunteer team at the Warner Textile Archive to develop practical experience in collections management working with the library and reference collection held by the Warner Textile Archive. The collection includes books, periodicals, and theses on art, history and design. This opportunity is suitable for volunteers as well as students looking to complete placements or work experience as part of their studies.

Role Description

• Catalogue at item level, following data input policies, on collections management system CollectionsIndex+ to support improved access to the library and reference collection. 

• Cross check information on Collections Index + with index cards to include all relevant historic information.

• Work alongside the Archive team and experienced volunteers to support the Archive’s daily work, including conservation and research support.

• There is an opportunity to create a short article and related social media content about your experience of working with the collection.

Further Information

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. 

We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the individual’s existing responsibilities. For a student placement, we require a minimum of 10 days to provide meaningful work experience.

Some online training on cataloguing, the history of Warner & Sons, and collections care will be required prior to the student’s start date.

The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB. We have a travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs and £5 per day for subsistence.

Computer facilities will be provided on-site.

About the Warner Textile Archive

The Warner Textile Archive is a significant collection of design, business, economic and social history of textile manufacturing firm Warner & Sons, based in Braintree between the dates of 1870 – 2001. The Warner Textile Archive is the largest collection of an individual textile manufacturer available in the public domain in the United Kingdom. We hold over 100,000 administrative records, paper designs, trial samples, manufacturing equipment and textiles of Warner & Sons, their predecessors and successors, illustrating how furnishing textile manufacturing changed over more than 150 years. 

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills and general computer literacy, with the enthusiasm to learn new systems.

• Must be dedicated to working to a meticulous attention to detail in regards to accurate data inputting, spelling and grammar.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.

• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

This role will offer the opportunity to become part of the volunteer team at the Warner Textile Archive to gain practical experience in collections management. Volunteers will be responsible for assessing hand-painted paper artworks depicting patterns that were translated into printed or woven textiles by Warner & Sons during the period of c.1870s-2000s. The project involves evaluating existing data regarding specific items and cataloguing these pieces, alongside photographic digitisation, and making inert conservation polyester enclosures to protect the designs. This opportunity is suitable for volunteers as well as students looking to complete placements or work experience as part of their studies.

Role Description

• Catalogue at item level, following data input policies, on collections management system CollectionsIndex+ paper designs held within the collection to support improved access. Improve catalogue records to internal and international standards for the paper designs, including creating descriptions, checking locations, adding keywords and manufacturing numbers, as well as information on weave structure and design where possible, materials, colour. Record details on object condition where necessary.

• Cross check information on Collections Index + with index cards to include all relevant historic information.

• Take photographs of catalogued items and name image files within our policy structure. Upload to Collections Index+ records.

• Using our conservation polyester welding machine, create bespoke sized enclosures for designs to repack to conservation standards.

• There is an opportunity to create a short article and related social media content about your experience of working with the collection.

Further Information

Full training and support will be given on all aspects of the role. No previous experience necessary. 

We are able to facilitate a flexible work schedule based on the individual’s existing responsibilities. For a student placement, we require a minimum of 10 days to provide meaningful work experience.

Some online training on cataloguing, the history of Warner & Sons, and collections care will be required prior to the volunteer’s start date.

The role is not remote and will require travel to Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB. We have a travel bursary of up to £50 per day which is able to offer support with travel costs and £5 per day for subsistence.

Computer facilities will be provided on-site.

About the Warner Textile Archive

The Warner Textile Archive is a significant collection of design, business, economic and social history of textile manufacturing firm Warner & Sons, based in Braintree between the dates of 1870 – 2001. The Warner Textile Archive is the largest collection of an individual textile manufacturer available in the public domain in the United Kingdom. We hold over 100,000 administrative records, paper designs, trial samples, manufacturing equipment and textiles of Warner & Sons, their predecessors and successors, illustrating how furnishing textile manufacturing changed over more than 150 years. 

Essential Skills and Knowledge Required

• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills and general computer literacy, with the enthusiasm to learn new systems.

• Must be dedicated to working to a meticulous attention to detail in regards to accurate data inputting, spelling and grammar.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the willingness to work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers of different ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to follow clear instructions and ask questions when unsure.

• This position requires moving and lifting large items.

Join our team of Park Welcome Volunteers at Crystal Palace Park and help maintain the park's warm atmosphere. Volunteering in pairs, you’ll walk designated routes around the park sharing advice and information with visitors. You’ll communicate details about the park’s regeneration works, history, wildlife, and facilities and support us by monitoring our heritage points and reporting information to Park staff using a data collection sheet at the end of your shift.

At different times your role may include: 

• Being a visible presence and ambassador for the park

• Welcoming visitors, helping with wayfinding and providing information about park services; toilets, cafes and seating areas 

• Sharing details about the park’s activities, heritage, and community events with visitors and promoting responsible park use.

• Walking to our heritage points and monitoring their cleanliness and safety

• Sharing your observations and information with park staff through a short survey at the end of each shift

This role will suit you if: 

• You enjoy walking and spending time outdoors 

• You are comfortable talking with others and interacting with the public

• You are happy volunteering in a pair 

• Knowledge and interest in local history, nature, or community would be an advantage, but full training will be provided 

Reasons to get involved: 

• Join a friendly, enthusiastic, and supportive team and meet people from all walks of life

• Learn more about the park’s heritage, wildlife, and regeneration works 

• Help inspire others to care for and enjoy this historically significant and important green space 

• Gain experience in a public facing and community engagement skills 

What you need to bring: 

Please wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and suitable clothing for walking outdoors. You may wish to bring a bottle of water and snacks. 

We will provide:  

• A green volunteer high-vis vest to wear while on duty 

• A contact telephone number for park staff 

• Access to facilities and refreshments 

• Ongoing support and supervision from park staff

Support and training: 

• We will provide you with all the training necessary for your role, including: 

• General volunteering training and onboarding

• Additional Park Welcome training which will cover how to share information with staff, safeguarding and helping visitors look after the park responsibly 

• A walk around the park on designated Park Welcome routes with park management

• Ongoing guidance and support from the Volunteer Team 

• Reimbursement of travel expenses up to maximum of a zone 1-6 travelcard

• Volunteers are covered under Crystal Palace Park’s public liability insurance 

Access information: 

Welcome Volunteering takes place outdoors across various areas of Crystal Palace Park. The terrain may include grass, gravel paths, and uneven ground. We are happy to discuss any specific access requirements or adjustments.

About Crystal Palace Park:

Crystal Palace Park is an independent, community-led charity. Our mission is to protect, manage and improve Crystal Palace Park as a green, open, historic, ecological, recreational, sporting, cultural and educational resource in the interests of the community and other Park users. 

On 15 September 2023 we became the park’s custodian, taking over this responsibility from the London Borough of Bromley. We are devoted to its long-term maintenance and improvement as a vibrant ecological, recreational and historic resource. 

Our Volunteer programme is made possible thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. 

Purpose of the Role:

To deliver engaging and inspiring wellbeing sessions at the Baytree Centre, fostering a healthier and happier community. By sharing your expertise and creating a supportive environment, the role empowers participants to explore different aspects of wellbeing and adopt positive lifestyle choices. Topics may include mindfulness, creative arts, physical fitness, nutrition or other wellbeing-related activities.

Main Responsibilities:

- Lead and deliver wellbeing workshops on agreed topics.

- Prepare and set up the space, ensuring all materials and resources are available and organised for each session.

- Create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable to learn, share, and engage in discussions.

- Encourage connections between participants.

- Provide guidance, encouragement, and practical tips to help participants integrate wellbeing practices into their daily lives.

- Adhere to Baytree Centre policies and procedures.

Skills and Qualities Required:

- Expertise or experience in one or more wellbeing areas such as mindfulness, creative arts, fitness, nutrition, or similar.

- Strong facilitation skills to engage participants and encourage active involvement.

- Patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to support participants from diverse backgrounds.

- Good organisational skills to ensure smooth preparation and delivery of sessions.

- Excellent communication skills to convey information clearly and encourage meaningful discussion.

- Interest in health, wellbeing, or community engagement.

Commitment:

- Deliver wellbeing workshops, (day and time subject to the timetable).

- Minimum commitment of 2 terms for continuity and effectiveness.

- Location: The Baytree Centre.

Benefits:

- Gain experience in delivering community-based wellbeing activities.

- Develop skills in facilitation, teaching, and cross-cultural communication.

- Contribute to participants’ confidence, wellbeing, and social connections.

- Be part of a supportive and welcoming volunteer community.

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Purpose of the Role:

To deliver creative and inclusive knitting sessions at the Baytree Centre, helping participants of all skill levels enjoy a shared activity, build connections, and feel part of a welcoming community. By leading the sessions and creating a positive environment, the role ensures that activities run smoothly and that participants feel comfortable, valued, and included.

Main Responsibilities:

- Lead and deliver weekly knitting sessions for participants of varying skill levels.

- Prepare and set up the space, ensuring all materials and equipment are available and organised.

- Provide guidance, demonstrations, and encouragement to help participants develop their knitting skills.

- Create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable to learn, share, and ask questions.

- Encourage connections and engagement between participants through their shared interest in knitting.

- Adhere to Baytree Centre policies and procedures.

Skills and Qualities Required:

- Strong knitting skills and the ability to teach and demonstrate techniques clearly.

- Patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to support participants of different skill levels and backgrounds.

- Good organisational skills to ensure smooth preparation and delivery of sessions.

- Strong interpersonal skills to foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

- Effective communication skills to provide clear instructions and constructive feedback.

- Interest in crafts, creativity, and community-based activities.

Commitment:

- Deliver a weekly knitting session, (day and time subject to the timetable).

- Minimum commitment of 2 terms for continuity and effectiveness.

- Location: The Baytree Centre.

Benefits:

- Gain experience in delivering and leading creative group activities.

- Develop skills in facilitation, teaching, and cross-cultural communication.

- Contribute to participants’ confidence, creativity, and social connections.

- Be part of a supportive and welcoming volunteer community. 

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older. 

Kiplin Hall and Gardens in North Yorkshire is recruiting Trustees to join the friendly and dedicated Board which oversees the management of this intriguing Jacobean house.  The house was built in the 1620s for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I, and founder of the US state of Maryland. A member of the Historic Houses Association, the Hall and Gardens welcome 40,000 visitors a year. In 2025 we opened a new Welcome Centre at Kiplin with improved retail and catering for our visitors and with the support of MEND funding undertook major repairs of the Hall roof. The National Lottery Heritage Fund enabled us to create new galleries and improve our visitor access and services. There is a dedicated staff of 10 FTE supported by a team of 240 volunteers.

TRUSTEE - We are seeking a Trustee with skills and experience in finance/accountancy to join the Board. We are keen to recruit someone who can advise the Board on its financial responsibilities and has oversight of the Trust's finances. As a Trustee you will contribute to Kiplin's business strategy and forward plan, ensuring the organisation's financial stability and sustainability. Over the next 10 years we are planning further developments to enhance the visitor experience. We are keen to attract the right person to the Trust Board to help guide Kiplin through an exciting period of change and transition. 

INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR - We are also seeking a new Independent Director to join the Board of Kiplin Hall Trading CIC, our trading arm that looks after our retail and café. We are particularly looking for people with experience in cafés or other catering environments.

Our aim is to develop and broaden the diversity of our governance team, ensuring we have a variety of perspectives and backgrounds and are particularly interested in receiving local applications.

Babylon Migrants Project, currently a CIC, is embarking on an exciting journey to become a registered charity. We’re looking for a Finance Advisor to support us through this important transition period, eventually becoming our charity Treasurer. 

Babylon Migrants Project is a grassroots arts organisation led by and for young people from refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant backgrounds. We deliver creative and community-building activities that support displaced young people to build creative skills, confidence and support networks as they navigate life in the UK.

We work with young people aged 16–30 who are facing isolation, systemic barriers and a lack of safe and relaxed spaces. Our work takes place across our two hubs in London and Stoke-on-Trent, where participants take part in creative workshops led by expert facilitators, supported by a welcoming team of staff and volunteers.

Our three key aims are:

• Reducing social isolation amongst young people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds
• Growing lived experienced leadership across the arts and refugee sectors
• Shaping more informed and human conversations about migration

We are in the process of registering as a charity, which will hopefully unlock vital funding and help us to grow as an organisation, ultimately supporting more young people in need. We are looking for a finance expert who, in addition to contributing generally advisory board (and subsequently, trustee board meetings), can support our ambition by:

• Advising on financial matters, particularly through the transition to becoming a charity
• Supporting us to improve financial processes
• Contributing to our understanding of the risks facing our organisation
• Supporting us to comply with HMRC requirements
• Helping us to create financial forecasts for the future as we develop and expand.

We currently have an Advisory Board that has no legal responsibility, the members of which we hope will stay on as Trustees of the new charity. The expertise represented by the current board are: fundraising, safeguarding, communications, and strategy & business planning. We therefore seek a finance expert to help ensure the success of the transition to charitable status, and who can hold responsibility for finances and risk for the new charity. 

As our organisation is led by lived experience, we would particularly encourage applications from people from migrant or refugee backgrounds. 

Who are we looking for?

• Formal finance qualification
• Experience/understanding of financial forecasting, payroll, corporation tax & charity accounting
• Experience of being on a trustee board before, particularly in a role relating to finance (preferable)
• Lived experience of migration or displacement (preferable)
• Willingness to attend quarterly advisory board meetings (and subsequently, trustee board meetings) as well as provide more ad hoc financial advice to the directors.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and practical levels
• Willingness to speak one's mind, listen to the views of others and constructively challenge
• Willingness to commit the necessary time and effort to being a board member (roughly 1 day per quarter, possibly rising to 2 where required).
• Commitment to our vision and values

As a financial advisor and later trustee with responsibility for finances and risk, you will help ensure the financial sustainability and compliance of the organisation, helping to ensure we can maintain and grow our support for young people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds, at a time when support is needed more than ever. 

Finance Committee Member (Volunteer)

British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA)

Are you looking to use your financial skills to support the growth of an exciting and emerging sport?

The British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA) is seeking a volunteer Finance Committee Member to help strengthen our financial governance as we continue to grow participation, develop our national programmes and represent Great Britain on the international stage.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to a small but ambitious National Governing Body. Your expertise will help ensure we remain financially sustainable while investing in the future of horseback archery across the UK.

About the role

Working alongside the Chair and Board of Directors, you'll provide independent financial oversight and support by:

• Reviewing budgets, financial reports and expenditure

• Providing financial guidance on strategic decisions

• Supporting good financial governance and accountability

• Helping monitor organisational reserves and financial sustainability

• Advising on financial policies and processes

• Bringing an objective financial perspective to Board discussions when required

Who we're looking for

We're interested in hearing from people who have experience in areas such as:

• Finance

• Accounting

• Financial planning

• Audit

• Charity finance

• Commercial finance

Professional qualifications are welcomed but not essential. More important is a sound understanding of financial management and a desire to help a volunteer-led organisation succeed.

Time commitment

Approximately 2–4 hours per month, with occasional attendance at online Board meetings if required.

Why join us?

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the future of a growing National Governing Body

• Apply your professional expertise to a meaningful cause

• Support the development of grassroots and international horseback archery

• Work alongside a passionate and collaborative Board

• Gain valuable experience in sports governance

If you're passionate about good governance and want to use your financial expertise to help a unique sport thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Volunteer Admissions Assistant

You'll be multitasking throughout the day, with a mix of responsibilities including customer service, ticket sales, promoting Gift Aid donations, shop duties, guiding visitors and providing information about the Museum and the collection. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and love engaging with people, this is the role for you. 

The Volunteer Admissions Assistant role is all about making a lasting impression and creating a memorable visitor experience. You’ll be:

• Welcoming and engaging with visitors, sharing information about the museum and its collection.
• Selling tickets and gift shop items, ensuring smooth transactions and great customer service.
• Collecting data for Gift Aid and marketing purposes, including how visitors found out about us.
• Creating positive experiences to encourage return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Helping visitors explore the Museum through interpretation, answering questions and distributing trails, accessibility and family activities.
• Maintaining the gift shop, including restocking, counting stock, and setting up attractive displays.
• Conducting online research and building contact lists to support marketing efforts.
• Promoting the Museum locally, raising awareness and encouraging more visitors to discover what we have to offer!

Who we’re looking for:

We’d like to extend an invitation to anyone, particularly members of the local community.  Full training will be provided, we are looking for anyone with:

• Great customer service skills – you will be friendly and confident about approaching visitors of all ages and backgrounds
• Great communication skills – you will be able to clearly explain information about the Museum and ticketing to visitors
• Good computer skills – with training, you will be able to use our ticketing system, email and Microsoft Office
• Good Sales Skills – you will be able to promote ticket sales and gift shop items as well as encouraging Gift Aid donations
• Multitasking skills – with various responsibilities such as selling tickets, guiding visitors, and managing the gift shop, you will be able to juggle tasks efficiently
• A good telephone manner
• Good team working skills

This role offers plenty of variety, and you'll play an important part in making every visitor's experience unforgettable.

Training and support:

All volunteers will first be invited for a training shift.  We have an induction and training process, during which we give volunteers the information they need to enjoy their time with us. Training is mainly 'on the job', supported by an experienced volunteer as well as the manager on duty. Volunteers are given regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience. The Admissions Assistant receives continued training and development throughout their time with us.

Availability:

We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, weekdays or weekends, either as a 10-1.30pm shift, or a 1.30-5pm shift, for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally, you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential. Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are on a full day shift.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Tall Stories is seeking a dynamic Chair or Co-Chair to lead our Board of Trustees through an exciting period of growth. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping shape the future of a leading theatre company, ensuring our work continues to inspire children, families and communities. Working closely with the Board and Executive team, you will provide strategic leadership, strengthen governance and help us deliver our vision of creating stories that broaden horizons, inspire generations and bring joy. As we develop our 2027–2030 strategy, you will help us increase our artistic ambition, deepen community engagement and strengthen our long-term sustainability.

We are looking for someone with:

• Strategic leadership experience – the ability to shape direction, identify opportunities and support organisational growth.
• Commercial and entrepreneurial thinking – experience developing sustainable business models, income streams or scaling organisations.
• Strong governance knowledge – an understanding of trustee responsibilities, charity governance and effective Board practice.
• Financial confidence – the ability to understand financial information and support long-term resilience.
• Collaborative leadership skills – experience bringing people together, facilitating constructive discussions and building consensus.
• Independent judgement – the confidence to provide challenge, ask thoughtful questions and support effective decision-making.
• Organisational development experience – experience leading, growing or transforming organisations, services or products.
• Passion for theatre and impact – a commitment to Tall Stories’ vision and the role theatre can play in enriching lives.

ABOUT US 

Central and North West London (CNWL) Trust has almost 7,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. 

Arts in Health (AiH) is a step-down service from the Community Mental Health Hubs (CMHH), offering a programme of regular creative activities to support adults with lived experiences of mental health difficulties.

Our programme consists of weekly sessions on a Thursday – taking place at an art studio in W9 and cultural visits to museums and galleries across Central London. 

Participants can attend Arts in Health for roughly 8 months. Therefore, we request that volunteers commit to 8 months (1 term) or the whole year (2 terms) if possible. 

Term 1 runs from Sept 2026 – March 2027 and Term 2 runs from April 2027 – Dec 2027.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We are looking for a local volunteer ‘travel buddy’ to accompany and support a participant from home to the Arts in Health session locations, every Thursday. This would best suit someone living close to Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea due to travel time, but we are open to further afield. 

Participants may need support because they feel anxious travelling alone, going to a new place, taking public transport, have fluctuations in their mental health, or need the accountability of having a travel buddy.

You won’t be attending the 2 hour sessions (2-4pm) of the project, but you will be free to spend those two hours looking at shops, museums, reading, or going to a cafe.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION 

You will need to be available on Thursday afternoons, from late September, to provide weekly support - arriving with your participant at the selected venue by 1.45pm and picking up just after 4pm. This means you'll approximately be needed from late morning until early evening, depending on travel times. 

Travel buddies will have an online induction with the Arts in Health team before the project starts to share more about the project, learn about safeguarding within the team and to answer any questions. 

Programme dates and locations for 2026-27 confirmed once in post. 

Locations 

1. Art Studio -Maida Vale area W9

1. Cultural visit to a museum / gallery* - various locations across central London

*There may be slight changes to time on occasion according to the venue 

KEY TASKS 

• Travel to the participant’s home or a mutually agreed location nearby; meet them outside 

• Supporting a participant to travel to and from the venue, from their home, using public transport, to ensure they get to the session with time to settle before it starts

• Plan the journey from where you greet participant, to the session location in advance 

• Wait patiently for two hours without attending the session, and then travel back to their home location at the designated time

• Encourage the regular attendance of participants 

• Report any issues or concerns to the AiH team 

• Read and follow our policies & procedures - designed to keep you safe, including guidance around confidentiality 

KEY TRAITS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A kind, caring and supportive nature, with an ability to relate positively with both staff and clients 

• Be organised, with the ability to plan travel routes and travel confidently using public transport 

• Empathetic, compassionate, patient, tolerant and considerate 

• Good communication skills, including responding to emails and calls in a timely manner 

• An interest in working with mental health, adults with complex needs and learning more about using the arts for wellbeing and self expression. 

• An understanding of individual patients’ needs taking into consideration cultural and religious requirements 

• Reliability: to be someone we can rely on 

• Committed: to be consistent and dependable

• The ability to work independently whilst staying within the role’s boundaries, recognising what should and shouldn’t be done, when to seek advice or report concerns. 

• Committed to the values and policies of the Trust, including Data Protection and Equal Opportunities

WHAT IS IN THERE FOR YOU? 

• The opportunity to gain experience and develop knowledge and skills of working with adults with experiences of mental health issues 

• Provide a supportive and empathetic service 

• Learn about safeguarding adults 

• Learn more about the ethos and work of Arts in Health 

• Experience and insight into working within the NHS and healthcare sector, and working within a community environment

• Full support and a range of relevant training, including local induction and orientation 

• Access to the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme to support you enter careers in the NHS through volunteering once 30 hours of volunteering have been completed 

• A reference for future volunteering or employment, following completion of at least 60 hours of volunteering 

• Following our expenses policy, reimbursement of agreed expenses

China Plate are looking for new Trustees to join our friendly and dynamic Board. If you are interested in the ways arts and culture can have a positive impact on the world, we’d love to hear from you.

China Plate is an arts charity based in Birmingham and working across the West Midlands, the UK and internationally. We’re producers: we work with people to make creative projects happen. Our projects include theatre shows, training programmes, audio anthologies, short films and bus stop galleries.

Our artistic programme is underpinned by our four core values: creativity, optimism, integrity and inclusivity. We’re now looking for new Trustees who share these values and who, like us, are interested in bringing communities together to produce creative projects that fire the imagination, make positive change and are open to all.

Our Trustees meet four times a year to discuss the company’s strategy and progress, and to ensure we are meeting all our legal requirements. These Board meetings are hybrid: you can join us online or in our Birmingham office.

Trustees are not paid: they are volunteers who give their time to support charities. However, at China Plate we can cover costs like travel expenses for meetings and events. If Trustees have access requirements – for example if you require BSL interpretation, captioning, or information provided in particular formats – we will also put these into place.

You do not need to have been part of a Board before to join. You could be based in the West Midlands or elsewhere in the UK. We are looking to recruit new Trustees from either inside or outside the arts sector, including those who may not yet be familiar with our work. We’re interested in hearing from anyone who shares our values, is excited by what we’re doing and is keen to support, question and challenge us.

We would particularly like to recruit one Trustee who is a young person (18-30) who has previously taken part in one of China Plate’s Training & Development programmes – such as The Optimists, Young Producers, or our internships and placements.

Deadline to apply is 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 30th September 2026.

If you’d like to find out more, please visit our website to download the Trustee Recruitment pack.

If you’d like to have a conversation about the role prior to applying, please email our Executive Director Chloe.