Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

Romanian-Speaking Community Support Volunteer

Role Overview

Europia is looking for a Romanian-speaking volunteer to support community sessions for the Salford Central and Eastern European Health Navigators Project.

The project supports Central and Eastern European residents in Salford who may face language, digital or other barriers when accessing health and community services.

The volunteer will help welcome people, provide Romanian language support and help residents use digital services. They will work alongside Europia staff to make sessions welcoming and accessible.

What the Role Will Involve

• Interpret between Romanian-speaking residents and Europia staff during community sessions.

• Help Romanian-speaking residents communicate with Europia staff. 

• Clearly interpret information provided by Europia staff.

• Translate short written information, messages and instructions between Romanian and English.

• Help check that translated information is clear and easy to understand.

• Welcome residents when they arrive at community sessions.

• Explain how the session works and who service users need to speak to.

• Help service users use mobile phones, websites, online forms and digital services.

• Help prepare the room before sessions and tidy the space afterwards.

• Support the general running of community sessions.

• Communicate information clearly, accurately and sensitively.

• Comply with Europia’s Data Protection Policy and keep personal and sensitive information private.

• Follow Europia’s safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures.

When

• Community sessions will run until March 2027.

• The project will normally hold one community session each week.

• Each session will last around three hours.

• Volunteers will support agreed sessions as part of a rota.

• The exact days, times and number of sessions will be agreed with each volunteer.

Where

The project will be delivered across Salford. Sessions will take place at community venues, including:

• Eccles Gateway, M30 0TU

• Broughton Hub, M7 4BQ

• Together Family Centre, M44 6GX

• St Aidan’s Church, M7 3SE

• Selected Salford libraries

Volunteers may support sessions at one or more venues, depending on their availability and the needs of the project.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Romanian and English.

• Is friendly, patient and respectful.

• Has good communication and listening skills.

• Is comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds.

• Can use basic websites, online forms and mobile phones.

• Is willing to help people with simple digital tasks.

• Can keep personal information private.

• Is reliable and able to attend agreed sessions.

• Is willing to learn and work as part of a team.

Previous volunteering, community work, language support or digital support experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.

Training and Support

Volunteers will receive:

• An induction before starting.

• Safeguarding training.

• Training on professional boundaries.

• Clear guidance about their role and responsibilities.

• Structured supervision and support from Europia staff.

• A Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Information about possible pathways towards Immigration Advice Authority Level 1 qualifications, where appropriate.

Benefits

• Use your Romanian language skills to support local residents.

• Gain experience in community support.

• Develop your communication and digital support skills.

• Build confidence and meet new people.

• Learn more about local health and community services.

• Receive regular support and supervision.

• Support Central and Eastern European communities in Salford.

• Receive agreed volunteer expenses.

• Gain experience that may support future employment, training or volunteering opportunities.

Ukrainian-Speaking Community Support Volunteer

Role Overview

Europia is looking for a Ukrainian-speaking volunteer to support community sessions for the Salford Central and Eastern European Health Navigators Project.

The project supports Central and Eastern European residents in Salford who may face language, digital or other barriers when accessing health and community services.

The volunteer will help welcome people, provide Ukrainian language support and help residents use digital services. They will work alongside Europia staff to make sessions welcoming and accessible.

What the Role Will Involve

• Interpret between Ukrainian-speaking residents and Europia staff during community sessions.

• Help Ukrainian-speaking residents communicate with Europia staff. 

• Clearly interpret information provided by Europia staff.

• Translate short written information, messages and instructions between Ukrainian and English.

• Help check that translated information is clear and easy to understand.

• Welcome residents when they arrive at community sessions.

• Explain how the session works and who service users need to speak to.

• Help service users use mobile phones, websites, online forms and digital services.

• Help prepare the room before sessions and tidy the space afterwards.

• Support the general running of community sessions.

• Communicate information clearly, accurately and sensitively.

• Comply with Europia’s Data Protection Policy and keep personal and sensitive information private.

• Follow Europia’s safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures.

When

• Community sessions will run until March 2027.

• The project will normally hold one community session each week.

• Each session will last around three hours.

• Volunteers will support agreed sessions as part of a rota.

• The exact days, times and number of sessions will be agreed with each volunteer.

Where

The project will be delivered across Salford. Sessions will take place at community venues, including:

• Eccles Gateway, M30 0TU

• Broughton Hub, M7 4BQ

• Together Family Centre, M44 6GX

• St Aidan’s Church, M7 3SE

• Selected Salford libraries

Volunteers may support sessions at one or more venues, depending on their availability and the needs of the project.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Ukrainian and English.

• Is friendly, patient and respectful.

• Has good communication and listening skills.

• Is comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds.

• Can use basic websites, online forms and mobile phones.

• Is willing to help people with simple digital tasks.

• Can keep personal information private.

• Is reliable and able to attend agreed sessions.

• Is willing to learn and work as part of a team.

Previous volunteering, community work, language support or digital support experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.

Training and Support

Volunteers will receive:

• An induction before starting.

• Safeguarding training.

• Training on professional boundaries.

• Clear guidance about their role and responsibilities.

• Structured supervision and support from Europia staff.

• A Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Information about possible pathways towards Immigration Advice Authority Level 1 qualifications, where appropriate.

Benefits

• Use your Ukrainian language skills to support local residents.

• Gain experience in community support.

• Develop your communication and digital support skills.

• Build confidence and meet new people.

• Learn more about local health and community services.

• Receive regular support and supervision.

• Support Central and Eastern European communities in Salford.

• Receive agreed volunteer expenses.

• Gain experience that may support future employment, training or volunteering opportunities.

Romani-Speaking Community Support Volunteer

Role Overview

Europia is looking for a Romani-speaking volunteer to support community sessions for the Salford Central and Eastern European Health Navigators Project.

The project supports Central and Eastern European residents in Salford who may face language, digital or other barriers when accessing health and community services.

The volunteer will help welcome people, provide Romani language support and help residents use digital services. They will work alongside Europia staff to make sessions welcoming and accessible.

What the Role Will Involve

• Interpret between Romani-speaking residents and Europia staff during community sessions.

• Help Romani-speaking residents communicate with Europia staff. 

• Clearly interpret information provided by Europia staff.

• Translate short written information, messages and instructions between Romani and English.

• Help check that translated information is clear and easy to understand.

• Welcome residents when they arrive at community sessions.

• Explain how the session works and who service users need to speak to.

• Help service users use mobile phones, websites, online forms and digital services.

• Help prepare the room before sessions and tidy the space afterwards.

• Support the general running of community sessions.

• Communicate information clearly, accurately and sensitively.

• Comply with Europia’s Data Protection Policy and keep personal and sensitive information private.

• Follow Europia’s safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures.

When

• Community sessions will run until March 2027.

• The project will normally hold one community session each week.

• Each session will last around three hours.

• Volunteers will support agreed sessions as part of a rota.

• The exact days, times and number of sessions will be agreed with each volunteer.

Where

The project will be delivered across Salford. Sessions will take place at community venues, including:

• Eccles Gateway, M30 0TU

• Broughton Hub, M7 4BQ

• Together Family Centre, M44 6GX

• St Aidan’s Church, M7 3SE

• Selected Salford libraries

Volunteers may support sessions at one or more venues, depending on their availability and the needs of the project.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Romani and English.

• Is friendly, patient and respectful.

• Has good communication and listening skills.

• Is comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds.

• Can use basic websites, online forms and mobile phones.

• Is willing to help people with simple digital tasks.

• Can keep personal information private.

• Is reliable and able to attend agreed sessions.

• Is willing to learn and work as part of a team.

Previous volunteering, community work, language support or digital support experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.

Training and Support

Volunteers will receive:

• An induction before starting.

• Safeguarding training.

• Training on professional boundaries.

• Clear guidance about their role and responsibilities.

• Structured supervision and support from Europia staff.

• A Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Information about possible pathways towards Immigration Advice Authority Level 1 qualifications, where appropriate.

Benefits

• Use your Romani language skills to support local residents.

• Gain experience in community support.

• Develop your communication and digital support skills.

• Build confidence and meet new people.

• Learn more about local health and community services.

• Receive regular support and supervision.

• Support Central and Eastern European communities in Salford.

• Receive agreed volunteer expenses.

• Gain experience that may support future employment, training or volunteering opportunities.

Polish-Speaking Community Support Volunteer

Role Overview

Europia is looking for a Polish-speaking volunteer to support community sessions for the Salford Central and Eastern European Health Navigators Project.

The project supports Central and Eastern European residents in Salford who may face language, digital or other barriers when accessing health and community services.

The volunteer will help welcome people, provide Polish language support and help residents use digital services. They will work alongside Europia staff to make sessions welcoming and accessible.

What the Role Will Involve

• Interpret between Polish-speaking residents and Europia staff during community sessions.

• Help Polish-speaking residents communicate with Europia staff. 

• Clearly interpret information provided by Europia staff.

• Translate short written information, messages and instructions between Polish and English.

• Help check that translated information is clear and easy to understand.

• Welcome residents when they arrive at community sessions.

• Explain how the session works and who service users need to speak to.

• Help service users use mobile phones, websites, online forms and digital services.

• Help prepare the room before sessions and tidy the space afterwards.

• Support the general running of community sessions.

• Communicate information clearly, accurately and sensitively.

• Comply with Europia’s Data Protection Policy and keep personal and sensitive information private.

• Follow Europia’s safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures.

When

• Community sessions will run until March 2027.

• The project will normally hold one community session each week.

• Each session will last around three hours.

• Volunteers will support agreed sessions as part of a rota.

• The exact days, times and number of sessions will be agreed with each volunteer.

Where

The project will be delivered across Salford. Sessions will take place at community venues, including:

• Eccles Gateway, M30 0TU

• Broughton Hub, M7 4BQ

• Together Family Centre, M44 6GX

• St Aidan’s Church, M7 3SE

• Selected Salford libraries

Volunteers may support sessions at one or more venues, depending on their availability and the needs of the project.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Polish and English.

• Is friendly, patient and respectful.

• Has good communication and listening skills.

• Is comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds.

• Can use basic websites, online forms and mobile phones.

• Is willing to help people with simple digital tasks.

• Can keep personal information private.

• Is reliable and able to attend agreed sessions.

• Is willing to learn and work as part of a team.

Previous volunteering, community work, language support or digital support experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.

Training and Support

Volunteers will receive:

• An induction before starting.

• Safeguarding training.

• Training on professional boundaries.

• Clear guidance about their role and responsibilities.

• Structured supervision and support from Europia staff.

• A Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Information about possible pathways towards Immigration Advice Authority Level 1 qualifications, where appropriate.

Benefits

• Use your Polish language skills to support local residents.

• Gain experience in community support.

• Develop your communication and digital support skills.

• Build confidence and meet new people.

• Learn more about local health and community services.

• Receive regular support and supervision.

• Support Central and Eastern European communities in Salford.

• Receive agreed volunteer expenses.

• Gain experience that may support future employment, training or volunteering opportunities.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please contact:

Khalid Ahmed
Europia, Project and Volunteer Coordinator

Please include:

• Your name and contact details.

• The languages you speak.

• Your availability.

• A copy of your CV.

Join Our Board: Chair-Elect & Trustee Opportunities
 

Cambridge House is an equity-based multiservice social action charity established in 1889 and now
working across 29 London and 17 English and Welsh local authorities.

Our services include a Law Centre, statutory advocacy services, disabled peoples empowerment services, and advice services for private rented sector tenants.

We Transform Lives through personalised, place-based access-to-justice and resilience-building services
for families and people facing crisis, deprivation and social inequity.

We Transform Society by producing evidence, research and thought leadership to improve policy and
practice and challenge structural barriers.

We’re particularly looking for people with the following knowledge and experience:
▪ Frontline delivery — charity services in community settings, particularly legal/advice
▪ Campaigning & influencing — political/parliamentary affairs at a national level
▪ Commissioning & systems — public sector commissioning across welfare, health, housing,
refugee/asylum and/or social care
▪ Strategic enablers — AI in the workplace/service delivery, or marketing/communications/PR, or donor
development/corporate partnerships and fundraising
Diversity and Inclusion

To address underrepresentation on our current Board, we especially welcome applications from people
with lived experience of insecure housing/homelessness, the welfare/disability benefits system, and/or
minoritised faith/language groups, and people who are:
▪ Queer/LGBTQIA+ and/or from Black, Asian and global majority communities
▪ Women or Trans/Non-binary
▪ Disabled, neurodiverse and/or living with a mental or physical health condition

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

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

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

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

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

🌟 Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits 💖 Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

🧭 BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

🌍 Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

💎 OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

🧠 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Secretary (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate records of board meetings and decisions.

• Distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and materials.

• Ensure all governance documents are up to date and compliant.

• Manage board communication and information flow.

• File all necessary regulatory documents (e.g., Companies House, Charity Commission).

Requirements:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.

• Familiarity with governance documentation and compliance procedures.

Benefits:

• Central role in maintaining organisational transparency and accountability.

• Opportunity to establish best-practice systems and governance procedures.

🌟 Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits 💖 Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

🧭 BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

🌍 Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

💎 OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

🧠 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Treasurer (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all financial matters including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.

• Ensure compliance with statutory financial regulations and charity law.

• Work closely with auditors and the Finance Committee.

• Present financial reports at each board meeting.

• Support fundraising and resource management strategy.

Requirements:

• Background in finance, accounting, or business administration.

• Knowledge of charity finance and UK financial reporting standards.

• Integrity and attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Direct influence over financial sustainability and impact measurement.

• Recognition in philanthropic financial management networks.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Sheffield Community Volunteer

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

Information about the role

This role involves supporting at a range of events to help raise money and awareness to tackle the housing emergency. It’s a really flexible opportunity. Once you’re signed up, we’ll let you know about upcoming events and tasks, and you can decide which you’d like to do.

Location: Sheffield

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Ideally, you’d help out at least 4-5 times per year, but this is flexible.

Availability: This is a varied opportunity with events taking place at different times and on different days throughout the year, including evenings and weekends. You can choose the events that best suit your availability.

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

Main activities may include:

This is a flexible and diverse role. Here are some of the activities you might get involved in:

• Represent us at a range of events including, community fairs, gigs, Pride marches, sporting events and street stalls.
• Support some of our fundraising activity such as holding collection cans in public spaces or bag packing in supermarkets.
• Help us grow our movement for change by supporting petitions and raising awareness of our calls to action through social media.
• Other one-off tasks such as web-based research.

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it.

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

The most important thing for this role is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home!

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.
• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.
• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.
• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

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

Help shape a future where everyone has the opportunity for a better tomorrow.

St Giles is a leading national charity working with people affected by poverty, violence, exploitation and involvement in the criminal justice system. Through our pioneering lived experience model, we support people facing some of society's most complex challenges to build positive futures and create lasting change.

Every year, St Giles supports more than 16,000 people across the UK. Our work delivers significant social impact and continues to influence practice and policy nationally. As we embark on the next phase of our development, we are seeking to appoint six new Trustees to help shape our future direction and strengthen our Board.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring strategic expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and Audit
• Income Generation and Fundraising
• Safeguarding
• Impact, Policy and Influencing
• Charity Growth, Transformation and Organisational Development
• Lived Experience and Community Voice

Whether you are an experienced non-executive or considering your first Trustee appointment, we would love to hear from individuals who share our values, believe in the power of lived experience and can contribute strategic insight, constructive challenge and sound judgement.

About You

You will bring:

• A commitment to the mission and values of St Giles.
• Strategic thinking and strong judgement.
• The ability to influence, support and challenge effectively.
• Experience in your chosen area of expertise.
• A commitment to inclusion, equity and safeguarding.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a high-performing Board. 

Our Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is a strength at St Giles. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the communities we serve and welcome applications from people with a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences.

We particularly encourage applications from people from the global majority, disabled people, neurodivergent people and individuals who are currently underrepresented in governance roles.

Time Commitment

The Board meets five times per year, alongside an annual strategy day. Trustees also serve on at least one Board committee, which typically meets five times annually, primarily online. Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term.

Find Out More

For full details of the opportunity, including the role specification, diversity statement, time commitment and application process, please visit our website.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience to help shape the future of a charity that transforms lives every day. If you share our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity for a better tomorrow, we'd love to hear from you.

Cheerer Volunteering at the Great North run

Would you like to have a great day out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers?

Information about the role

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 170 Shelter runners from the side lines. You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Volunteering at this event is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026

Time: Half a day – approx. 9am – 2pm

Location: Newcastle/Gateshead – along the race route

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

This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.  

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.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, click ‘fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Monday to Friday (any day welcome) 2 to 4pm

We are looking for a friendly and reliable Resident Engagement Support Volunteer to help create a welcoming and positive environment for residents living in our accommodation in Welwyn Garden City, and Hatfied hostels.

This is a flexible role that will begin with a focus on befriending and social connection. Volunteers will help open the residents’ café, serve teas and coffees, and spend time chatting with residents to help build rapport and reduce social isolation.

As confidence and relationships develop, the role can be shaped around the volunteer’s interests, skills and ideas. We welcome volunteers who may wish to support additional activities such as games, quizzes, crafts, wellbeing activities, cooking sessions, or sharing practical life skills.

No specialist experience is required - just a warm approach, good listening skills and a willingness to engage with people.

Key Responsibilities

· Opening and helping run the residents’ café during the afternoon session.

· Preparing and serving teas, coffees and refreshments.

· Offering a friendly welcome to residents.

· Spending time talking with residents and building positive relationships.

· Encouraging residents to take part in social activities, signposting to staff where additional support is needed.

· Supporting or helping to organise simple activities such as board games, crafts or quizzes.

· Sharing personal skills or hobbies where appropriate (for example cooking, baking or creative activities).

· Co-designing activities based on resident feedback and interest

· Work alongside staff to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for residents.

· Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable, and non-judgemental.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Flexible, reliable, and willing to help in a variety of ways.

· Creativity and good knowledge on specific activities to be delivered

· Able to work as part of a team while respecting professional boundaries.

· Experience of working or volunteering with vulnerable people who may have experienced challenges such as homelessness and mental health (desirable). Volunteers should be able to respond with empathy to residents' emotions, maintain appropriate boundaries, and recognise when concerns or situations need to be escalated to a member of staff.

· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of people from all backgrounds.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness and Manual Handling where appropriate.

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference

Additional Information

· You will be required to undergo a DBS check

· Two references will be required

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides support to women, mostly on licence from prison, who have a range of complex needs. Through our work, we help women to begin to address the issues they face, improve their lives and reduce the likelihood of further involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides a 25-bed Approved Premises in Reading, enabling women to access accommodation, support, and monitoring.

As the Charity continues to grow and develop its services, we are seeking to strengthen our Board by recruiting a Trustee with finance, accounting, or audit experience.

To achieve our strategic plans, we require strong financial oversight to support sustainable growth, ensuring robust financial management and governance across all activities. We are therefore particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Professional experience in finance, accountancy, or audit (chartered or qualified desirable)
• Experience in financial governance, risk management, and internal controls
• Ability to interpret financial statements and support budget setting and monitoring
• Strategic insight into financial planning and sustainability within a charitable or regulated environment

Trustees, both individually and acting together as the Board, use their skills, knowledge, expertise, and contacts to govern the Charity, safeguard its assets and apply them as efficiently and effectively as possible to further its charitable objectives.

In this role, the Trustee with finance expertise will support the Board and Senior Management Team in maintaining strong financial oversight, contributing to strategic decision-making, and ensuring the Charity’s resources are used effectively to maximise impact.

We are interested in hearing from anyone who is passionate about the work we do and feels they can contribute to the success of the Charity.

The Board of Trustees meets five times annually at Elizabeth Fry House in Reading. Trustees are invited to participate in either our Finance or People and Safeguarding Committee, both of which meet four times a year. Additionally, Trustees conduct scheduled visits to the Approved Premises throughout the year.

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides support to women, mostly on licence from prison, who have a range of complex needs. Through our work, we help women to begin to address the issues they face, improve their lives and reduce the likelihood of further involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides a 25-bed Approved Premises in Reading, enabling women to access accommodation, support, and monitoring.

As the Charity continues to grow and develop its services, we are seeking to strengthen our Board by recruiting a Trustee with experience in property, estates, or facilities management.

Our future plans include the acquisition, adaptation and ongoing maintenance of additional properties, as well as renovation and improvement of existing premises. We are therefore particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Experience in property acquisition, development, or refurbishment
• Knowledge of building maintenance and compliance requirements
• Expertise in estates or facilities management
• Strategic insight into managing property assets within a charitable or regulated environment

Trustees, both individually and acting together as the Board, use their skills, knowledge, expertise, and contacts to govern the Charity, safeguard its assets and apply them as efficiently and effectively as possible to further its charitable objectives.

In this role, the Trustee with property expertise will support the Board and Senior Management Team in shaping and delivering our property strategy, ensuring that our accommodation is safe, sustainable, and fit for purpose as we expand.

We are interested in hearing from anyone who is passionate about the work we do and feels they can contribute to the success of the Charity.

The Board of Trustees meets five times annually at Elizabeth Fry House in Reading. Trustees are invited to participate in either our Finance or People and Safeguarding Committee, both of which meet four times a year. Additionally, Trustees conduct scheduled visits to the Approved Premises throughout the year.