Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

Location: Birmingham | Commitment: 3-8 hours per week (working week) | Work style: Hybrid

Since 2024, we’ve been honoured to support over 800 individuals on their journey toward a better future. Looking ahead, our 2026 strategic vision is bold. We want to be recognised as a collaborative support service that truly transforms lives. To help make that happen, we’re looking for a passionate team of fundraisers to work alongside one another, supporting the Creative Director, each contributing in different ways to support the organisation’s sustainability and impact.

The Internal Community Fundraiser supports internal and community-based fundraising activities, organising and coordinating opportunities at local events such as school fetes, markets, fairs, and larger public events. Through these local events you will cultivate relationships with individuals, groups, schools, and businesses to drive income and raise awareness.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys planning events, organising, and bringing people together, and wants to help grow our income in a practical, hands-on way.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help identify and organise community fundraising opportunities, including events, challenges, and campaigns

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, schools, faith groups and community organisations to encourage financial and in-kind support.

• Support planning and logistics for attending events (stall set-up, materials, rota support)

• Liaise internally to ensure events are well-prepared and staffed

• Help coordinate fundraising resources

• Support with new ideas for local fundraising opportunities

What difference will you make:

• An opportunity to make a real impact on a grassroots organisation.

• Your support will help raise vital funds within the local community, increasing visibility and enabling us to continue outreach and support for people experiencing homelessness.

• Ultimately your input will help turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in fundraising, or community engagement.

• Experience planning events or organising community-based campaigns.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively while balancing the voluntary role with other commitments.

• Understanding of homelessness-related issues, or a genuine interest in learning about the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the community.

We are currently looking for Welcome and Reception Volunteers to join our supportive team in Brent. Shifts are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays (10am - 4pm) with a minimum commitment of one day a week. Same time each week for a minimum of six months. 

Shortlisting will take place W/C 30th March and interviews will take place Tuesday 14th April. 

How will I be ending homelessness?

As a Welcome and Reception Volunteer you will be the first point of contact for many people who need to access our services. This contact may set the tone for our relationship with that individual and whether they choose to get the help we can offer, so the warm, non-judgemental, and informative welcome you create could set them on the journey to ending their homelessness.

What will I be doing?

Tasks you will support the team with include:

• Welcome
  • Welcoming visitors to the Skylight and ensuring they sign in and out
  • Signposting to reception and information areas
  • Directing members to activities within the Skylight and encouraging engagement
  • Chat to members while they are waiting and offer and provide refreshments
  • Ensuring information stands are well stocked and up to date
  • Supporting with filling in of basic forms
  • Carrying out building tours where required and/or showing members to their classes/appointments
• Reception
  • Responding to and making telephone calls
  • Checking members in and out on our MAPS (members records) database
  • Notifying Lead Workers that members have arrived for their appointments
  • Supporting with any front of house administration tasks including supporting Engagement and Assessment Officers with tasks such as sending out travel passes and conducting research when required

Who are we looking for?

 To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

• Is an excellent communicator, confident in building relationships and creating welcoming, compassionate environments, and able to recognise conflict and remain calm in challenging situations. 
• You should be confident interacting with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with English as a second language
• Has a good level of English 
• Is non-judgemental, patient, and reliable
• Has good IT and telephone skills with the ability to use internet, email, excel and databases
• Has good organisational skills
• Understands the importance of keeping an individual’s personal information secure and private and working within the boundaries of the role to keep everyone safe 
• Is passionate about standing with Crisis and our members to end homelessness

What do I need to do this role?

As part of your recruitment, you will need to provide details for one referee, and we will complete a basic disclosure check. Your referee will need to be a professional or academic reference (this could include a reference from a volunteer role).

We are currently looking for Welcome and Reception Volunteers to join our supportive team in Crisis Skylight London. Shifts are available on Mondays 9.30 - 1pm and Mondays 1 - 4.30pm. Same time each week for a minimum of six months. More shifts may become available. 

Shortlisting will take place w/c 16th March and in-person interviews will be on Tuesday 24th March 2026.

How will I be ending homelessness?

As a Welcome and Reception Volunteer you will be the first point of contact for many people who need to access our services. This contact may set the tone for our relationship with that individual and whether they choose to get the help we can offer, so the warm, non-judgemental, and informative welcome you create could set them on the journey to ending their homelessness.

What will I be doing?

Tasks you will support the team with include:

• Welcome
  • Welcoming visitors to the Skylight and ensuring they sign in and out
  • Signposting to reception and information areas
  • Directing members to activities within the Skylight and encouraging engagement
  • Chat to members while they are waiting and offer and provide refreshments
  • Ensuring information stands are well stocked and up to date
  • Supporting with filling in of basic forms
  • Carrying out building tours where required and/or showing members to their classes/appointments
• Reception
  • Responding to and making telephone calls
  • Checking members in and out on our MAPS (members records) database
  • Notifying Lead Workers that members have arrived for their appointments
  • Supporting with any front of house administration tasks including supporting Engagement and Assessment Officers with tasks such as sending out travel passes and conducting research when required

Who are we looking for?

 To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

• Is an excellent communicator, confident in building relationships and creating welcoming, compassionate environments, and able to recognise conflict and remain calm in challenging situations. 
• You should be confident interacting with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with English as a second language
• Has a good level of English 
• Is non-judgemental, patient, and reliable
• Has good IT and telephone skills with the ability to use internet, email, excel and databases
• Has good organisational skills
• Understands the importance of keeping an individual’s personal information secure and private and working within the boundaries of the role to keep everyone safe 
• Is passionate about standing with Crisis and our members to end homelessness

What do I need to do this role?

As part of your recruitment, you will need to provide details for one referee, and we will complete a basic disclosure check. Your referee will need to be a professional or academic reference (this could include a reference from a volunteer role).

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Community Fundraising team at our Slough Tesco Bucket Collection event, to help us raise money for our Fight for Home!

At least 382,000 people are homeless in England today. We provide vital services to those at risk, with our emergency helpline, housing rights campaigns, legal and emotional support.

Your role as volunteer:

· The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for our Fight for Home by holding collection buckets at Slough Tesco.

· You’ll be supported by one of our Community and Events Assistants or Lead Volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations.

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

What you get…

· Meet amazing volunteers and people within your community.

· Help raise vital funds towards our Fight for Home.

· Develop fundraising and communication skills.

· Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.

· A certificate of appreciation for your help.

· Lots of fun!

Location: Remote or In-person (London-based preferred, flexible)
Hours: 20 hours per month (flexible)
Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to Counsellor / 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD
Payment Schedule: Weekly or monthly, depending on preference (flexible to support cash flow)

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

Guardian Light Enterprises LTD is the revenue-generating arm of Guardian Light Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, and hardship. Every service we provide contributes directly to creating safe spaces, housing, education, and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.

As a freelance counsellor with us, you are not just offering sessions—you are helping people heal, build resilience, and find hope, while supporting a social mission that changes lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Freelance Counsellor to provide emotional support, guidance, and therapy sessions to our clients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven social enterprise where your expertise directly fuels social impact.

As a counsellor, you will:

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions for children, teenagers, and single-parent families.

• Use your professional expertise to guide clients through challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, and abuse recovery.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards in line with UK regulations.

• Collaborate with Guardian Light Enterprises and the Foundation team to refer clients to additional support programs where appropriate.

• Participate in impact reporting to help shape future programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality counselling sessions tailored to individual client needs.

• Document sessions and maintain records securely in compliance with safeguarding and GDPR policies.

• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empowerment for clients.

• Engage with Guardian Light Enterprises LTD in strategic discussions to improve program delivery.

• Attend occasional training and team meetings (via Microsoft Teams).

Ideal Candidate

• Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Professional with relevant UK registration.

• Experience working with children, teenagers, and vulnerable families.

• Strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and a trauma-informed approach.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Passionate about social impact and committed to transforming lives.

Hours & Compensation

• Recommended: 8–12 hours per month (approx. 2–3 clients per week, depending on session length).

• Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to you, 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD.

• Payment Schedule: Flexible – weekly or monthly, depending on mutual preference and cash flow management.

Benefits

Even at this early stage, joining Guardian Light Enterprises LTD offers unique benefits:

• Impact-driven work: Every session contributes to funding programs that directly support children and single-parent families in crisis.

• Flexible schedule: Set your hours around your availability.

• Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities.

• Career progression: Exceptional counsellors may be invited to join our Advisory Board or eventually become a Board Member, shaping the direction of Guardian Light Foundation.

• Recognition: A chance to build your personal and professional brand as part of a pioneering social enterprise.

• Supportive environment: Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to real change.

Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based)
Type: Freelance / Contract – Flexible hours
Revenue Share: 70% to Solicitor / 30% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

At Guardian Light Enterprises LTD, we are more than a social enterprise — we are a beacon of hope for children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and hardship.

Our mission is to empower and protect the most vulnerable, giving them the tools, legal support, and guidance they need to build brighter futures. Every session you deliver as a solicitor doesn’t just provide legal advice — it gives someone dignity, hope, and a chance to reclaim their life.

Role Purpose

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated freelance solicitors to provide expert legal guidance to our beneficiaries. This role is flexible, allowing you to use your legal expertise to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families who urgently need your support.

You will:

• Offer legal advice on family law, employment rights, housing, or other related areas

• Guide clients through complex legal processes with clarity and empathy

• Provide practical, actionable advice that empowers clients to take control of their lives

• Collaborate with GLF staff and volunteers to ensure clients are supported holistically

Hours & Commitment

• Recommended: 6–12 hours per month at the early stage

• Sessions can be scheduled flexibly to suit your availability and client needs

• Each session revenue split: 70% to you, 30% reinvested into GLF programs

Compensation & Payment

• Paid per session based on agreed client engagement

• Revenue sharing model ensures fair and transparent payment

• Payment schedule: monthly for simplicity, with detailed statements provided

• Additional incentives: high-performing solicitors may be offered Board Member or Advisory Board roles

Skills & Experience

• Qualified solicitor in the UK, practising in relevant areas (family law, housing, employment, or youth-focused law)

• Strong empathy, patience, and communication skills

• Comfortable working remotely and in collaboration with a mission-driven team

• Passion for social justice, children’s rights, and supporting vulnerable communities

Policies & Safeguarding

• DBS check required (Enhanced, £12.50 volunteer rate)

• Commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

• Adherence to GLF Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Equality policies

Benefits

• Directly impact the lives of vulnerable children, teens, and families

• Flexible working hours to suit your schedule

• Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and community recognition

• Invitation to join our Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the enterprise scales

• Being part of a mission that transforms lives — where every hour you give makes a tangible difference

• Public recognition on GLF communications, website, and reports

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are someone who:

• Believes that legal guidance is a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn

• Feels fulfilled by using your expertise to create social impact

• Is proactive, compassionate, and able to work independently

• Wants to be part of a groundbreaking social enterprise at the startup stage

• Values ethical work, transparency, and accountability

We are now seeking a Secretary to the Board to help ensure our governance remains strong, organised and effective.Help strengthen the governance of a Sheffield charity that has supported people who are homeless, rootless or vulnerable every Christmas since 1989.

For five days over the festive period, HARC provides a warm, safe day shelter offering hot meals, warm clothing, wellbeing support and companionship. Our work is powered by volunteers and guided by a committed Board of Trustees.

The Secretary plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the charity. You’ll help keep our governance processes organised, compliant, and aligned with best practice. 

We’re keen to welcome people who can bring energy, fresh perspectives and a real sense of commitment to our small but dedicated board. You don’t need prior governance or compliance experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training to help you feel confident in the role.

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

As a great communicator with ‘green fingers’ you will create a calm, nurturing environment in which to support the residents to gain gardening skills and to explore the possibility of growing their own food. 

Activities

Inspire the residents to take an interest in the outdoor space at Amy’s Place and involve them in the development of a regular gardening and/or food growing club.

Help residents to develop their gardening skills and knowledge specific to growing food, through group workshops and individually tailored support, guidance and encouragement.

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. It might be every week or fortnight ideally for a minimum of 3 months.

Requirements 

This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons

We are looking for volunteers to help our administration function. 

The People's Kitchen support our local community by providing a safe and positive environment where we serve a warm meal 365 days a year for the homeless and vulnerable.

Our admin team help primarlily by signposting enquiries to the different teams in the The People's Kitchen and help the public to organise and process donations including food, any items useful in assisting rough sleepers, and any financial support.

Our team currentlty operates on a tuesday afternoon, once a week, and a day can look like managing the inbox, processing gift aid on donations and ensuring communications such as our quarterly newsletter reaches our friends and external partners. 

Would you like to be play an important role in helping clients with their Welfare Benefit, Housing, Debt and Employment issues?  If so, you're the person we need. You could make a real difference to people's lives.

Our adviceline (phone) assessors are the first line of contact with many of our clients and offer help to empower individuals to help themselves by signposting them to the appropriate organisations.  For more complex issues they arrange appointments with our advisory staff. You would also be helping with our Research and Campaigns by writing a short report about common or unfair problems that you encounter whilst talking to clients.

On a typical call you would explore the issue the client has called us about, assess the urgency of the problem and their ability to deal with it themselves and write a summary and outline next steps. 

Full training and ongoing support will be given.  You will learn about a range of issues that affect our clients and build valuable skills such as communication, listening and information giving which can increase your employability.

You will need to:

• be familiar with and be able to develop your skills using Microsoft Word and Excel
• be able to manage using multiple windows and online resources during client calls
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• be willing and able to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake training
• be friendly and approachable and non-judgmental and respect other's views, values and cultures

We’re on the lookout for a volunteer who’s keen to make a real difference in our communities — and pick up some new skills along the way!

This is a unique opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while helping customers at St Mary’s Close enjoy regular chair-based exercise sessions. These don’t currently have any sessions, but they’re really keen to get started, ideally once a month to begin with (and maybe more if it’s a hit!).

We’ll support you every step of the way, including covering the cost of your Amac Certificate in Chair-based Exercise Instructing - which you can complete online at your own pace. Once you’re qualified, we’ll work with you to build a schedule that fits around your availability.

Each session will last up to an hour, and we’ll also cover your travel expenses.

Because you’ll be working with potentially vulnerable customers, you’ll need to be 18 or over to take on this role.

If you’re passionate about helping others stay active, feel good, and have fun - we’d love to hear from you!

Our wellbeing café runs once a month and provides a space for people to grab a brew, a snack and take part in some creative tasks, games and activities, as well as connecting with others.

We're looking for friendly volunteers who can welcome people to the wellbeing café, get them set up and settled in. Volunteers will help people feel comfortable, support them in any activities they would like to do and provide friendly chat.

We'd like someone that's passionate, friendly and willing to get stuck in. You just need to be able to talk to others. listen and be a friendly face for those attending.

Volunteers would need to be free on Wednesday's, between 12.45pm - 3.15pm, (you can still apply even if you ca't do every Wednesday)but you must be over 18 to apply.

Friends of Greatwood and Horseclose Communtiy Centre are looking for friendly, community‑minded volunteers who want to play an active part in making events at Greatwood and Horseclose Community Centre welcoming, enjoyable, and well‑run. You don’t need previous event experience just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to get stuck in.

This role supports the smooth planning, preparation, and delivery of a variety of in‑person events at the community centre. Event Support Volunteers will help create a warm, accessible, and positive experience for all attendees, while assisting staff and other volunteers with the practical tasks that make events successful.

This is a rewarding opportunity to empower local residents to access the services and opportunities they need and make a meaningful impact on their lives.  We are seeking volunteers to support digitally excluded residents with using mobile phones, tablets and computers, to help them build confidence with getting online, accessing apps, essential services, and stay safe in the digital world.

You would be delivering one-to-one support as well as small group workshops at various venues within the London Borough of Enfield including Vincent House (EN3), Enfield Town Library and Palmers Green Library and other community sites. We reimburse travel expenses within the boundaries of Enfield.

You would develop teaching, communication and community engagement skills with training and ongoing support.

You will need:

• Good digital skills (including phones, apps and internet usage)
• Be able to explain technical information in simple terms
• Be patient, approachable and supportive
• Have an awareness of online safety and common scams (training can be provided)
• Be reliable, and able to regularly commit to at least 1 regular day per week
• Be able to develop a basic understanding of the services available to support residents in Enfield
• Be able to work in accordance with our policies and procedures