Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

This is more than a leadership role for a homeless hostel; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a community. At YMCA Wirral, we believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive, to feel safe, and to build a life filled with possibility. But creating that future takes courageous leadership.

We are seeking an inspiring Chair of the Board of Trustees to guide our mission, champion our values, and help us drive meaningful, long‑term change across the Wirral and beyond.

About Us

YMCA Wirral sits at the heart of the community, providing life‑changing accommodation, support, and opportunities for young people and adults. We work with individuals facing homelessness, trauma, disadvantage, and exclusion, helping them rebuild stability, confidence, and hope.

Our vision is bold: To create a fairer, safer, more inclusive Wirral where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Through trauma‑informed practice, innovative partnerships, and a commitment to social justice, we are strengthening our services, expanding our impact, and building a future where no one is left behind.

The Role

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will be the strategic leader who ensures YMCA Wirral remains strong, accountable, and ambitious. You will guide the Board, support the Chief Executive, and help shape the organisation’s next chapter including governance development, community influence, and long‑term sustainability.

Your leadership will help ensure that the voices of residents, staff, and the wider community are heard, valued, and embedded in everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction champion social mobility, inclusion, and trauma‑informed practice across all areas of the organisation.
• Strengthen governance ensure the Board operates effectively, transparently, and in line with regulatory expectations.
• Support senior leadership provide guidance, challenge, and mentorship to the Chief Executive and senior team.
• Build partnerships nurture relationships with funders, commissioners, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Champion opportunity drive initiatives that open pathways to housing stability, wellbeing, education, and employment.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Bring strong leadership experience from charitable, public, or corporate sectors.
• Understand governance and can confidently lead a Board.
• Are committed to tackling inequality and improving life chances for vulnerable people.
• Communicate with clarity and compassion and can build trusted relationships.
• Are connected locally or regionally and able to strengthen our influence and reach.

We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues our communities face, or those who bring diverse perspectives to our Board.

Commitment and Benefits

This is a voluntary position requiring attendance at 6-12 Board meetings per year, each lasting around 1–2 hours, plus occasional additional involvement for strategic or ceremonial duties.

In return, you will:

• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a long‑established community organisation.
• Help break cycles of disadvantage and create real, lasting change.
• Work alongside passionate trustees, staff, and partners committed to social justice.
• Leave a legacy that strengthens opportunities for generations to come.

Next Steps

Send an introductory letter or email to our CEO, Nanette Mellor, by the 10th of July.

YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) is the leading charity supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey through safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. Following a significant period of organisational stabilisation and transformation, we are now entering an ambitious new phase focused on growth, influence and deepening our impact.

YMCA DownsLink Group is proud to be a member of the Federation of YMCA England and Wales.

Our purpose - every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

Our values - we do what’s right. We work with heart. We build real connection.

About the role

The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the Board and supporting the CEO, ensuring that governance is strong and aligned with the organisation’s values, strategic goals and founding Christian principles.

As a leader, the Chair shapes the culture, champions inclusivity and drives the strategic direction of the organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people through a dynamic and highly respected organisation.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a values-led and collaborative leader who is genuinely excited by the opportunity to chair an ambitious organisation at an important moment in its journey. With a bold new strategy, strong foundations and a talented executive team in place, this is a compelling opportunity to help shape what comes next for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey.

You will be an experienced Chair or senior board-level leader, bringing a progressive, strategic mindset and a strong track record of creating the conditions for high-quality dialogue and sound decision-making. You will strike the right balance between support and constructive challenge, applying emotional intelligence to cultivate a trusted and effective partnership with the CEO and executive team.

You will demonstrate an active Christian faith alongside a genuine passion for our purpose and values, aligning personal conviction with organisational mission.

Time commitment - approximately one day per month on average.

This is an unpaid role; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The initial term of appointment is three years.

We are working with Peridot Partners, who are supporting us with the recruitment of this role. Please click on 'Redirect to recruiter' button on this advert to be redirected to the the full role details and contact details for further information/to arrange a confidential discussion with our advising consultant at Peridot Partners.

Closing date: 9am Tuesday 21 July

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  

Canterbury Shop

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-16:00

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development: To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. 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.  

Delivering food from the central warehouse to our distribution centres in Alcester and Studley on a monthly rota

Restocking shelves to ensure a steady supply of food for distribution

Working collaboratively with a small team

To lead, motivate and encourage the volunteers at each foodbank session and ensure every person visiting a foodbank session receives a friendly welcome and is treated with compassion, respect and dignity

Organise each foodbank session and ensure each is run efficiently and to a high standard in accordance with the Trussell franchise and Arden Foodbank policies and procedures

Lead a short team briefing with volunteers at the beginning of each foodbank session and a short session review at the end

Ensure that the distribution centre is a safe place for all clients and volunteers, that safeguarding procedures are understood and implemented, and that client confidentiality is respected

Deal appropriately with incidents, unforeseen events, or any other issues

Monitor health and safety at each foodbank session and record accidents and near misses

Review stock levels at the end of each foodbank session and complete a restock order to replace food and other items given out at that session

Ensure all necessary information is accurately recorded on the Data Collection System and communicate with referral agencies in response to queries or issues arising from vouchers presented by clients

Provide the Foodbank Manager with a report at the end of each session and raise any concerns regarding the operation of the session, or the distribution centre

Undertake the training of volunteers as may be required

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  - Nantwich

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00

Location: 44 Beam Street, Nantwich, Cheshire

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop 
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. 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.  

The Light Cafe is part of the Salvation Army and is a welcoming community cafe situated just off Bromley High Street.

We are looking for part-time volunteers to help us serve on a regular weekly basis.

We serve a variety of hot drinks, cakes, hot toasties, soups and jacket potatoes, and require someone who is open to lending their hand where needed.  We will provide training where necessary but mainly ask for a willing and a positive attitude!

About Us:

The Salvation Army is a Christian Church charity, and the cafe profits support our organisation.

We are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.

Our ideal canditate may have some experience in a cafe setting, more important is an openness to learn, adapt and be a team player.

We're a warm, welcoming team so please get in touch if you feel like involving yourself within a community and enjoy being in a food based environment.

Our trustees and non-executive directors play a vital role in making sure that the group achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that there is a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO and executive team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs, to enable Thrive Social Housing and Emerging Futures CIC to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

The Board operates under the leadership and guidance of the chair and works in partnership with the chief executive officer and the executive team.

Board members are expected to always act in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders, and to use their background knowledge and skills to work with the chair and other board members to ensure that the Board, supported by its committees, carries out its responsibilities effectively and lead from the top in demonstrating our culture, values and behaviours.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

If you care about our mission to make people’s experience of homeless temporary accommodation short, safe and healthy and would like to bring your unique perspective and experience onto our board of trustees we would love to hear from you.

We know that a stronger Board is one with a wider range of personal experience, work experience, community knowledge and skills. We want to build a Board that includes people with different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences. What we value: A genuine interest in Justlife's mission Willingness to learn and engage Your unique perspective and lived experience Curiosity, care and a collaborative approach

You do not need previous trustee experience, formal qualifications or a senior job title. What matters most is that you care about our mission, are willing to learn, and can bring your own perspective.

Summary of role

We are looking for teachers with a recognised ESOL qualification to support clients on a 1:1 basis with speaking, reading and writing English for an hour or so each week.

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English outside of the classroom or interact with a British-born person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as, the employment team and digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need one-to-one support with their English, mostly around listening and speaking, fluency and confidence building. We can also offer additional sessions to clients who are accessing external ESOL classes who feel they need additional 1:1 support.

What will you be doing?

We would like you to meet a client for 1 – 2 hours each week, this can be at the Centre or in a public place such as a café or library or where possible on-line. You will provide them with individual support with their English.  

Your responsibilities:

• Be able to commit at least one hour a week to your client for up to six months.
• Create an agreed Individual Learning Plan.
• Meet with your client at an agreed time and place.
• Be able to encourage and motivate your client.
• Be able to plan an hour’s English session based on the client’s ability and need.
• Send a short progress report to the Learning & Employment Manager after every meeting with your client.
• Participate in the Centre induction and safeguarding training.
• Attend quarterly group meetings, at the Centre, with other English Learning Volunteers at an agreed time.

What are we looking for?

• You have a recognised ESOL qualification e.g. CELTA or a Trinity or Cambridge Certificate
• You have excellent listening and clear communication skills.
• You are able to encourage and motivate a person.
• You are friendly, patient and reliable.
• You will have the ability to get on with people from a wide range of backgrounds

We cover travel expenses.

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5.30pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5.30pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5.30pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre and we are trialing an outreach sessions at a local Library & Hotel on otger weekdays

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Help4Homeless is looking for an Event Organisation Volunteer to help support creative fundraising events that directly benefit people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough. This is a flexible, remote volunteer role where your ideas and enthusiasm can help make a real difference.

About Help4Homeless

Help4Homeless is a youth-led initiative founded in Peterborough with a simple mission: provide practical support to people sleeping rough through £10 wellbeing packs.

Each pack includes essentials such as socks, hygiene products, snacks, and warm items. 100% of donations go directly into these packs - no admin fees, no overheads, just real help for real people.

The Role

As an Event Organisation Volunteer, you'll help plan and support fundraising events and campaigns that raise awareness and generate vital funds for our work.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning fundraising events and campaigns
• Suggest creative fundraising ideas and challenges
• Help promote events through social media and community outreach
• Support event preparation and coordination
• Provide feedback and ideas for future events

Who We're Looking For

• Organised and reliable
• Interested in fundraising, events, or community projects
• Creative and enthusiastic
• Good communication skills
• Passionate about helping others

No formal experience is required - just a willingness to get involved and make a positive impact.

Why Join?

• Make a direct difference in your local community
• Gain valuable experience in fundraising and event planning
• Be part of a growing youth-led initiative
• Flexible, remote volunteering
• Develop skills that can support future education and career opportunities

About Trans Legal Clinic 

The Trans Legal Clinic is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice and registered charity in the UK. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans* people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender. 

What you’ll be doing 

The Casework department is the core of our organisation. The department helps clients across four key themes: Housing and Homelessness, Discrimination, Gender Recognition, Gender-Based Violence 

As a caseworker, you will work directly with clients by offering them support and advocacy.With support from our lead caseworkers, you will help progress cases by providing legal guidance, signposting clients to resources, writing letters, and other administrative support. It is a dynamic environment with truly rewarding work. Full training will be provided. 

About you 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with good communication and organisation skills to support the transgender community. Volunteering and administrative experience is beneficial but not essential. We are particularly interested in applications from people interested or studying law.