Volunteer Roles
Volunteer with us!
At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.
To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Kenilworth shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between
As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:
- Engaging with customers
- Accepting and sorting donated stock
- Pricing donations for sale
- Working on the till
Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.
Why Volunteer at Acorns?
- To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
- Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
- Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
- Opportunities to progress to other roles
- Access to free online courses
- Retail discounts
- Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards
Full training will be provided
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you love to support and empower people? We are looking for compassionate champions to join our volunteer mentoring programme. Help mentees build confidence, get established in community and develop independence. The Build mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery. A volunteer mentor is paired with a co mentor meeting fortnightly in the community with a mentee; being a friendly support, setting goals, exploring opportunities and life skills. All volunteer mentors are supported and accountable to the Build Coordinators. This role is voluntary and unpaid (costs incurred for refreshments related to the mentor role will be reimbursed).
The Role
- To create a safe, compassionate, and healthy mentoring relationship
- Provide the mentee with tools and techniques to navigate a pathway to achieve things that are important to them
- Provide practical support to the mentee where appropriate (eg signposting)
- Support a mentee to identify and establish goals and life skills that are important to them
- Liaise with the mentee and fellow mentor to arrange safe and suitable meeting places including date and time
- Debrief with your co-mentor after each meeting and provide a brief written record of the discussion for the Mentoring Coordinator
- Work with your co-mentor to model ‘healthy community’
- Manage the trio’s refreshment expenses for reimbursement
Skills you need
- Compassion, empathy and active listening skills
- Ability to be able to help people feel at ease and build confidence
- To help people draw out personal goals and things that are important to them
- Have a passion and desire for wanting to transform and support the lives of people
- Be sensitive to someone who has experienced trauma
- Ability to keep confidence and professional boundaries
- Reliability and good time keeping
- Commitment to safeguarding and a willingness to raise concerns where necessary
- Experience of supporting others navigate and integrate into community
- Access to car/public transport and flexibility around location
What you will get from us
- Online or face to face training prior to working with mentees:
- Volunteer Induction and specialised programme training
- e-learning courses relating to Safeguarding, Data Protection and Equality & Diversity, IT and Data Induction
- Ongoing support sessions from the Build team
- Ongoing training with an emphasis on trauma informed practice Commitment
- 12-month commitment period
- Meet with mentee and co-mentor fortnightly for 1-2 hours
- Commitment to write up debriefs and any relevant actions between meetups
- To able to complete all required training
- To be able to attend a minimum of 4 training sessions per year
All roles within the mentoring programme need:
- Mandatory checks including DBS
- Two satisfactory references
- Completion of induction training
- An informal interview and introductory period
- Have a passion and desire for wanting to help and support people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising and Events Officer Role
Description and Person Specification
About Pain Concern
Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results.
Purpose of Volunteer Role
Pain Concern could not exist without our volunteers. We are looking for someone with an interest in chronic pain to help raise funds for Pain Concern by coordinating fundraising events.
What would you be doing:
• Maintain communications those fundraising in aid of Pain Concern and provide support
• With support from the Fundraising Team, Fundraising Steering Group and your fellow volunteers, help to plan and deliver events and activities to raise funds and awareness
• Send out fundraising packs
• Liaise with Media Team for publicising fundraisers and events
• Maintain a list of fundraising opportunities such as walks and marathons
• Help develop and maintain the fundraising section of Pain Concern’s website
• Research opportunities to promote community fundraising
• Develop links with local businesses
• Research and organise local fundraising events
• Recruit community fundraisers to support events in their area
• Attend events organised by our fundraisers as the ‘face’ of Pain Concern
• Maintain a database of contact and other ad hoc admin support for the team as required
Is this role right for me: We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.
• Budgeting
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in event management
• Interest in chronic pain
• Ability to work flexibly with enthusiasm and commitment
• Strong IT skills and knowledge of MS Office
Availability and location Minimum commitment of 6 months. Minimum 2-3 hours per week. Hybrid volunteering from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS or from your own location.
Benefits to you:
• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Meet new people
• Build on your employability skills
• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you
• A job reference after 6 months of volunteering.
• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community
• On-site car parking
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Pain Concern
Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results
Purpose of Volunteer Role
This role supports our aim in delivering pain education in our communities and providing access to high quality resources to those who may not have digital access. As an ambassador you will provide tailored information on pain management services available in the local health board area and Signpost to any other support services in the community. Promote the concept of supported self-management as a recommended, effective intervention for chronic pain. Help make a difference to people living with pain by providing a powerful platform to hear the views and experiences for the all too often, voiceless patients. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check.
What would you be doing
• Have personal experience of chronic pain (e.g., a diagnosis or experience of supporting a family member or friend).
• Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner
• Build a network with local GP surgeries, NHS health board.
• Attend Pain Management groups (virtually or in person), to highlight long term support options.
• Making conversation with members of the public as appropriate, and answering questions about the charity’s work.
• Signpost to helpline, Pain Concern information leaflets, Airing Pain etc
• Carry out research into community groups, local events and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to attend fayres, exhibitions etc
• Attend cheque presentations and local events officially thanking donors and hosts for their support
• Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures at all times, including Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality;
• Attend training and volunteer meetings
• Keep your Volunteer Manager up to date on your activities, including the contacts you’ve made and talks that you’ve arranged.
Is this role right for me
We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.
• Friendly, positive and outgoing personality
• Tenacity and enthusiasm for sourcing opportunities in your community
• Enthusiasm and interest in chronic pain and the work we do
• Good communication skills, including public speaking
• Strong organisational skills, and an ability to work on own initiative and be proactive
• Access to the Internet and confidence in using it
• A good local knowledge
• Flexibility
Availability and location
Minimum commitment of 6 months. Minimum 2-3 hours per week. By becoming one of our Community Ambassadors, you will travel in and around your geographical area to meet support groups and attend events and from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS
Benefits to you
• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Meet new people
• Build on your employability skills
• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you
• A job reference after 6 months of volunteering.
• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community
• On-site car parking
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy
How do I apply
Download and complete an application form via the volunteering page on our website. For more information about this role please contact us via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.
Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
- Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
- Transporting equipment to and from events
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Poplar Tree Court is located in the Brumby area of Scunthorpe and consists of twelve flats and eight bungalows, providing person-centred care to adults with mental health needs.
We are looking for a creative Volunteer to set up and run activity groups in our service in line with Service User interests. As part of your volunteer role you will take the lead on the group and will plan the group sessions, making sure that the activities are inclusive for all our service users and delivered in a fun and engaging way.
You will also ensure that service users are included in deciding the types of crafts and activities they would like to explore, and will plan and prepare for the sessions in advance to make sure that the materials and equipment are ready for each session. The sessions could be board games, arts and crafts, bingo, etc. You will reach out to service users to promote the activities including times and dates, and encouraging people to attend. You will also ensure that the materials are tidied away and the space is left clean and tidy at the end of each session. This role is a great way to gain experience of a group facilitation role.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At WWT, we create and conserve wetlands and save species. We bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. We help people to feel part of something amazing and motivate them to make a difference. In this role you will be visiting your local WWT wetland centre on a weekly basis to film wildlife spectacles and species for inclusion in a weekly wildlife update that goes out to our members and supporters.
What will you be doing
• Capturing footage of the centre, its wildlife, wetland landscapes, events and people on a regular basis (depending on skill level).
• Receiving direction from the Marketing and Communications Manager on requirements for specific pieces of footage according to the themes for each week, as well as taking ad hoc footage as great opportunities arise
• Working proactively with the WWT Washington team to identify key events and sightings that would make engaging content
Who are we looking for?
No formal qualifications are required. However, you will be able to provide good quality examples of footage you have taken of wildlife, or have experience of watching wildlife. In addition, this role would be suitable for you if you:
• Are proactive in seeking out filming opportunities
• Are patient and willing to spend time waiting for the right filming opportunity
• Don’t mind working in all weathers
• Are comfortable with learning new technology and equipment, highly proficient with use of computers and able to quickly learn the process for file handling and transfer between centres and HQ at Slimbridge
At WWT, we create and conserve wetlands and save species. We bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. We help people to feel part of something amazing and motivate them to make a difference. In this role you will be visiting your local WWT centre on a weekly basis to capture wildlife spectacles, species, visitors’ experiences and our volunteers for inclusion in promotional material for print, online and social media.
What will you be doing?
• Capturing images of the centre, its wildlife, wetland landscapes, events and people on a regular basis (depending on skill level).
• Receiving direction from the HQ Media Production team and centre Marketing Manager as well as taking pictures whenever you find an opportunity (a Gap list of required images will be available for you to work to).
• Working proactively with staff and volunteers at your local centre to capture key events and sightings that would make engaging content for website, marketing materials, social media etc.
Who are we looking for?
No formal qualifications are required but you will ideally be able to provide good quality examples of images you have taken to demonstrate a high level of skill in any or all of wildlife, landscape, or people photography. In addition, this role would be suitable for you if you:
• Are proactive in seeking out photo opportunities
• Are patient and willing to spend time waiting for the right filming opportunity
• Have a keen eye for interesting and inspiring photographs •
Don’t mind working in all weathers and interacting with visitors, volunteers and staff
• Are comfortable with file handling and transfer between centres and HQ at Slimbridge
• Have use of your own photographic equipment
Cecil Gardens is a large service containing ninety-nine apartments, close to the city centre of Hull and easily accessible by public transport. The service supports adults with a wide variety of needs including Over 18s, Mental Health needs, Older People, Learning Disabilities and Autism. Our service users live in self-contained apartments and have access to several communal spaces, including a restaurant, a hairdressers and a spa.
We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders at our Cecil Garden service in Hull, if you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.
Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener? We are looking for befrienders who can help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community. Maybe going for walks, trips to a local café, or, supporting somebody to attend their appointments.
Our volunteer befrienders will also encourage people to connect to our internal community here at our service, which includes a wide variety of activity sessions held in several communal spaces on site. As part of our Wellbeing service we are hoping to build a community amongst our Service Users and you will visit service users in their flats and encourage people to join in our activities and take part in events held here.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cecil Gardens is a large service containing ninety-nine apartments, close to the city centre of Hull and easily accessible by public transport. The service supports adults with a wide variety of needs including Over 18s, Mental Health needs, Older People, Learning Disabilities and Autism. Our service users live in self-contained apartments and have access to several communal spaces, including a restaurant, a hairdressers and a spa.
We are looking for several volunteers to assist with our activities. We have a large service close to the city centre in Hull. Our housing provider organises a wide range of group activities presently which you could assist with. This role would include helping to set up the room, moving tables and chairs if necessary, making sure that all of the materials and equipment are ready for the session to begin. Assist with the activity when needed, providing clear instructions. Tidy away the materials and equipment at the end of the session, ensuring that the room has been returned to its original setting.
We are also looking for volunteers to set up and run new activity sessions in the evenings and weekends, when there are currently no provisions. The activities can be anything from art and crafts, board games, cooking groups, bingo, walking groups, Digital skills, film groups, and many more. Your role will include promoting the group to our service users, planning and preparing for the activity making sure the materials and equipment are ready, providing clear instructions and assisting with the activity when needed, and tidying away at the end of the session.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for creative volunteers to set up new activity sessions at our Orchard House service in Leicester. We are a move on accommodation service for adults with Mental Health, and we are looking for a volunteer to set up and run weekly activity sessions. As part of your volunteer role you will take the lead on the group and will plan the group sessions, making sure that the activities are inclusive for all our service users and delivered in a fun and engaging way.
You will also ensure that service users are included in deciding the types of crafts and activities they would like to explore, and will plan and prepare for the sessions in advance to make sure that the materials and equipment are ready for each session. The sessions could be board games, arts and crafts, bingo, etc. You will reach out to Service users and encourage people to attend. You will also ensure that the materials are tidied away and the space is left clean and tidy at the end of each session. This role is a great way to gain experience of a group facilitation role.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
Preferred hours per week/time commitment: Flexible dates and times between Monday to Friday
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a volunteer who enjoys a variety of crafts and can pass on the skills to people attending the sessions. You will help to set up a weekly craft group in our communal space and promote the session to our Service Users. Whether this is crochet, embroidery, macramé, clay or paper based crafts, all skills and ideas are welcome.
Your role will include setting up the room ready for the activity, making sure we have enough materials for each person. Helping out with the activity, planning a programme of sessions, clearing away at the end of the session making sure that the space is left clean and tidy.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
Forest Road is a step-through accommodation based service offering holistic support of up to seven Service Users
Preferred hours per week/time commitment: 4 hours per week. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after 3pm
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for volunteers to deliver fun and engaging activity sessions. Our service users love to play board games and your role would be to set up a weekly board games session. As a volunteer you will be warm, friendly and approachable and enjoy playing games such as monopoly, cluedo and others.
As part of your volunteer role you will help us by setting up the games ready to play ensuring no pieces are missing, teaching people the rules for the game, and tidying away at the end of the session. You will also promote the board games being played each week to our service users and encourage people to join in.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
Bosworth House is a supported living service for adults with mental health needs, we currently have eight tenants with thirteen flats. Bosworth House is centrally located in Hinckley and has good transport links.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The LGBTQ+ Telephone Group is a chance for blind and partially sighted people who identify as being a part of the LGBTQ+ community to come together for mutual friendship and support. The facilitator is a pivotal role within the group ensuring the group runs smoothly and that everybody has a chance to contribute to the group conversation as well as ensuring everybody’s welfare and flagging up any potential safeguarding concerns. You should either be a part of the LGBTQ+ community or be a strong ally who is committed to helping provide a safe space for participants to come together to share their experiences. You will be: Helping to ensure that participants feel comfortable and facilitate discussion. Helping group participants to feel safe to be in the group and to enable them to join in the group discussion each month. Looking after participant welfare within the group and flagging any welfare or safeguarding concerns to Talk and Support for follow up.
Who this opportunity will suit -
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- Approachable & empathetic nature
- Comfortable talking over the telephone
- Good verbal communication skills
- Ability to treat information confidentially
- You will need to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community or be an ally of the community and committed to ensuring participant safety in the group.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the East Finchley area of North London for a Volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you.
Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener?
Are you looking to help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community? Could you organise and source activities that align with our service-user’s interests, which include comedy and writing poetry?
Can you commit to learning Creative Support’s Safeguarding Procedure and be able to implement this if needed?
We are looking for a reliable, friendly, outgoing and supportive person who can join us as a Volunteer Befriender.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.
Suggested time commitment: 2 hours a week.
Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.