Mental health volunteer roles

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month)

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Particularly looking for Volunteers in Downpatrick area - Last Wednesday of Every month

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

The University of Derby is seeking two independent governors to join its Governing Council. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience in either commercial development or higher education leadership to help shape the future of a dynamic and ambitious institution.

Location: Derby

Time commitment: Approx. one day per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 22nd September

Who we are

The University of Derby is located in the heart of England and offers industry-relevant, expert teaching from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research. Our combined higher and further education offering is spread over campuses in Derby, Buxton, and Chesterfield, and we have invested more than £200 million in some of the best university facilities in the UK over the past ten years.

We achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, and with around 17,000 people choosing to study with us every year, we depend on the dedication of a team of academic, professional, and support services staff.

The University boasts world-leading research that demonstrates real-world impact and has recently received the prestigious TEF Gold for learning and teaching and student experience, which places the University of Derby in the top 20% of universities in England.

The University of Derby is working towards its 2018-2030 Strategic Framework and is seeking two candidates to join the Governing Council who possess leadership experience, a passion for contributing to the development of educational opportunities, and have the necessary insight needed to steer the University through to its future goals. The people appointed to these roles must have a commitment to contributing to the success and future potential of our students.

About the role

The Governing Council and its Committees:

The University’s Governing Council is both the governing body of the University and the board of directors of the company. Membership comprises of a majority of independent governors (Lay Members) alongside representatives from the University’s staff and student body. The Governing Council undertakes its duties through the work of its sub-committees, which are:

• Audit and Risk (ARC)
• Performance, People and Resources (PPRC)
• Enterprise, Skills & Industry Engagement Committee (Skills)
• Nominations
• Remuneration
• Student Affairs

Governing Council responsibilities include:

• Determine the educational character and academic direction and integrity of the University
• Approve the mission and strategic aims of the University
• Ensure the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability
• Ensure that the University fulfils its legal obligations
• Ensure that there are procedures for handling internal grievances, conflicts of interest, fraud and corruption; and to ensure that staff can raise matters of concern
• Ensure that processes are in place to monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the University
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the Governing Council itself
• Conduct its business in accordance with best practice
• Ensure that students benefit from a valuable learning experience

Click here to view further information about the Governing Council’s responsibilities.

Time Commitment

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewable for a maximum of nine years (subject to recommendation from the Committee Chair and Governing Council’s Nominations Committee).

There are five Governing Council meetings and two strategy days per year, which are held in person, usually in September, November, February, April, and July.

Attendance at five of those meetings (at least one of which would be a strategy day) as a minimum is usual.

Governing Council Meetings are usually four hours long and include a seminar session. Before meetings, preparation time will be required to read through committee papers, organise thoughts, and ensure contribution to the debate.

Governing Council Members are required to complete mandatory training modules and induction and are invited to attend networking events and University graduation ceremonies.

In return for your commitment, you will benefit from being part of a successful and ambitious University seeking to maximise opportunities for its graduates. You will also have the opportunity to build professional networks, collaborate with other governors and further build your non-executive profile and impact.

Who we are looking for

As we continue to progress through our 2030 strategic framework and deliver on our ambitions, we are seeking to appoint two new Independent Members of our Governing Council. Those appointed will contribute their time, insight, and expertise to provide support, challenge, and scrutiny—acting as critical friends and ambassadors for our organisation.

You must have the ability to contribute to strategic thinking and be familiar with compliance challenges, preferably within a regulatory environment. Whilst you may not have previously served on a committee or board, you must be adept at working in a non-executive capacity, taking the pulse without being hands-on.

Commercial Development

The University of Derby is seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also gain membership of the Skills Committee. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in skills development, enterprise, innovation, and industry engagement, and will play a key role in supporting the University’s strategic aims in these areas. The person appointed will contribute to shaping the University’s approach to partnerships that enhance both institutional development and student outcomes. By helping to align the University’s skills agenda with the needs of industry and society, they will support the development of agile, future-ready graduates equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Higher Education Expertise

The University of Derby is also seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also join our Audit and Risk Committee – ideally, someone with a background in or closely related to higher education. The successful candidate will bring experience and insight of industry backed curriculum innovation, quality assurance, policy, regulation, or strategic leadership. This appointment is an opportunity to help shape the University’s future direction, contributing to its mission of delivering high-quality, inclusive, and industry linked education.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 22nd September. 

 Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 6 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?

We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.

Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.  Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.

Please contact for more details

About It’s Time:

It’s Time is a charity created by and for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent. Founded by people who know this grief first-hand, the charity ensures no one aged 18–35 has to navigate such loss alone. Through peer-led support, events, free group therapy, and tailored resources, It’s Time offers connection and understanding during an often isolating time. The charity also partners with universities, workplaces, and families to promote better bereavement support - recognising that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the help offered to young adults shouldn’t either.

The charity was founded in 2021 and we now run local peer support groups throughout England, have a year long waiting list for our group therapy and supports around 500 people in the online community.  We recognise that as we grow our needs and those of our community are changing and are looking for someone skilled in charity growth to steer us into the next phase of our development.

About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated, strategic, and inspiring leader to join us as Chair of the Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity, providing governance, leadership, and support to a committed Board and passionate staff team.

As Chair, you will play a vital role in steering the organisation toward maximum impact for our beneficiaries, holding the Board and senior leadership to account while acting as an ambassador and public face of the charity.

Time Commitment:

• 4 board meetings annually (Tuesday evenings via Zoom)

• 1 annual in-person strategy day (usually a Saturday in London)

• Participation in any relevant sub-groups

• Ad hoc involvement in events, meetings, or training as needed

Remuneration:
This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board in providing clear strategic direction and strong governance

• Ensure the charity meets its objectives, mission, and vision

• Support and hold the senior leadership team to account

• Represent the charity externally, acting as a spokesperson and ambassador

• Chair Board meetings, enabling effective and inclusive decision-making

• Build strong relationships with trustees, staff, and stakeholders

• Oversee financial health, governance standards, and risk management

What We're Looking For:

Personal Qualities

• A visible passion and commitment to the charity’s cause

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Gravitas to lead a growing organisation

• Diplomatic, collaborative, and team-oriented

Experience

• Senior strategic leadership experience

• Experience in growing a small charity

• Strong track record in your professional field

• Experience working with or on a Board of Trustees

• Skilled in stakeholder management and public speaking

• Confident chairing meetings and facilitating group discussions

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of the charity and civil society sectors

• Strong governance and financial oversight capabilities

• Proven ability to build and lead effective teams

Term:
The Chair will serve a three-year term, with eligibility for reappointment for one additional term.

Location: Colchester, Essex

Commitment: Four Board meetings per year, lasting 2.5 hours each, two of which will be online and the other two will be in person.

Four committee meetings per year, held online before the Board meetings

Remuneration: Voluntary, reasonable expenses covered

We are supporting a global health charity, who has a vision of a world free from leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF). For the last 100 years, they have worked in diagnosing, treating, and supporting people affected by these two neglected tropical diseases. Despite common misconceptions, leprosy is not a disease of the past; every day, hundreds of people, including children, are newly diagnosed, making their mission as urgent as ever. Operating primarily in India and Bangladesh, they deliver programmes that prioritise early diagnosis, community-based rehabilitation, mental health support, and advocacy. With the support of the UK team, they continue to strengthen health systems, tackle stigma and discrimination, and improve the quality of life for people affected by leprosy and LF.

The board is now seeing a Trustee, with senior management experience in Operations, HR, or Programme Oversight, to help address identified skills gaps, strengthen organisational resilience, and enhance programme delivery across their international footprint. This is a strategic role, not about day-to-day management, but about offering high-level insight, challenge, and support to their executive team.

It is expected that the Trustee will also be appointed to one of the charity’s committees. The appointment will be for an initial 3 years, with the possibility of reappointment for two additional terms of 3 years each.

The ideal candidate will:

· Have senior experience in either Operations, HR, and/or Programme Oversight

· Be committed to the organisation

· Think strategically and contribute to board-level decision making

· Be able to voice their opinions clearly and diplomatically

· Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship

Recruitment Timetable:

Deadline for applications: 5th October
Panel Interviews with the organisation: 27th October

Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our befriending volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us-, Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Our Big Buddies support young people, aged 10-18, for a few hours each week over a period of 6 -12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths and build confidence.

Support may look like:

• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear 
• Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!

Essential Criteria:

• Can commit to the Big Buddies programme for a minimum of 6 months
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Full DBS check
• Support and supervision
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us by contacting us here for an online application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

An ideal opportunity to make a lasting diference in the lives of vulnerable women those who have experienced some form of abuse, violence or trauma and sexual exploitation. To be part of a team providing practical help and support within a women's only space, offering compassionate care and a listening ear. To engage in and also opportunity to lead creative activities, exploring faith and helping build trustful friendships, providing hospitality and friendly conversations. The ability to identify women that may need extra support or referral to external agencies. 

The ideal person volunteering for this role should have the ability to relate sensitively to vulnerable women, with various needs, able to build rapport and boundaries in relationships. A commitment and compassion for our cause, preferably Christian, have good communication and listening skills. Good time management and able to work well as part of a team. Be friendly, approachable, a positive outlook and enthusiastic, with a willingness to learn. Preferably knowledge, understanding or lived experience of sexual exploitation and or domestic abuse, an awareness of the needs of the vulnerable.

Are you fluent in French and would like to teach others? We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to facilitate our online group and support others to improve their conversational and written French. You will be working with a diverse range of age groups and abilities and making a difference to those who would like to learn!

What you will be doing

• To facilitate an online group help people to learn French
• Engage in conversation, allowing individuals to feel supported and comfortable to practice their French
• Prepare session plans for beginners
• Encourage those attending to get involved in discussions

The skills you need

• Fluent in French . Desirable to hold a qualification
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.

Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
• Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Do you have experience in looking after children with SEN? We are looking for a volunteer who ideally has a qualification and a Paediatric First Aid training certificate to support with facilitating activities within our Tower Hamlets refuge whilst mums attend activities, meetings or take time for self-care! Your support will make a massive difference and enable mums the time to develop their skills and explore their interests.

What you will be doing

• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Entertaining children with provided toys and small activities such as colouring or puzzles etc..
• Ensuring the children are kept safe

The skills you need

• Calm and patient approach
• Experience in childcare preferred
• Working knowledge of child safeguarding preferred
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Good communication skills
• Paediatric First Aider - Desired

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

EMPLOYMENT COACH

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, family circumstances, mental health issues, substance misuse, care leavers, learning disability, age, and physical disabilities.

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

Would you like the opportunity to apply your experience in a meaningful role to help vulnerable clients?

· Do you have 1 hour a week to give to a vulnerable client

· Can we rely and depend on you to commit to a period of up to 12 weeks?

· Can you create and maintain positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a non-judgmental approach?

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

Role summary:

To encourage and support clients on a one-to-one basis to find suitable employment or volunteering.

To assess each individual and help prepare them for meaningful and suitable employment.

Key Responsibilities

· To support clients to identify their skills and readiness for employment and training

· To communicate with clients to understand their strengths and assisting with personal barriers

· To research and match suitable employment, work placements, volunteering or training opportunities based on client preferences

· To identify any initial support needs/adjustments that the service user may need to work successfully

· To assist with CV’s, applications and support for interviews

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you want to use your skills to help ensure a local charity is financially strong, transparent, and forward-thinking?

Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is seeking a new Treasurer to join our committed Board of Trustees. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of a growing, values-led organisation that supports hundreds of families each year.

You don’t need to be a qualified accountant – just someone with good financial awareness, an eye for detail, and a desire to help shape our future.

What You’ll Do

As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in the charity’s success by:

• Overseeing our finances – ensuring we are financially healthy and legally compliant

• Working with our CEO and Accountant – to review budgets, financial plans and monthly reports

• Supporting the board – by explaining financial information in an accessible way and guiding strategic decisions

• Chairing our Finance Subcommittee – held once every 12 weeks

• Ensuring good financial governance – making sure systems are in place for managing our income and spending

• Helping plan for sustainability – offering insight into full-cost recovery, funding gaps and long-term planning

Who We’re Looking For

We’re open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds – you may be a retired finance professional, someone in a leadership or strategic role, or looking for a first trustee position with a cause that matters to you.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Financial literacy and confidence with numbers

• Experience managing budgets, interpreting accounts or overseeing finances

• Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative style

• An interest in supporting families and giving children the best start in life

Previous experience as a trustee is helpful but not essential.

Are you passionate about supporting people impacted by substance misuse and involved in the criminal justice system? Join our specialist service dedicated to helping individuals on probation make positive changes in their lives.

As a Dependency & Recovery Support Volunteer, you’ll work closely with our Dependency and Recovery Coordinators and partner agencies based at Rotherham Probation office to deliver tailored support to adult males on probation. Your role will include:

• Assisting with drug and alcohol interventions
• Encouraging motivation and goal-setting
• Supporting individuals to reduce substance misuse and offending behaviour

What we’re looking for:

• Empathy and understanding of the issues faced by those in recovery and the criminal justice system
• A commitment to supporting positive change
• Reliability and a non-judgmental attitude

What we offer:

• Comprehensive training (some via eLearning – laptop access required)
• Valuable experience in a supportive environment
• Ongoing guidance and support
• A chance to make a meaningful impact in your community

If you're ready to be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you!

Important Information:

• This volunteer role is based at Rotherham Probation office on either Mon,Tue, Wed or Thur during office hours
• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and HMPPS Enhanced Level 1 vetting
• Please ensure you complete the Personal Statement section of the application – it’s essential for shortlisting

 For full details, please read the attached role description.

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate 1-1 singing sessions. You will be supporting our service user to develop her skills and explore her passion for singing!

What you will be doing

• Facilitate 1-1 singing sessions
• Provide opportunities for the service user to develop their singing skills
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun
• Provide knowledge on vocal techniques, breath control, pitch exercises and song interpretation

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun