Mental health volunteer roles

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

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 Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Are You Creative, Organised, and Passionate About Making a Difference?

Turn your ideas into meaningful experiences as an Activity Coordinator Volunteer. You'll help plan and deliver fun, engaging activities that promote wellbeing, build confidence, and bring people together.

From arts and crafts and games to wellbeing sessions, themed events, and community outings, every activity you support will help create connections, inspire smiles, and make a positive impact on people's lives.

What you will be doing

• Support the planning and delivery of activities based on the interests of service users
• Help facilitate social groups such as coffee mornings, walking groups, and activity workshops.
• Encourage participation and help create a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Build positive relationships with service users and support them to develop confidence and social connections.
• Work alongside staff to identify new activity ideas and opportunities.
• Assist with setting up and tidying away activities where required
• Provide occasional one-to-one support, such as accompanying service users to appointments, shopping trips, or community activities.

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and a good listener
• Organised and dependable.
• Confident engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Creative and interested in helping others try new activities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Able to work as part of a team.

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.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Are you a fluent Farsi speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills.

What you will be doing

• To support people who are not confident with spoken English to develop these skills through conversational English sessions through 1:1 or in small groups.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.

The skills you need

• Hold a TEFL qualification, or equivalent qualification to support individuals
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Farsi and English

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.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Car drivers needed to help with transporting our members to and from medical appointments, shopping trips, day centres, social events, etc.. Vehicle and fuel provided. Our Dial-a-Ride service is targeted towards people who would struggle to use public transport, whether that's due to medical issues, special education needs, or being elderly or frail.

• Flexible hours to suit (Monday to Friday)
• An opportunity to meet and work with a variety of people
• Making good use of spare time
• Being a valued member of a team
• Satisfaction in providing an essential service

Drivers must:

• Be over 25 years of age
• Hold a valid driving licence
• Be able to work within a code of practice
• Supply references
• Pass Disclosure & Barring Service checks*

*DBS checks funded by Community Link

Be the Friendly Face That Makes Someone Feel Welcome

As a Hub Volunteer, you'll be one of the first people women and families meet when they visit our hub. Your warm welcome, friendly approach, and practical support will help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment from the moment they arrive.

If you're compassionate, enjoy connecting with people, and want to make a meaningful difference, this rewarding role offers the opportunity to positively impact the lives of women and families accessing our services every day.

What you will be doing

• Welcoming women and families as they arrive at the hub
• Helping visitors feel comfortable and explaining how the service works.
• Offering refreshments and creating a warm, friendly atmosphere
• Supporting women as they browse and select clothing, toiletries, toys, baby items, and other essentials.
• Packing donations and essential items to be sent to refuges and other services.
• Preparing and dispatching parcels through the post office when required.
• Liaising with drivers to organise the collection and delivery of items
• Helping keep the hub tidy, organised, and welcoming for all visitors
• Providing a positive and respectful experience for everyone accessing the service.

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.
• Passionate about supporting women and families.
• Comfortable interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Organised and willing to help with practical tasks
• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries

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

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

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

• We are particularly looking for Volunteers to Support the West Belfast walk every Friday in Falls Park 10.30 am-12pm We are particularly looking for volunteers to provide support and sighted guiding for the 18-35 meet ups that happen once a month usually in Belfast but may travel from Belfast to other areas for example Hillsborough. It’s one Saturday per 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.

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity where you can make a real difference? We are currently recruiting new Volunteer Mentors to join our growing, diverse network of dedicated volunteers.

At Hope for the Young, our mission to support young refugees and asylum seekers in London as they overcome the many challenges of starting a new life in the UK. From navigating education systems to building confidence and social connections, our Volunteer Mentors play a crucial role in helping young people achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.

What You’ll Do as a Mentor

• Meet with a young person (mentee) once a week for 1–3 hours, usually in a local café, library, or community space in London

• Set education and personal development goals and offer guidance, support and motivation towards these

• Commit to mentoring for a minimum of six months

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of different ages, cultural backgrounds, and professional experiences. You don’t need prior mentoring experience - just empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support a young person.

We’re especially keen to build a diverse pool of mentors to reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the young people we support. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from those with lived experience of forced migration, as well those with ethnically diverse backgrounds. 

What We Provide

When you volunteer with us, you’ll receive:

• A comprehensive induction and training to prepare you for the role

• Ongoing 1:1 support from a dedicated Mentoring Coordinator

• Reimbursed expenses for all meetings and activities with your mentee

• Invitations to regular social events for mentors and mentees

• The opportunity to join a passionate community committed to making a positive impact

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a tangiable difference in a young person's life, and you will also be able to:

• Develop your coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Gain a deeper understanding of the refugee and asylum seeker experience

• Join a supportive and inspiring community of volunteers

If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to help someone build a brighter future, we’d love to hear from you!

Could you help bring moments of togetherness to families facing cancer? 

Families supported by Young Lives vs Cancer are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are a charity that helps children and young people (aged 0-24), and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.  

As an Events Coordinator in the South West Social Work team, you will plan and coordinate a range of events throughout the year; working directly with the families we support and partner organisations. we hope to run events across the region including end‑of‑treatment celebration days, sibling days, festive events and bereavement support events 

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support; it’s reassurance, kindness, and hope at a time when it’s needed most. Your time and commitment can help make the cancer journey a little lighter and leave a lasting, positive impact on the families you support. 

What you’ll be doing 

We hope to carry out regular events across the whole region. Your help will be invaluable in achieving this. Your tasks will include: 

• Helping to organise, co-ordinate and run events. 

• Communication with invitees and organisations involved in the planning and facilitation of events. 

• Attendance of events as a welcoming presence; helping people feel comfortable, supported, and gently connected to one another. 

• Working alongside social workers as a valued member of the team and reporting back to your volunteer manager.