Mental health volunteer roles

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Gloucestershire?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

Join the Fight for Change – Help Us Build Stronger, More Inclusive Communities

WBC Cares UK is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of boxing. We use sport to empower young people, support those with disabilities or mental health challenges, and uplift individuals facing poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion. From community-based gyms to school outreach, mentoring, and essential aid, our mission is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and resilience.

We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Volunteer Fundraising Manager to help amplify our impact. In this role, you'll be instrumental in securing the financial support needed to expand our programmes, delivering hope, empowerment, and practical help to communities across the UK.

Your Role:

• Identify and apply for grants, local authority funds, and trust funding
• Develop small campaigns or appeals to engage donors and the wider community
• Enter volunteers into existing appeals
• Build relationships with sponsors, funders, and partner organisations
• Help promote giving via digital channels

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience with fundraising or grant writing (desirable but not essential)
• Strong writing and organisational skills
• A passion for tackling inequality and helping vulnerable people
• Ability to commit around 4 - 8 hours per week (flexible and hybrid/remote)

What You’ll Gain:

• Be part of a grassroots charity with a growing impact
• Directly support crisis response and long-term transformation
• Gain valuable charity-sector experience in fundraising and strategy
• Work with a small, passionate, supportive team

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.

Become a Family Mentor — Help Families Thrive in Southend-on-Sea

Would you like to make a lasting difference in your community? Are you a good listener with a heart for helping families facing real challenges? If so, the Volunteers Supporting Families – Family Mentor programme in Southend-on-Sea needs you.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting families with children who are at risk of neglect or harm, or families with existing social care involvement. 
• Meeting regularly (once a week for approximately 1 hour) in the family home over a minimum six-month period. 
• Offering consistent emotional and practical support: listening, guiding, helping parents build confidence and parenting skills, reducing isolation, navigating day-to-day challenges.
• Working alongside project staff who will match you with a family, train you, and support you throughout. 

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need formal experience working with families, just the right qualities and commitment:

• 18 years old or above, living in Southend-on-Sea or nearby.
• Able to commit to weekly visits for at least six months.
• Willing to complete necessary checks (DBS/criminal record), and provide references.
• Caring, patient, reliable: a good listener who can offer non-judgemental support, even when progress is slow. 
• Someone with an interest in helping both children and parents. Personal life experience can be helpful. 

What you’ll get

Volunteering is giving—but it’s also growing. As a Family Mentor, you’ll receive:

• Full training & ongoing support from experienced project staff.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and gain real experience working with families. 
• The chance to make a direct, positive impact by helping to keep families together and preventing children entering care. 
• Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including travel. 
• A strong reference for future work or volunteering opportunities. 

Why it matters

Families in Southend-on-Sea are facing pressures such as domestic violence, mental health challenges, substance misuse, and social isolation. By acting as a steady support person, you’ll be part of helping to turn things around—reducing the load on social care, improving life outcomes for children, and offering hope to parents

Full Training is provided - successful applicants will be required to attend training on the 4th & 5th February 2025

If you believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the freedom, confidence, and joy of being on the water, this is a unique opportunity to help make that vision a reality.

SEAS All Afloat is a newly merged charity bringing together two well-established Welsh organisations — SEAS Sailability and All Afloat — both with a shared passion for inclusion through watersports. Together, we’re combining our experience, networks, and energy to create a single, stronger charity that opens up the world of sailing and boating to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Over recent years, our programmes have supported thousands of young people and families to enjoy safe, inclusive activities on the water. Many of our participants are disabled, disadvantaged, or facing barriers that can make access to sport and outdoor adventure difficult. We know the transformative power that comes from being out on the water — the laughter, the teamwork, the sense of belonging — and we’re determined to make sure no one is left on the shore.

As Chair of Trustees, you’ll guide SEAS All Afloat through this exciting next stage of our journey. The merger offers us an incredible opportunity to shape our shared vision, strengthen our partnerships, and grow our impact across Wales. We’re looking for someone who can lead with empathy and clarity — helping to bring people together, inspire confidence, and keep us focused on what matters most: changing lives through access to the water.

You’ll lead a dedicated Board of Trustees who bring a wealth of passion, insight, and expertise from across a variety of sectors. One of your early priorities will be to work with the trustees to review our board’s overall skillset — celebrating the strengths we already have while identifying areas for future growth as the charity develops. This will help ensure we have the right mix of voices and experience to deliver our ambitions.

You’ll also work with our Operations Manager and volunteers to support day-to-day activity, secure sustainable funding, and strengthen the charity’s governance and long-term strategy. As an ambassador for SEAS All Afloat, you’ll represent the charity to partners, funders, and the wider community, championing inclusion and connection through watersports.

This is a voluntary position, with around six to ten board meetings a year and occasional community or partnership events. For the right person, it’s a chance to lead with heart — to guide a talented and committed board through an exciting period of growth, and to ensure that more people across Wales can discover the confidence, wellbeing, and joy that comes from life on the water.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with:

• A passion for making outdoor activities accessible for all.
• Strong leadership and governance experience (charity, corporate, or public sector).
• Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to build consensus.
• Confidence in representing the charity externally and acting as a spokesperson.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach.

Experience in sport, youth development, disability inclusion, or fundraising would be an advantage, but is not essential.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of SEAS All Afloat, your leadership will directly shape the future of inclusive watersports in Wales. You’ll be guiding a newly merged charity at an exciting turning point — helping to unite two respected organisations, SEAS Sailability and All Afloat, into one stronger, more sustainable force for change.

Your impact will begin with people: bringing trustees, staff, and volunteers together around a shared vision. You’ll help the board build confidence and clarity about its role, review and develop the mix of skills and experience we have, and ensure that everyone feels supported, valued, and able to contribute. Under your leadership, the board will not only govern effectively but grow in ambition, becoming a confident, forward-thinking team that steers the charity with care and conviction.

Strategically, you’ll play a crucial role in turning the promise of our merger into long-term success. You’ll help set a clear direction for the next stage of our journey — shaping priorities, guiding governance, and ensuring we have the resources and resilience to reach more people each year. Your insight and steady leadership will help us build sustainable partnerships, secure funding, and create a stable foundation for the charity’s future.

Most importantly, your work will make a real difference to people’s lives. Every decision you help shape — every conversation about strategy, funding, or growth — will translate into more opportunities for people who might otherwise never get the chance to experience the water. Disabled sailors discovering independence, young people building confidence, families finding connection and joy together: these are the lives that your leadership will touch.

This role will be supporting someone who is independent, chatty and active, and would like to be befriended by someone who is positive, patient and honest. She enjoys being sociable and exploring what activities and fun things Biggleswade and surrounding areas can offer – Air shows, Christmas markets, trips to the pub and Sunday Church service. She would love to have a visitor to join her getting out and about or going for a cup of tea. Access to a car would be a great addition but is not essential for this role.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do. These visits would take place on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, or on a Sunday afternoon.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

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.

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.

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.

Role Description - Peer Support Group Leader (Voluntary) 

Lead safe, welcoming peer-support groups for neurodivergent adults (with a focus on ADHD), building community, confidence and fair access to help.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate group sessions that are calm, inclusive and boundaried.

• Welcome participants, set/hold group agreements, and manage dynamics sensitively.

• Identify risk, de-escalate where needed, and follow safeguarding procedures.

• Signpost to local services and resources; encourage peer-to-peer support.

• Keep brief attendance/impact notes and handle data in line with GDPR.

• Liaise on venues, accessibility and materials; ensure spaces are neuro-affirming.

• Attend training, supervision and debriefs; contribute to service improvement.

Person specification

• Compassionate, non-judgemental listener with strong facilitation skills.

• Confident setting boundaries and managing difficult conversations.

• Organised, reliable, and comfortable with basic admin/digital tools.

• Knowledge of (or willingness to learn about) ADHD/neurodiversity and local support.

• Lived experience of ADHD/neurodivergence or mental health is welcomed.

• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality (training provided).

• Enhanced DBS and references required (organisation-funded).

Time & commitment

• Approx. 2-4 hours per week (including prep, session and notes).

• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred; flexible scheduling.

What you’ll get

• Induction, safeguarding and trauma-informed practice training.

• Regular supervision and a supportive team culture.

• Travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

• Clear progression pathway; role may convert to paid subject to funding and performance.

How to apply
Apply via CharityJob with a CV and a short note on your availability and why this role interests you. We welcome applications from people with lived experience and from under-represented groups.

This group is a chance for blind and partially sighted people with Charles Bonnet Syndrome to come together and socialise. In the role of facilitator, you will ensure the group runs smoothly and that everybody has a chance to contribute to the group conversation. You don’t need to have any experience or knowledge of Charles Bonnet Syndrome as you won’t be asked to give out any information about the condition and no medical information is exchanged.

You will:
Listen to the group conversation, ensure it flows and that all conversations are appropriate;
Make appropriate contributions as and when required to stimulate conversation;
Create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging all participants to feel comfortable taking part;
Be the link between the group participants and the RNIB Talk and Support team;
Report any Safeguarding concerns or data breaches to the Talk & Support staff team.

This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You’ll need access to a landline and/or mobile phone.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 2 references

Location

Region

• South West, Scotland, East Midlands, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, East of England, Wales, North West, Greater London, West Midlands, Northern Ireland, South East

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Good listening skills and verbal communication skills
• Able to use the telephone confidently for an hour long call up to 3 times per week
• Able to work with a wide range of people from across the UK
• Demonstrate empathy and understanding of the issues faced by visually impaired people
• Ability to follow internal policy and procedures
• Willingness to undertake and remain compliant with mandatory safeguarding training and attend other training and development opportunities when required.

Volunteers offer people a place to keep warm, charge phones and enjoy a hot drink or meal. Could you be a friendly face in the community this winter? Training and support is provided. The Break Room is a welcoming, free space at T&T2 in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. 

Volunteering with Time & Talents provides fantastic opportunities to connect with your community, build your skills, and even make new friends! We provide induction, training and continuous support, alongside opportunities to meet other volunteers.

In the first instance, please get in touch here and we will send you our online application form!