Sunshine charity volunteer roles

Volunteer Role: Graphic Designer

SUNSHINE Charity (London)

We created SUNSHINE to tackle the loneliness problem head-on. Our mission is simple: to bring people together, spread joy and community spirit, and deliver services and support to those living with loneliness. We do this by:

• Fostering Connections: We create safe and welcoming spaces where people can meet, chat, and form genuine friendships.

• Enhancing Wellbeing: Our activities are designed to be fun and engaging, lifting spirits and promoting a positive outlook.

• Transforming Lives: Every interaction, no matter how small, has the power to make a huge difference in someone's day, and ultimately, their life.

Our Vision

A world where everyone feels connected, valued, and a part of a vibrant, compassionate community.

Our Values

• Joy: We believe in the power of happiness to change lives.

• Connection: We create bridges, not walls.

• Community: We are a family, united by a shared mission.

• Empathy: We listen, we understand, and we care.

Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week (project-based, flexible scheduling to meet deadlines).

Location: Remote/home-based.

Reports To: Charity Director/Programme Manager (for project briefing and sign-off).

Role Purpose

To provide high-quality, professional design support across all of SUNSHINE's channels. The Graphic Designer ensures that the charity's brand identity (visuals, tone, and warmth) is consistently applied to all digital and print materials, helping us to recruit volunteers, attract partners, and engage participants.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design and Production:

• Conceptualise, design, and produce diverse digital and print assets, including but not limited to:

  • Recruitment Materials: Volunteer role advertisements, flyers, and information leaflets.

  • Programme Assets: Posters, booklets, and promotional material for the Digital Inclusion and Wellbeing Programmes.

  • Events & Outreach: Roller banners, branded tablecloth designs, and social media graphics for events (e.g., Coffee Mornings).

  • Internal Templates: Creating standardised templates (e.g., presentation slides, letterheads) to ensure brand consistency across all teams.

• Support Brand Development: Ensure all creative work is aligned with SUNSHINE's established style guide, fonts, colour palette, and the core feeling of Joy, Warmth, and Community Spirit.

2. Collaboration and Delivery:

• Work closely with the Programme Manager and Charity Director to understand the specific communication goals and target audiences for each project.

• Deliver assets in the correct formats (e.g., print-ready PDF, web-optimised JPEG/PNG) and on agreed-upon deadlines.

• Manage and maintain a digital library of all completed design assets and source files.

3. Adaptability and Innovation:

• Be prepared to adapt designs for various mediums and platforms (e.g., resizing a poster for an Instagram Story).

• Proactively suggest innovative visual ideas to improve SUNSHINE's communications and cut through the noise in the crowded London non-profit landscape.

Skills and Experience Required

• Essential:

  • Proficiency in Design Software: Expert-level command of industry-standard design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalent platforms like Canva Pro).

  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating versatility in both print and digital media design.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous eye for typography, layout, colour, and pre-press checks.

  • Remote Collaboration: Ability to work independently, manage a project queue, and communicate progress effectively using digital tools.

• Desirable:

  • Experience working with a non-profit, charity, or community organisation.

  • Understanding of accessibility standards in design.

Next Steps to Apply

If you are a talented designer passionate about using your skills to combat loneliness and bring "sunshine" to the community, please submit your CV and a link to your online design portfolio. Please also include a brief note on how you would visually represent the concept of 'Warmth' in a logo or poster design.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

Volunteer Role: Volunteer Coordinator

SUNSHINE Charity (London)

We created SUNSHINE to tackle the loneliness problem head-on. Our mission is simple: to bring people together, spread joy and community spirit, and deliver services and support to those living with loneliness. We do this by:

• Fostering Connections: We create safe and welcoming spaces where people can meet, chat, and form genuine friendships.

• Enhancing Wellbeing: Our activities are designed to be fun and engaging, lifting spirits and promoting a positive outlook.

• Transforming Lives: Every interaction, no matter how small, has the power to make a huge difference in someone's day, and ultimately, their life.

Our Vision

A world where everyone feels connected, valued, and a part of a vibrant, compassionate community.

Our Values

• Joy: We believe in the power of happiness to change lives.

• Connection: We create bridges, not walls.

• Community: We are a family, united by a shared mission.

• Empathy: We listen, we understand, and we care.

Commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week (flexible hours, with some evening/weekend availability required for events).

Location: Primarily remote/home-based, with attendance at SUNSHINE events, meetings and recruitment/induction training as needed in London.

Reports To: Charity Director/ Board of Trustees.

Role Purpose

To set up and coordinate the SUNSHINE volunteering programme, ensuring the SUNSHINE Volunteer Programme runs smoothly, and that volunteers are recruited, onboarded, supported, and retained effectively. This role is crucial for maintaining the "sunshine" and warmth within our team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Recruitment and Vetting:

• Manage the volunteer application inbox and respond to enquiries promptly.

• Lead the screening process by scheduling interviews and initiating reference requests.

• Track the progress of mandatory documentation, ensuring all necessary DBS checks and signed Volunteer Agreements are obtained before deployment.

2. Communication and Scheduling:

• Act as the main point of contact for new and existing volunteers regarding event schedules and general administrative queries.

• Assist in maintaining the volunteer schedule, coordinating shifts, and ensuring adequate coverage for all SUNSHINE events and activities.

• Draft content and coordinate distribution of the monthly Volunteer Newsletter (e.g., "Sunshine Shout-outs," upcoming events, policy reminders).

3. Support and Retention:

• Maintain accurate records of all volunteer personal data, training completion, and hours donated, using the designated tracking system.

• Assist in planning and organising volunteer recognition activities (e.g., annual thank-you events or certificate distribution).

• Conduct informal, supportive check-ins with volunteers, particularly those in direct service roles, to gauge satisfaction and identify potential issues.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills:

• Excellent Organisational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, track details, and maintain accurate records (e.g., using spreadsheets or basic database systems).

• Communication Skills: Clear, professional, and warm communication style (written and verbal).

• Reliability: Highly dependable and able to meet deadlines without close supervision.

• IT Proficiency: Comfortable using email, scheduling software, and standard office applications (e.g., Google Workspace/Microsoft Office).

Desirable:

• Previous experience coordinating volunteers or staff.

• Familiarity with the legal and best practice requirements for volunteer management (e.g., DBS checks, GDPR compliance).

• Experience working within the London non-profit sector.

• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodologies, particularly relating to social outcomes.

​Next Steps to Apply

If you are a highly organised, leader with a passion for creating a volunteer programme that values and respects its people, while building a team spirited culture that champions each other, please submit your CV and a brief outline of how you would approach launching our volunteering programmes.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London​

Event Host / Programme Lead – Create Spaces of Joy

Imagine welcoming people into a room where loneliness melts away and friendships begin. As an Event Host/Programme Lead with SUNSHINE, you’ll bring our activities to life — from coffee mornings to wellbeing sessions.

What you’ll do:

• Host events with warmth and empathy.

• Make sure everyone feels included and at ease.

• Coordinate simple logistics like venues and refreshments.

If you’re a natural people-person who loves creating welcoming spaces, this role is for you.

SUNSHINE

We created SUNSHINE to tackle the loneliness problem head-on. Our mission is simple: to bring people together, spread joy and community spirit, and deliver services and support to those living with loneliness.

We do this by:

• Fostering Connections: We create safe and welcoming spaces where people can meet, chat, and form genuine friendships.

• Enhancing Wellbeing: Our activities are designed to be fun and engaging, lifting spirits and promoting a positive outlook.

• Transforming Lives: Every interaction, no matter how small, has the power to make a huge difference in someone's day, and ultimately, their life.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

Purpose of role 

You will play a crucial role in supporting our Senior Hospital Services Partnerships & Outreach Executive with the administration and delivery of our Sunshine in Hospitals programme. From carrying out general administrative duties, liaising with medical professionals across our core hospitals, to supporting with the delivery of our diverse hospital programme, you will help create a positive and uplifting environment for young patients and their families currently undergoing medical treatment.  

Key Responsibilities: 

· General administrative duties, including sending out of promotional materials to hospitals, monitoring and responding to email enquiries from the hospital services inbox, and taking telephones calls.

• Supporting with the planning and delivery of activities at our Hospital Activity Days, such as arts and crafts, games, and storytelling sessions, tailored to the interests and abilities of the children. 

• Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure activities are safe and appropriate for the medical setting. 

• Assist in setting up and cleaning up activity areas before and after sessions. 

• Support with the delivery of our special projects (i.e. sensory bags, teddybear day, world book day, liquid to tablets initiative). Including and not limited to researching and sourcing products, dealing with suppliers and associated administrative duties.

• Support with the distribution and collection of feedback from medical teams and families taking part in any of our programmes.

What skills do I need to have? 

• Friendly, you'll be an ambassador of Rays of Sunshine whilst volunteering with us 

• Experience of working with children and young people (not essential but preferred) 

• Be comfortable interacting with others (especially children and young people) to create a relaxed and positive experience for them and their families 

• Creative and organised, with knowledge of using Microsoft programmes (such as powerpoint and excel)

• Ability to solve problems and manage unexpected situations/last minute requests with a calm and professional manner 

• Caring and empathic

• Ability to work collaboratively with hospital staff and other volunteers. 

Support our mission to bring light and joy to seriously ill children.

Volunteer: Trusts & Foundations Research & Applications

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support our Trusts & Foundations team with research and grant writing. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in the charitable sector, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop fundraising skills.

Key responsibilities:

• Research potential funders and funding opportunities

• Assist with writing and preparing grant applications

• Support reporting and administration for submitted applications

Time commitment:

• Ideally one day per week (flexible to suit your schedule)

Who we’re looking for:

• Strong research and writing skills, good attention to detail

• Organised, proactive, and able to work independently

• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information

• Ideally some understanding or interest in T&F, fundraising, or the charity sector

• Previous research experience (academic or professional) is helpful but not essential

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience working in a high-impact fundraising team

• Training and support from a passionate, collaborative team

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families

• A reference upon successful completion of your volunteering

Join us and help make a real difference!