Volunteer roles

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group

· Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection

· Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office

· Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Make a Real Difference to Someone’s Life — Become a Volunteer Befriender

Are you a great listener who enjoys connecting with others? Could you spare a little time to brighten someone’s day?

We’re looking for caring, compassionate people to join our Norfolk Befriending Service. You’ll be supporting unpaid carers - people who look after loved ones and may feel isolated or overwhelmed.

Just an hour or two of your time can help someone feel seen, supported, and less alone. Whether it’s a chat over tea, a walk in the park, or a friendly game, your presence can make all the difference.

• Flexible to suit your availability
• Opportunities across Norfolk
• Training, support, and expenses provided

Please note: This is a voluntary role and not paid employment.

What you’ll do
Every match is different, but you might:

• Share a cup of tea and a chat
• Go for a walk together
• Play games or read aloud
• Help with light errands like shopping or dog walking
• Support someone to get out into their community

We’ll match you based on shared interests and your availability.

What you’ll get

• Full training and ongoing support
• Travel expenses reimbursed
• The chance to develop skills and make a lasting difference

What we’re looking for

Kindness, patience, good listening skills, and reliability—no formal experience needed.

Your commitment

We ask for a minimum of six months. You’ll complete our onboarding process, including an Enhanced DBS check.

Interested?

Please get in touch. We'd love to discuss the role with you in more detail. 

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and are committed to safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

This volunteer role involves being available for a mix of weekly drop-in IT sessions in which you will provide ‘floating support’ as well as pre-arranged one-to-one sessions in order to help clients complete more specific tasks relevant to them.

Digital Inclusion provides a crucial resource, helping people to take positive steps to improve their lives, by overcoming digital exclusion, accessing learning and securing work. In an average session, clients undertake independent learning and tasks, such as; completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email, paying bills, filling in forms etc

Increasingly, clients are asking for help with social media platforms, such as; logging into Facebook account, creating a LinkedIn profile or Instagram account to promote their business, or help with blogging.

How does this role make a difference?

All of life’s activities - including job seeking, accessing and managing benefits and housing - take place online.  Clients without IT skills are hugely disadvantaged.  This role provides clients with support, helping them to overcome initial fears or learning barriers.  With increasing confidence, they will be able to access the internet independently.

Who will you be helping?

Users are adults from diverse backgrounds and can range from those who are complete computer beginners, learning the basics of IT, to those needing access to the resource for learning, job search or managing household finances. The service helps clients seeking to address digital skills gaps and improve their confidence in order to access the internet.

What will you be doing?

• Meeting clients and carrying out weekly, one-to-one coaching sessions
• For the remaining time, offering ‘floating support’ to other clients, such as completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email

· Helping new clients to complete an IT Initial Basic Skills Assessment

What are we looking for?

• Although advanced technical skills are not required, a good understanding of MS Office (Word and Excel mostly) and a breadth of experience in using the internet are essential in order to coach and help vulnerable clients develop their skills.

• The confidence and willingness to work closely with clients and actively approach them where required. 

· You have some experience assisting or coaching others.

· You are patient, a good listener and have the ability to motivate others.

· You are available for a period of at least six months to give you time to develop a rapport and fulfil learning objectives with the clients.

What is the time commitment?

We have open access and prebooked sessions for clients twice a week, on Mondays or Fridays, for a miniumn 3 hour slot per week.

We are asking for a 6 months commitment to enable you to build trusting relationships with clients and develop in your role.  Volunteers find this goes very quickly! 

How will you be supported?

· There is ongoing support by the Learning and Employment Manager.

· Free access to a range of e-learning modules on the Centre’s online e-learning platform

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel, and also lunch if volunteering a full day.

What is the recruitment procedure?

Application form> Informal interview> Ideally two reference checks> DBS check> Trial period

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food – and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food

· Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres

· Transporting equipment to and from events

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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 Milton Keynes?

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.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food – and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food

· Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres

· Transporting equipment to and from events

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group

· Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection

· Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office

· Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Bracknell / Reading 

Commitment: 2–3 hours per week (either a weekday evening or weekend morning) either weekly, or bi-weekly. 

Overview: 

“Research commissioned by Stonewall shows that too many LGBTQ+ people still don’t feel welcome playing or watching sport”. We aim to change this, which is why we are launching an LGBTQ+ football club in Bracknell and/or Reading to give people the opportunity to participate in team sports in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteer coaches to help us deliver fun, accessible, and inclusive football sessions for the local LGBTQ+ community. 

This role is perfect for someone passionate about football and physical exercise, community sport, and creating safe spaces for people who may otherwise find traditional team sports intimidating. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Planning and delivering weekly football sessions (e.g. training drills, friendly games). 

• Ensuring sessions are safe, inclusive and welcoming to players of all abilities. 

• Encouraging participation, teamwork and building confidence. 

• Supporting the club’s growth — from small sessions to potentially multiple teams or leagues with other clubs / charities. 

• Rotating coaching duties with other volunteer coaches (approximately 2 sessions per month each, with potential for more if required). 

• Acting as a positive role model, upholding the values of Support U and the club. 

Who We’re Looking For 

• Desirable: Previous training certification in FA First Aid, FA Level 1, Diversity & Inclusion (or similar). 

• Someone passionate about football and community sport and who is part of, or an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. 

• Previous coaching or other relevant experience (formal qualifications are desirable but not essential). 

• Strong communication and motivational skills, always using positive and inclusive language. 

• Ability to create a positive, safe and supportive environment. 

• Reliable and able to commit to a long-term volunteering position, 2–3 hours weekly/bi-weekly on weekday evenings. 

Compliance & Requirements 

• Enhanced DBS check (organised by Support U). 

• Agreement to the Support U Volunteer Code of Conduct. 

• First Aid training (or willingness to undertake training provided). 

• Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete training provided). 

• ID checks.

• Reference checks. 

What’s in it for You 

• This is a great opportunity to foster a stronger community, and to have fun! 

• Gain greater coaching experience in a unique, inclusive setting. 

• Help break down barriers to sports, such as football, for LGBTQ+ people. 

• Make a meaningful difference to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, which is especially valuable to a community who are more likely to experience poor mental health than those who do not identify as being LGBTQIA+. 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Interviews times / dates will be arranged once applied.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Could you help a troubled teenager thrive?

Are you the kind of person who feels helpless when you see negative news stories about young people, or perhaps when you watched the new Adolescence drama series about teenagers and the pressures they face from social media?

The fact that you care when you see or hear these things and feel the need to help could mean that you would make a perfect volunteer mentor for a young person struggling with life as a teenager. 

At Hope After Harm our New Leaf Young Peoples’ project offers a lifeline to vulnerable young people in the Thames Valley Area through our trained volunteers who offer support and guidance when they need it.

All we ask of you is your time. Just commit to one or two hours a week to meet the young person at their school for up to 16 weeks, and to be available to them by telephone at hours agreed between you and them. 

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Interview dates and times to be confirmed once applied.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We are looking for volunteers to provide informal support for our lively Monday youth group. 

Hours: Mondays, 4.30pm-8.30pm
Salary: Voluntary – Travel from within Sussex reimbursed
Closing Date:  7th November 2025, 5pm
Interview Dates: 18th and 19th November 2025

Induction Training Date: 29th November 2025
Start Date: As soon as possible

To apply: Please complete the application form through the website, under 'Current Vacancies'

Global Social Club (GSC) is the UK’s first Youth Club of Sanctuary. It’s a space of welcome for young people aged 14-25 from around the city and around the world.  GSC is centred on fun, friendship, creativity & celebrating diversity. It’s a warm and inclusive space for young people to connect and share experiences. 

We are looking for people who are happy to lend a hand and who are…

• Aged 23 and above.  

• Able to connect with young people with warmth and ease, forming positive relationships.

• Willing to participate fully in GSC sessions including games & activities.

• Additionally, we are also interested in hearing from people who have experience of and are keen to have a particular focus on helping young people to prepare food. If you are interested in a role with a cooking focus, please do indicate this on your application form.

We are striving to develop a team that is more representative of the young people we serve. This means we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experiences of racism, migration, displacement or being a refugee. 

Volunteers should be able to commit to coming weekly on a Monday between 4.30-8.30pm for at least 6 months. If you are interested please read our Volunteer Information Pack and fill out an application form and we will be in touch!