Volunteer social researcher volunteer roles in england, london

SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCHERS (SSR)

As a member of The Working Group research team, our Social Science Researchers (SSR) study the human rights liberties and suppressions of women and girls within each country to identify and address social issues. They implement and manage research projects, collect and analyse data, and report findings of said research. Their work helps shape IWI’s policy decisions, social reforms, and human interactions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Understand the needs of the project, i.e. the research questions it needs to answer;

o Design an appropriate methodology to deliver the project;

o Design and write survey questionnaires;

o Apply a range of research techniques to gather relevant information, including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews (face-to-face, telephone and online);

o Liaise with and direct social research field interviewers to gather information;

o Gather information by directing or carrying out qualitative fieldwork;

o Conduct reviews of relevant literature and evidence;

o Analyse and evaluate research and interpret data using a range of analysis packages;

o Prepare, present and disseminate results in the form of reports, briefings, research papers and presentations;

o Offer research-based briefings and advice, which may involve writing action plans;

o Advise external bodies on social policy;

o Prepare and present tenders for new research projects or respond to research tenders prepared by others.

SKILLS

o Quantitative and qualitative research skills for undertaking tasks such as interviewing, survey design and controlled trials;

o Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills;

o The ability to think logically and creatively;

o A natural sense of curiosity to understand social issues and the impact policy can have;

o Good verbal and written communication skills, to write reports and present findings;

o Strong interpersonal skills for developing and maintaining relationships;

o Teamworking skills and the ability to work well independently;

o Confidence in using Microsoft office software and a range of digital tools and platforms;

o Project management skills to oversee all aspects of a research project right through from initial plans to the final report;

o Accuracy and attention to detail for handling data and reporting research findings;

o A flexible approach to work, with the ability to work on several different research projects simultaneously;

o Organisation skills, good time management and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

REQUIREMENTS

o Fluency in English is a MUST. Additional UN languages are a plus;

o At least 4 years of research experience;

o At least 2 years of experience working for a government authority, INGO and/or private sector.

Market Researcher Volunteer

Are you curious, do you enjoy exploring ideas, researching trends, delivering insights and eager to make a meaningful impact?

We're looking for a volunteer Market Researcher to support planning across various initiatives and projects by gathering, analysing, and reporting information that informs smart decisions.

Whether you’re gaining experience, switching paths, or simply want to contribute your skills meaningfully, this is your chance to work on purposeful projects in a flexible and rewarding opportunity.

We’re passionate about what we do and value every person who helps us do it better.

Let’s explore something meaningful together.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on topics ranging from markets, industries, customer needs, or competitors, depending on the project.

• Gather and organise information from credible online sources, industry reports, surveys, and interviews

• Analyse findings to identify opportunities, trends, and challenges

• Deliver written reports that are clear, structured, and meaningful to help decision-making in the project

Requirements

• A curious mind with an eye for detail

• Strong skills in online research and information synthesis

• Ability to work independently and manage your own time

• Strong communicator, especially in writing

• Experience in research or reporting is helpful

The role could be entirely remote and is unremunerated but all reasonable expenses will be met.

ABOUT TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Community researchers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park ensure our community-owned park is inclusive and welcoming for all.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for community researchers specialised to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on on a listening project to ensure often underrepresented voices in conservation and environmental projects are heard and centred. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Inclusivity Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While your experienced research skills are crucial, we also value your ability to engage with the community and build partnerships. Experience in conducting community-based research or working with community organisations is important. A strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to collaborate effectively will be invaluable in ensuring your research findings are relevant and impactful. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your research expertise will be vital in shaping our new biodiverse park. By conducting listening research on community needs, and potential park uses, you'll help us create a sustainable and inclusive space. Your findings will inform our design, programming, and outreach efforts, ensuring the park meets the needs of our community and contributes to biodiversity conservation.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Join us in leading positive change!

Quilombo UK is looking for an experienced Research Assistant, who would love to join a growing organisation.

The Research Assistant role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to: 

• Gain experience in the Third Sector. 

• Develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'.

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Since its creation, Quilombo UK has collected a great amount of information, evidence and items through projects, fundraisers, events etc.

• We are looking for a team member to find published materials related to Quilombo UK key objectives and interests, especially cultural and racial diversity, and stereotypes in UK communities. The materials include all types of evidence, articles, journals, newspaper columns, local and global news stories. 

• The researcher will help to collect information that can be used as an evidence base to help inform future activities, and also in exhibitions, workshops, and community events. 

• We are looking for a self-starter who can source, collect, and share relevant materials independently. You will also be working closely with our Professional Development Programme participants in relevant areas such as Marketing and PR.

• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential:

• You will need to have good written skills and be able to explain concepts and projects concisely and accurately. 

• You will be self-starting and willing to research the various projects that we have carried out and catalogue all the evidence collected.

• You will need to have good communication and team-working skills as you will be working closely with Marketing & PR and other members.

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Be computer literate - a good understanding of Microsoft Word is essential and Excel skills are beneficial although support from other members will be provided if necessary.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments 

• Be a strong team player.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

• Can work without much supervision.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

We're looking for an experienced Fundraising Volunteers to help us find the money we need to keep our club going and grow. This is a vital role where your skills can make a real difference. You'll be working behind the scenes to find new funding opportunities, write strong applications, and help us show funders the amazing impact our club has. If you've got experience in fundraising and want to use it for a great cause, we'd love to hear from you!

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an international NGO with over 40 years’ experience providing life-saving protection and support to hundreds of brave human rights defenders who face reprisals because of their activism for social justice. PBI’s trademark protective accompaniment teams in Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Kenya and Nepal are supported by PBI’s International Headquarters in Brussels, and offices elsewhere in the world, such as our UK section, which carries out high-level advocacy for improved governmental and other support for human rights defenders, as well as stronger regulation of transnational business behaviour.

About the role:

A 2.5 month volunteer placement where the selected candidate will not only play a vital role in upcoming projects but also harness their skills in advocacy, communications and administration/logistics. They will deepen their understanding and knowledge of the UK environment, gaining insights into UK politics, international human rights, legal frameworks, advocacy strategies, and communication tactics. 

By embracing this role, you become an integral part of our mission to influence positive change.

Responsibilities include:

(Note: These responsibilities are subject to adjustments and are not exhaustive).

• Support advocacy research and activities:

  • Conduct research on countries and cases that PBI works on.

  • Conduct research on policy advocacy related to HRD protection and business and human rights.

  • Participate in meetings with a range of external stakeholders.

• Support in the organisation and roll out of internal and external events.

  • Past events have included film screenings, talks with defenders, Parliamentary roundtables.

• Supporting field volunteer and alumni outreach and engagement.

• Producing communications outputs, such as articles on human rights issues, interviews with human rights defenders and social media posts.

• Supporting the organisation of human rights defender visits to the UK.

• Engage in network building and maintenance:

  • Cultivate relationships with lawyers, judges, NGOs, social movements, politicians, and funders.

• Support office administration, logistics and finance

  • Assist with filing, systems management and logistics.

  • Digital systems and IT support with technical troubleshooting.

Further Information:

Duration

2 1/2 months, starting October 13, 2025

Work Schedule

 Minimum of 15 hours a week / 2 days a week.

Location 

At least one day a week in our London office, ideally Mondays. Candidates can choose whether to work remotely on the other work days. 

Some work from other locations in London, for example around events, may be necessary and would be agreed mutually in advance.

Stipend Information

It is an unpaid volunteer placement. Though PBI UK provides a stipend for public transport costs incurred to travel to our office from within London, and for food on working days in the office. 

We can also cover any other reasonable costs incurred in carrying out the volunteer placement, so long as these are agreed in writing in advance.

Experience/ Skills

Essential

Fluent in English

Knowledge of human rights and environmental issues.

A love for working with people, and strong ability to work as part of a team and individually.

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain key relationships with a range of audiences.

Proficient in office IT skills (Excel, Word, Outlook & open-source equivalent), project management (e.g. Asana, Trello) and online collaboration software (Google Meet, Zoom, MS Teams, MURAL, slack or similar).

Skilled at managing multiple tasks at the same time - and able to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines

Proactive problem-solving and ability to use initiative to spot opportunities for improvement and act upon them

Highly Desirable

Intermediate/Advanced Spanish

Experience of working in an office environment

Experience with event organisation

Experience supporting advocacy initiatives / meetings and transmitting messages clearly and impactfully 

Online and digital communications skills

Experience working with diverse and decentralised teams

Experience liaising and coordinating with multiple stakeholders

An ability to record administrative information efficiently and meticulously

Values

Commitment to the principles and values of PBI 

Cultural and gender awareness and sensitivity

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter, showing how you match the person specification, to the admin email address listed on our website vacancies page. 

Timelines for the hiring process are as follows:

• September 1, 2025 - deadline for applications 

• September 10 & 12 - interview dates

• October 13, 2025 - start date

Please note:

We expect a high volume of applications for this role and don’t have the resources to reply to everyone. We aim to give our shortlisted candidates the best experience possible; therefore we will only get in touch if you have been shortlisted for the role.

Please also note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.

The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
• On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
• Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
• Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
• Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
• Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
• Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
• Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.

Key Skills or Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
• Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
• Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
• Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
• Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
• A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
• Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
• Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
• Experience of using Django framework websites.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
• Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
• Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
• Good research and information management skills.
• An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.

Key Benefits

• Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
• Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
• At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
• Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
• Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
• Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.

Training and Support

• Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
• This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
• Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
• Regular updates on charity activities.
• Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
• After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
• Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.

This role supports Aspire’s external messaging and local relationships, helping us stay visible, responsive, and connected. Volunteers in this role contribute to communications, digital content, and engagement with potential allies and funders.

Climate and nature are urgent, motivating issues, so we attract great volunteers. We want to fulfil our potential by making sure we get the best out of our fantastic people and all the future ones we attract by keeping them happy and active. That is the role.

What will you be doing?

EcoCounts is a group of volunteers working together to embody EcoCore’s approach to the climate crisis. EcoCore covers a lot of ground because the climate and biodiversity crisis is so all-encompassing, which means we have a lot of varied and different volunteer tasks available, ranging from carbon footprint data collection, setting up sub-teams of friends or colleagues or doing social media or running workshops. 

Your responsibilities would be to create volunteer tasks from our work streams, which would include things like: 

• creating a role description for each volunteer task to give a good outline of everything required and expected

• keeping track of what volunteers are active on

• encouraging and inspiring volunteers to deliver on commitments

• creating an incentives or rewards framework for volunteers, potentially working with supporting businesses to agree on gift vouchers, tokens etc

• managing a small budget

• building up a social network with events, collaborations and other inputs

• using our social media accounts to advertise, to celebrate achievements etc

• help other directors, trustees & secretary keep reporting, stats, and feedback on activities up-to-date

Goals

1. Our 2025 target is 100 people doing their carbon footprints

2. We’re looking for 20 coordinators

3. We have about a dozen volunteering roles to fill beyond the two above

What are we looking for?

1. You should be a people-person with experience of managing people. You should be happy to put in the time and effort communicating with the volunteers both all-together and individually in a way that gets the best results from them.

2. Personal change is only one of the five ways that we can change society - we don't focus on personal change alone, we want to change our community, our local businesses and our local government.

3. You should check out our manifesto on the About page to make sure you agree with the ways we advocate for the way forward in the climate crisis – are you happy what we suggest is one of the best approaches?

What difference will you make?

Society has got itself into a dangerous situation with the climate crisis and EcoCounts aims to create a way out. We need all sorts of different people, not just climate nerds and sustainability fanatics, although of course that doesn't hurt. The person we need right now is someone who knows what people need to keep them happy and effective as a volunteer for us.

Being a volunteer-based organisation at this stage still, that might make the volunteer chief of staff the most important person we have. Of course we all consider each other equal. Being small and dynamic means EcoCounts can offer the flexibility for you to do an excellent and fulfilling job.

Rewards

Once you have found your feet, we can offer references, recommendations or certifications on any of the public platforms that we use, like Linkedin and Reach Volunteer. We are also building a social network and plans for regular events, so we hope you will also find our group socially rewarding.

Ref: V257 | Support Group Volunteer | Kent

We’re looking for one Support Group Volunteer over the age of 18 years old, based at Montgomery Court, Choir Close, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8FP.

You’ll be volunteering every Wednesday between 10:30am and 12:30pm.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group.  The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A DBS check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description on our Stroke Association website.

If you are interested in this role, please register your interest by completing the web form found at the bottom of the volunteer advert on our Stroke Association website.

About Us

Stroke Association

Finding strength through support

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support. 

Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.

We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.

We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

Are you interested in volunteering in a role supported, supervised and guided by experienced Integration Casework Coordinators to provide telephone and/or face to face advice about welfare and housing rights and pathways to refugee clients, including assistance with filling forms, liaising with government agencies and council offices, drafting letters, among other assistance to newly granted refugees?

Would a varied role where you could help clients by researching housing options updating client information on our casework database and much more throughout your volunteering enhance your skills and experiences to achieve your goals whilst making a difference?

Would you like to be a part of a busy team, working with experience Integration Casework Coordinators to provide much needed support to their caseload of clients?

Are you able to commit to at least 1 day (10:00 – 17:00) per week on either Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays consistently, ideally for a minimum of 6 months in this role?

If yes, then this could be the perfect voluntary role for you within the Refugee Council.

You will be a part of our friendly and supportive London Integration & Housing Pathways team and will receive regular support and supervision from Integration Casework Coordinators. As part of a comprehensive induction process, you will receive training on working with refugees and people seeking asylum, including an introduction to the asylum process and the legal framework, rights and entitlements, and on how to support people practically whilst volunteering as a Refugee Integration & Housing Pathways Volunteer. If you are successful in this role, you must be available to attend the below in person training sessions.

• Tuesday 2nd September - 

  AM - Induction & Working with refugees – move on period

  PM - Working with refugees – confidentiality, boundaries, working with interpreters

• Wednesday 10th September - 

  AM - Housing pathways training – to include homelessness law and housing pathway options

  PM - Universal Credit & other benefits options

• Tuesday 16th September - 

  AM - Practical systems training

  PM - Client database training

You will also receive support and information throughout your role and will have access to organisational training sessions that are accessible to staff and volunteers. We will also reimburse you with lunch and travel expenses, in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, myself and the team would love to hear from you. Please email me your completed application form by 23:59 pm on Sunday 27th July 2025. 

We are looking for a number of volunteers for this role and will be holding MS Teams interviews from Monday 4th - Thursday 21st August. This would be a great opportunity for us to virtually meet you and find out more about you and for you to ask as many questions as you have – the more the merrier.

Please note, due to GDPR all volunteers must be located within the UK whilst volunteering and any offers of a place will be subject to character references and a basic level DBS check.

Are you a good listener? 

More than 150,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. Every one of them shares the uncertainty of life with MS.

People are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties, forties and fifties; news that can be worrying and heart breaking. MS can get steadily worse, or symptoms can come and go unpredictably throughout someone’s life.

Could you spare one or two hours a week to provide support to those affected by MS? If so, the MS Helpline team would love to hear from you. 

We’re the UK charity for people with MS. We’re fighting for better treatment and care to help people with MS take control of their lives, and we’re funding research that we believe will stop MS for good. We’ve already made important breakthroughs, and big advances in MS treatments are possible within our lifetimes. With your support, we will stop MS. 

Time and Commitment

All of our MS Befriending Volunteers will carry out their volunteering from home. You will provide weekly friendly phone calls to people affected by MS, at a time convenient to you.

We are looking for volunteers who can offer one or two hours a week, providing one or two phone call sessions. There will also be an annual volunteer event and regular volunteer support sessions you will be asked to attend. 

You’ll receive role specific training and the training session will be delivered remotely on Teams.

About you

We do not ask for previous experience although we are looking for people with good listening skills and a clear, warm telephone voice. You will have good IT skills as the role will require use of Microsoft Office Outlook, and online call handling system which you will receive full training on.

We also ask that you have access to a confidential and comfortable working space, to carry out your phone call sessions.

What will you get from volunteering with us?

• A chance to learn new skills
• Meet new people
• Be part of a supportive, caring team
• Ongoing support for your development as a volunteer
• A rewarding role supporting the MS community

Before applying please ensure you will be able to meet the following considerations: 

If you are shortlisted, there will be a 30 minute virtual interview on 30th July. Successful candidates will then need to attend a 2 hour virtual training session on 4th August.

Application closing date – 12pm 25th July

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

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

Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.

Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.

What you will be doing

• Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
• Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
• Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
• Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
• Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
• Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
• Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

What's in it for you

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