Volunteer supporters volunteer volunteer roles in Rochdale, greater manchester

Become a helping hand that makes a house feel like home again. 

Joining this role means stepping into a vital position of practical support for families who are caring for a child whose life will be short. Many families across Wales face this unimaginable situation while juggling the demands of everyday life - Often without the support network they desperately need. 

As a Practical Support at Home Volunteer, you’ll make a meaningful difference by helping families manage the household tasks that can feel overwhelming during such emotional and exhausting times. 

Your time and care will help bring calm, dignity and relief to families going through the toughest moments of their lives. 

What You Need to Know 

• Age: 18+ 

• Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area) 

• Commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks 

• Checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting. 

What You’ll be Doing 

• Light household cleaning (dusting, wiping surfaces, hoovering) 

• Tidying, decluttering and organising 

• Laundry support (washing, drying, folding) 

• Basic garden maintenance (if interested/experienced) 

• Running small errands locally 

• Supporting with simple household tasks that reduce the family’s mental load. 

We Are Looking For Volunteers Who: 

• Are kind, empathetic and respectful of families’ privacy 

• Are reliable, flexible and able to commit on a regular basis 

• Follow our policies, procedures & health and safety guidelines 

• Can report any concerns promptly 

• Are friendly, polite and able to maintain appropriate boundaries 

• Can adapt to different situations in the home environment 

• Enjoy making a positive difference to families’ lives. 

• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting, 

always maintaining confidentiality. 

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.  

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training You Will Receive 

You will receive a full introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, including an in‑person induction, core training and additional e‑learning. You’ll be supported by a friendly, experienced team who are available to help with any questions through regular check‑ins. 

Role‑specific and organisation‑wide training will also be provided as needed. 

All volunteers are required to keep their mandatory training up to date to 

continue in their role. 

The benefits of becoming a Practical Support at Home Volunteer 

• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy 

• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year 

• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others 

• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role. 

This role is purely voluntary, and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract. 

Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers. 

The purpose of the role is to design and facilitate gardening activities at our community allotment with refugees and people seeking asylum, alongside our other gardening volunteers.

The role includes:

• planning and facilitating seasonal gardening activities with small groups
• supporting participants to bring their own ideas, work independently or lead their own activities where appropriate, providing support and guidance as needed
• fostering a positive culture of support and community
• raising any safeguarding or support concerns with our People Support Team
• setting up/packing down around sessions, generally contributing to the smooth running of sessions
• maintaining tools
• contributing to overall running of the charity (attending monthly online meetings, taking on organisational tasks)
• maintaining participant confidentiality
• attending training sessions as needed

At the garden we run gardening, art and craft activities. Through these sessions we maintain our beautiful community garden, grow and harvest vegetable/fruit crops and create wildlife and social areas. We always try to make sure there are a range of activities to choose from to fit with a range of energy/ability levels. All new ideas for activities to do at the garden are welcome!

Our sessions are on Tuesday mornings and afternoons and Friday mornings

Gardening expertise is not necessary for this role, although it is always very welcome.

As this is an on site role we will consider applicant who are based in Greater Manchester,UK. 

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

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

The Widening Participation Officer tries to recruit, engage and support as many 16-18 year old volunteers as possible across all of our chapters, with particular focus on those that’d benefit the most from additional WP volunteers, often those
chapters doing the most events.

Due to the sizable scope of the role, the WP Subcommittee is there to help as needed. This is primarily through admin work. You should ensure that you have a suitable number of keen volunteers within the subcommittee that you can delegate tasks to, ensuring that they were well informed, supported and any tasks followed up. This is likely to involve plenty of messaging and occasional meetings.

A primary part of the role that you can delegate is to conceptualise and write the policy for managing 16-18 year old volunteers. This should have a focus on appropriate safeguarding and you can get input from the subcommittee and other Trustees/Officers but should include things like recruitment methods, required paperwork, risk assessments, management at events etc. These policies need to then be communicated effectively to committee and volunteers. 

There are several ways that WP volunteers should be recruited. Schools/6th Forms should be proactively reached out to and a long-term connection formed, ideally through a named person such as a head of year, head of medicine applications or career progression advisor. They can then pass the information on to their students using a range of methods ranging from email to sending a video to, if the local chapter is keen or a member of the subcommittee is nearby, an  in-person visit to an assembly or lunchtime/after-school training session.  

Efforts should be made to build relationships with National bodies that provide volunteering or work experience to 16-18 year olds such as In2MedSchool and Medic Mentor, working closely with them to advertise our volunteering to their
students. 

Once students are interested, they should be able to register as volunteers and attend an Introduction Training session. This can be a WP-specific session with particular focus on benefits and support for WP volunteers such as Duke of Edinburgh hours.

Once volunteers are involved, they should be supported through their time with us including email updates, check-ins, social media posts and training sessions around key times such as university applications.

Finally, of particular note, you should work with the Conference Officer to ensure that WP volunteers are supported in attending the Annual National Conference, in a safe way and have talks of interest to them.
 

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Why volunteer with Doorstep Library?

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading.
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing.
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement.
• You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week.
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being.
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children and young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Wheels for All aims to promote inclusive cycling through a range of successful community engagement programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis. Our Volunteers bring our cycling programmes to life, they make sure everyone feels included, they inspire others, they increase confidence, they maintain bikes and make sure that cycling is accessible to everyone.

From meeting/greeting participants, leading elements of the activity, providing encouragement, helping to move equipment to/from storage, and assisting to check working order of cycles, your support will make a huge difference to our participants and carers who attend our inclusive cycling sessions. Training is provided to all volunteers, with other opportunities to attend and participate in external training where relevant.

As a valued Wheels for All volunteer you will:

• Make a difference to the lives of disabled people
• Meet new people
• Make new friends and join social activities
• Connect with your community through supporting a local project
• Develop your skills at our sessions and relevant training courses
• Reap mental health and wellbeing benefits of helping others
• Build experience for references
• Receive a lot of appreciation from our participants and carers! 
• Be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy
• Receive Wheels for All branded uniform 
• Access the volunteer Wheels for All training 
• Enjoy the amazing Charities culture 

What are we looking for?

• Approachable and friendly nature
• Great interpersonal and communication skills
• Empathy and understanding of how people can react differently to certain situations or triggers
• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement
• Adaptable and flexible to changing circumstances
• Effective as part of a team
• Positive attitude
• Honesty and integrity
• Excellent organisational skills and initiative
• Some cycling experience (although not essential)

Volunteers aged 18 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all volunteers must be happy to undertake a DBS check and collect references. 

Tools With A Mission, a Christian charity, is looking for a volunteer Van Coordinator to help organise and support the smooth running of our van collections across Northern England.

Our vans play a vital role in collecting and transporting donated tools from the public, which are refurbished and sent overseas to support livelihoods and transform communities.

This is a voluntary position, ideal for an organised and reliable individual who wants to make a meaningful contribution to a charity making a global impact.

The Wren Project is a volunteer-led charity that provides free, remote, one-to-one, ongoing listening support for people in distress and living with autoimmune disease. There are over 120 autoimmune diseases currently diagnosed by the NHS and these include Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's disease- they are all chronic illnesses which can have life altering impacts.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). In appointments, volunteers offer listening support, where Wrens can talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers join a regular fortnightly shift during which they meet with up to 2 Wrens in two 50-minute appointments. 

Volunteers do not need to have qualifications or any knowledge or experience of autoimmune disease. We are looking for warm, empathetic, caring and resilient individuals who want to help others and have the time to offer ongoing, non-judgemental, listening support. 

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Our service would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend a group information and discovery conversation where you will learn more about the Wren Project and the listening role 

• Applicants will be invited to participate in a remote, 5-week training programme focusing on listening skills, courageous inquiry, turning towards difficulty and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

• Please note, we access an applicant’s suitability for the role throughout the process.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude.

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to those in distress and to reflect upon the experience.

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments.

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection.

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability.

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening.

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress.

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development.

• An insight into life with chronic illness and mental health.

Cheer Squad Volunteer - London Marathon Sunday 26th April & London Landmarks Half Marathon Sunday 12th April. 

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

 As a charity, we are only able to help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to the donations we receive from generous members of the public. Fundraising events are a great source of income for the charity. As a Cheer Squad Volunteer, you will support Cats Protection’s event participants make it through their challenge by cheering them on at selected cheering points along event routes. You will also be instrumental in raising awareness and representing the charity.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Cheer on our event participants who are taking part to raise funds for Cats Protection.
• Waving hand flags
• Using inflatable ‘bangers’ to make noise
• Shake maraca’s
• High ‘paw’ participants
• Represent Cats Protection by wearing one of our branded high-vis vests (supplied).
• Set up cheer spots including attaching banners, putting together sail flags and blowing up balloons.
• Provide a smile, enthusiasm and motivation

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills, particularly in the field of fundraising
• To gain experience working as an important member of the team in the UK’s leading feline welfare charity
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping our event participants cross the finish line!
• We’ll provide all the information you need, including logistics and timings for the day; briefings on the day where applicable; contact details of key employees; and refreshments and breaks on the day

We’re looking for someone with

• Enthusiastic and positive attitude
• Reliable and adaptable
• Punctual and dependable
• Outgoing and friendly
• Happy to make some noise!
• Willing to support others
• Ability to stand for a long period of time

Locations

This role is based at various mass participation events across the UK where we set up Cats Protection cheer points.

Exact locations will be given after you have signed up however below are our current cheer points: 

1. London Marathon
2. London Landmarks Half Marathon

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

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.

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

As our Volunteer Administrator, this is your chance to make a significant difference 'behind the scenes', to the support we offer to Bereaved Siblings around the UK. 

The Administrative Assistant volunteer plays a vital behind the scenes role in supporting the smooth running of the charity.
This role is ideal for someone who is organised, reliable, and happy to support a small, mission-driven organisation with a variety of practical tasks.

Sibling Support is the UKs charity ensuring that Bereaved Siblings are seen, heard and supported through their journey with grief after the death of their brother or sister. We offer a broad range of services across the UK both in person and online. 

You will support with administrative tasks such as:
- Managing event bookings and attendance lists
- Researching information for fundraising, projects, and
  development work
- Helping to keep systems and information organised and up to date
- Providing general administrative support to the charity team as needed.

Your self driven approach to working alongside your eye for detail, will mean that you will help us continue to operate in a smooth, efficient and professional manner. You might already work in Bereavement Support, or bring lived experience with  you of being a Bereaved Sibling.

Whether you're able to carry out your role an hour or a few hours a week, your contribution will be valued. You will be supported by induction training and on the job support. 

The Community Officer is responsible for creating an engaging and welcoming environment for volunteers. This encourages and motivates volunteers to get involved and stay involved. This includes encouraging engagement in shared social spaces (Discord and Whatsapp), organising a range of regular socials and supporting with the Ball at conference. 

We want you to help us to connect families across Scotland by managing a special closed Community Network Facebook group and a Padlet of groups and events with the support of Adoption UK Staff and current Community Network volunteers. As a Virtual Community Network Volunteer (VCNV), you would be responsible for administering a closed Facebook group for families with adopted children and young people. The purpose of the group is to share Adoption UK Scotland groups and events but also to share activities aimed at adoptive families or care experienced children in one place. 

s a Virtual Community Network Volunteer (VCNV), you would be responsible for administering a closed Facebook group for families with adopted children and young people. The purpose of the group is to share Adoption UK Scotland groups and events but also to share activities aimed at adoptive families or care experienced children in one place. It would also allow parents to post in the group to find families local to them that they can connect with outside Adoption UK Scotland activities. As VCNV you would be responsible for moderating the chat and posts within the group, creating and managing a Padlet that contains groups or events that local authorities or other 3rd sector organisations are hosting. 

The Skills and Experience you need 

• IT literate and familiar with Facebook
• Enthusiasm

• Ability to respect other people’s differences and non-judgemental 

• Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

• Desirable but not essential: Personal experience or understanding of the issues facing adoptive parents 

What’s in it for you 

• Be part of a new way of supporting adoptive families to thrive in Scotland

• Flexibility to volunteer at a time that suits you

• Free membership to AUK and access to relevant training and development opportunities

• Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills 

• Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses 

Grants from charitable trusts and foundations are an essential source of funding for community organisations working with deaf children, young people and their families. This support allows communities to develop work that meets the needs of deaf children and young people. With your knowledge of grants and persuasive writing skills, you’ll help support communities to research and submit life-changing funding bids.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over

• Knowledge of potential funding sources both locally and nationally

• Ability to volunteer independently from home under your own initiative

• Well organised with good attention to detail

• Proactive and reliable

• Confident user of Microsoft packages and databases

What you will do

• Support community groups and organisations to identify and win new sources of funding

• Research trusts and foundations (both locally and nationally) that may support work in communities

• Prepare information about funders including deadlines and criteria for applications

• Develop links with funders and share information

• Work with organisations to write compelling applications that meet the required conditions

• Understand the boundaries of the role and ask for support where appropriate

What will you gain from the role?

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:

• Increased confidence and new skills

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training
We will provide you with:

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe

• Feedback on the funding bids to which you contribute and their outcomes

• A named point of contact at the National Deaf Children’s Society

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something