Volunteer volunteer roles in camden town, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're a not for profit Community Energy organisation operating in Southwark and Lambeth and has been established by members of the South London community to relieve fuel poverty by providing renewable energy locally. We have been set up as a Community Benefit Society, which means we are a business managed for the benefit of the community. It’s is run by its shareholders, and shareholding is open to everyone.
We were established in 2023 and received grants from four funds (Government, Mayor of London, Southwark Council, Centrica Energy for Tomorrow) and a fuel poverty alleviation contract from Uk Power Networks (Leaving No One Behind) in 2024 to set up our pilot projects. We have two part time paid managers running the fuel poverty activity and the overall programme.
Our pilot projects include a fuel poverty service delivering energy advice and support for those in need and we currently have five trained energy champions who work with us part-time. We are also running feasibility studies for four solar arrays on housing estates and we’re exploring different possible business models. If we can make this work then we will be setting a precedent for a model for renewables on mixed tenure estates and long term financial sustainable fuel poverty alleviation.
At this exciting and pivotal time at the beginning of our journey we are looking for a Treasurer to support our organisation by overseeing the financial affairs.
The Role
The Treasurer will be overseeing the work of Martin, our dedicated Lead Finance Volunteer, who is an accountant working in Government and has been supporting our work for several months. We estimate that the treasurer role will require an average of less than one day a month, including attendance at six board meetings a year and weekly half hour meetings as necessary to be a mentor to Martin. We hold board meetings every other month on Tuesdays 1-2.30pm. The majority of these are held online with occasional in person meetings in Southwark. The Treasurer will also be responsible for holding a general oversight of financial activities and ensuring that we are keeping in line with our financial responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Oversee financial matters to ensure that the organisation is compliant with regulations and good practice
- Support the finance team and other members of the board to ensure that effective financial procedures are in place
- Support the team in maintaining accurate financial records and oversee the year-end and funders financial reporting processes
- Advise on finance related initiatives that could benefit the society and input to strategy
- Support the creation of financial prospectuses for community share offers
Essential Qualities, Skills and Experience
- Chartered accountant with at least three years experience
- Understanding of financial management in organisations
- Ability to communicate financial information in a clear and effective manner
- Interest in renewables, sustainability and Community Energy
- Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and build good relationships
- Willingness to mentor our Lead Finance Volunteer
Desirable Qualities, Skills and Experience
- Experience of Community Energy and/or the renewable energy sector
- Knowledge of social enterprise structures
- Experience of being on the board of a not for profit organisation
- Being a resident of or having a connection to South London
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role: Our scholars are eager to meet graduates and professionals who can support them in achieving their ambitions. Mentors are mainly responsible for providing support and career advice to pupils. Mentors must also be committed to supporting us at our events, which take place in the evenings and on Saturdays throughout the term. These events include our scholar enrichment days, our parent and pupil information sessions and our volunteer social events which are held in London.
Availability: Mentors must be available for approximately 2-3 hours a month to meet with their mentee, and discuss via phone, email or in person. There is a minimum commitment of one year (three terms).
In addition to this, you will need to support a minimum of 2 events throughout the year. Enrichment and skill-building events for our scholars usually take place in the evenings and at weekends, with events ranging from 2-8 hours in length.
Location: Mentoring sessions and events can take place online or in person.
Responsibilities:
-
Working collaboratively with parents to give students guidance and advice on how to achieve their aspirations
-
Informing pupils of opportunities to them so that they can achieve their aspirations
-
Meeting with pupils for one to one mentoring sessions
-
Supporting pupils with university, sixth form or job applications
-
Monitoring and reporting on each pupils progress
-
Giving feedback to parents and programme coordinators
-
Working collaboratively with other tutors and mentors
-
Supporting at events including:
-
Collaborate effectively with other volunteers within the events team
-
Assist with setting up and clearing up at events
-
Support workshop facilitators with managing groups of young people or parents
-
Assist with the coordination of lunch or refreshments for attendees
-
Assist the event coordinator with ensuring the health and safety of attendees and overall risk management at events
-
Give feedback to the event coordinators and programme managers at the end of each event.
-
Person specification:
-
Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality
-
Enjoy working with children and young people
-
Be educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent
-
Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal
-
Be punctual and organised
-
Be able to remain calm under pressure
-
Have excellent time management skills
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.
Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.
As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.
This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)
2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of four student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.
InterVol is looking to increase its presence on university campuses around England and Wales, and therefore we are accepting applications from university students interested in setting up a student committee.As a committee member, you will be responsible for recruiting students to volunteer locally and abroad, liaising between the board of trustees and the committee, and recruiting committee members for the next academic year. The student committees will be supported by the trustee board, who are drawn from past student committees.
Setting up a student committee is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, gain a developed insight into the charity sector and international development, and create positive change in your community and abroad. All student committees are supported by the trustee board, and there will be training provided.
As a committee member you will:
·Work with the student union at your university to establish an InterVol committee.
·Recruit students to volunteer locally and abroad. This will involve attending freshers’ fair, hosting information evenings, and running team-building days.
·Organise local volunteering opportunities and liaise with our international project partners.
·Recruit committee members for the following academic year.
·Oversee volunteer fundraising.
·Commit to being involved with the student committee for two years.
·Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.
Person Specification:
·Experience of volunteering in the UK or abroad.
·Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.
·Capable of leading teams and working under pressure.
·Well-versed at time management and staying organised.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:
- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer
- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People
The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.
- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.
- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.
Purpose of Role
-
Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated.
-
Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client.
Key tasks
-
Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.
-
Provide conversation and company.
-
Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences.
-
Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health.
-
Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from.
-
Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis.
-
Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect.
Skills and attributes
-
Understanding loneliness and social isolation.
-
Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner.
-
Keen on building a strong befriending relationship.
-
A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history.
-
Consistency and reliability.
-
Understanding of Confidentiality.
-
Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people.
-
Patience and Sensitivity.
-
Confidence to deal with emergencies.
-
Record keeping.
-
Basic IT skills.
Support Provided
-
You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers.
-
Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more.
-
Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager.
-
Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other.
-
Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
-
Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.
-
Monthly volunteer newsletter
We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers!
Benefits
-
Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose.
-
Emotional Rewards
-
Intergenerational Connections
-
Learning and Skill Development
-
Enhancing Career Prospects
-
Building Empathy and Compassion
-
Giving Back to the Community
-
Social and celebration events
Commitment
-
We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.
-
Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Esaete Foundation
The organisation empowers young women to become economically independent do they can make informed decisions about their lives.
We offer menstrual health trainings in both schools and in community, we work with parents and local leaders to ensure that there is community awareness in regards to issues affect the girl child and women, we have started/opened up clubs in schools where students can get accurate information about their lives and these clubs also encourage students to stay in school. We encourage young girls to take up leadership positions right from lower class level, they can be prefects at school, local leaders for young women in their communities. Lots of training and community awareness programs.
Communications & Media Volunteer
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
Role Overview As a Communications & Media Volunteer, you will play a key role in shaping and sharing our message across various platforms. You’ll manage our social media presence, create engaging content, and help bring the stories of our communities to life through words, images, and video.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow Esaete Foundation’s social media platforms
- Create eye-catching designs and graphics for campaigns, reports, and events
- Develop blog posts, articles, and stories for advocacy and awareness
- Capture and edit photos and videos that showcase our impact
- Support storytelling efforts to engage donors, partners, and the community
- Collaborate with the team to develop and implement communication strategies
We’re Looking for Someone Who Is:
- Skilled in social media management (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Proficient in graphic design tools (Canva, Photoshop, or similar)
- A strong communicator with excellent writing and editing skills
- Creative in storytelling for advocacy and awareness
- Experienced in photography and video editing
- Organised, self-driven, and able to work both independently and collaboratively
- Passionate about gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice
Weekly Time Commitment
4-6 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
6+ months
We connect professionals with impact startups matching their causes, skills & schedule.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ever been told you that you're a good listener, or that your calm presence helps others feel at ease?
Marie Curie is looking for compassionate, everyday people to join our Companion Team within the surrounding areas of Huddersfield, Halifax or Bradford
What you’ll be part of:
- Visit a person weekly in their home and spend time with them and their family members
- Have a chat, a cuppa, or share some quiet time
- Listen to memories, share stories, or talk about everyday things
- Support carers or family members by giving them a short break
You’d be a great fit if you’re:
- Patient and good at listening
- Non-judgmental of others and friendly
- Emotionally steady in sensitive moments
- Able to commit to 3 hours p/week
- Comfortable using email and completing short visit reports
What we will provide you with:
- A deep sense of purpose and connection
- Ongoing support, training and guidance
- A welcoming volunteer community
- Recognition and appreciation for the time you give
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses each month
You must be ages 18 years or older to apply and be willing to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) applicaiton
Want to know more before applying?
Whether you're curious about the role, have questions, or simply want to get a sense of what it's really like - feel free to reach out and connect with us. We're always happy to chat and give you an insider's view.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our Governance team. The Data Protection Consultant will be responsible for overseeing the clinic's use of data and legal obligations under GDPR, maintaining high standards throughout. They will respond to the Governance and Compliance Manager.
We are a forward-thinking advice and support charity for the Trans Community. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Data Protection Consultant to consult on our data protection procedures to ensure we are compliant with all regulations relating to data privacy. The Data Protection Consultant will play a pivotal role in guiding our clinic through the data protection processes.
This senior consultancy position will involve overseeing the clinic’s data protection policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are followed, and fostering a culture of compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth while safeguarding the clinic’s data protection.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing legal clinic through a pivotal stage of development. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the clinic, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the West Central London Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you speak Polish and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.
You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.
What you will be doing
- Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
- To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
- To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
- To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
- Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
- To engage in conversation in Polish
The skills you need
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
- Willingness to engage in activities in the community
- Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
- To be consistent in attendance
- Able to communicate confidently in Polish
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
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you fluent in British Sign Language and would like to provide the opportunity for others to learn? This is a great chance to empower others to communicate and bridge the gap between hearing and deaf individuals!
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
- Facilitate British Sign sessions for beginners or those looking to improve their skills
- Prepare session plans and involve participants in the planning of each session.
- Encourage practice and interaction among participants to develop their skills.
The skills you need
- Good communication skills
- Calm and patient approach
- Ability to provide supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Hold a BSL qualification/Fluent in British Sign Language
- BSL Level 3 qualified or above
- Good English-speaking skills
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
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate a singing and music 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 develop positive relationships with the service users
- Facilitate a weekly singing and music group with use of instruments
- Provide opportunities for the group to collaborate on agreed themes/ songs for future groups
- Coordinate and plan group sessions
- Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
- To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun
The skills you need
- Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Calm and patient approach
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
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




The Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) service provides day service opportunities for people with low and medium Preventative Care Needs.
We are currently looking to offer volunteering placements with our Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) – a mental health provision based across three sites in Islington responding to the mental health needs of Islington residents.
You will be assisting service users who experience mental distress in group settings.
We ask for a commitment of at least 1 day a week 10:15am – 4:00pm for a full year (+ about 2-3 months for DBS check and induction), though there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer more than one day a week.
If this sounds interesting and suitable to you, please complete the MHRP volunteer application form and return with your CV, indicating why are you interested in volunteering for Islington Mind, if there is anything specific that you would like to do in your volunteering placement – e.g. facilitate activities, support our open access drop-in sessions, support service users with completing forms, accompany service users to appointments etc, and your availability – e.g. one or more days a week and which days of the week you are available.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you speak Turkish and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.
You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.
What you will be doing
- Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
- To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
- To engage in conversation in Turkish
- To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
- To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
- Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
The skills you need
- Able to communicate confidently in Turkish
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
- Willingness to engage in activities in the community
- Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
- To be consistent in attendance
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
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives.
Training:
Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women.
The Role:
Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.
As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months.
You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like.
You:
You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener.
The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery.
As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK.
Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends.
Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010.
At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women.
What Past Befrienders Say:
“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.”
“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.”
“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.”
Closing Date: 31/08/2025
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based