Volunteer volunteer roles in chertsey, surrey
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 an Albanian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Albanian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Albanian.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Albanian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
Requirements:
✔ Volunteers must complete an online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—both fully paid for by the organisation.
How to get involved:
Simply apply through CharityJob’s website. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.
✔ Open to UK residents only.
Help us spread kindness and connection within the Albanian-speaking community across the UK!
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!
PINT (People In Need Today)
We create awareness for people experiencing homelessness through media, publicity and projects.
We aim to create awareness for those in need via promotion of our work to the homeless and those in need through media and publicity. The aim is to show the majority that what they see and hear is an actual myth of what they see and believe homelessness is. We also highlight the fact that so much is wasted that can go to help other especially people in need around the globe.
PINT aims to highlight that awareness can be created by team work showing the world that so much gets wasted daily which can be contributed towards many that are suffering without on a daily basis. Our project has been in existence for 15 years now in that time we have grown from feeding tans supporting those in need in the community to covering a number of areas in London and the United Kingdom.
Business Administration
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
We are looking for a Business Administration Volunteer with a hands on view of helping our organisation reach its goals and target. The role is administrative and require good communication skills as well as excellent grammar and knowledge of the English language. You will need to be able to evaluate, make reports and show metric details. This will include the compilation of databases. U.K. based applicants are requested but we are open to individuals that have exceptional knowledge of the U.K.
Weekly Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
1-2 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!
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.
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
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 speak Farsi 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 Farsi
- 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 Farsi
- 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 - 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.
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!
The Senior Researcher in an Initial Research Team is the operational lead for one
particular project at a time, they will work with the Research Manager and within
the Initial Research Framework in order to plan and execute the research. At the
conclusion of research projects the Senior Researcher is responsible for providing
an accurate research report which allows for consideration as to what happens
next with the research inline with our organisation's purpose.The role of Senior
Researcher is key in our organisation's progress and overall positive output as it is
the starting point for all of our work. It is therefore important Senior Researchers
are committed and capable.
Responsibilities may include:
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To oversee and take part in the planning and execution of initial research projects
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To supervise a team of approximately 4 research volunteers, delegating and creating tasks according to the research plan
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To work with and support the Research Manager, ensuring task coordination across platforms such as ClickUp and a high level of communication across the team
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To ensure outputs such as literature reviews and surveys are completed to the highest standard possible, in line with ethical considerations if relevant
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To comply with and advise on using the OSCOLA referencing system
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To organise analysis of Freedom of Information request data sets
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To collaborate with the rest of the team and the RM to provide an internal research report at the end of the research project, including a summary and key recommendations for next steps
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To conduct 1-1s and lead team meetings where necessary
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To regularly communicate with team members about their task progress, welfare and support needs
Required experience and qualifications:
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To have experience in supervising or managing a group of people
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Clear communication skills and a demonstrable level of academic writing to a high standard
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In depth knowledge of qualitative research methods and secondary data analysis, quantitative experience a plus
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To have knowledge on children’s human rights in the UK and other related areas
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To have an undergraduate degree, master’s degree a plus, in a related subject
A Little About Us!
Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organization. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.
Why we need you!
Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organization. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!
What we offer!
Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organization who is looking to help young people in the UK.
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!
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
Our newsletter editor volunteers tap into the nation’s love for cats, which helps raise our profile across the UK. They source and share photos, images and stories relevant to the varied and exciting things we do at Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise funds, promote adopting a cat, help promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about great cat welfare.
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
A bit more information about this role and the team
- Need to be confident with formatting the newsletter.
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Sourcing articles and pictures and acquiring permission for use if required
- Ensuring that deadlines are met
- Organising the printing and distribution of newsletters
- Editing newsletters alongside others
- Ensuring that content meets with internal and external policies and guidelines
Time expectation
Our newsletter editors usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
"Be the Change, Fill the Bucket!"
Join us for bucket collections at Tesco stores across Northern Ireland on 27th and 28th June and help make a difference in our community. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be the face of Mencap, inspiring the community to get involved in raising vital funds. As a bucket collection volunteer, you will engage with shoppers, share information about Mencap, and collect donations to support people with learning disabilities. Your friendly interaction and visible presence at store entrances will encourage giving and promote awareness about our mission. Volunteering for bucket collections is a rewarding experience that makes a real impact. Join us and be part of the change!
As a Mencap Volunteer you will be:
- Friendly and Approachable
- Reliable, Kind and Patient
- A good communicator (including listener)
- Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
As a Mencap volunteer you will:
- Make new friends
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
- Full Training and support
- Volunteer alongside our experienced Fundraising team
- A chance to give back your local community
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.
We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
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!
Empathos Foundation is seeking a creative and passionate Social Media Graphics Designer to help us create engaging and visually appealing posts for our social media platforms, including Instagram and LinkedIn. As a remote volunteer role, you'll work approximately 4 hours per week, designing content that aligns with our mission and campaigns.
You’ll have access to Canva Pro and be part of a supportive team that values your input and creativity. This role is perfect for someone eager to gain experience in the non-profit sector, build their design portfolio, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
What You’ll Do:
- Design graphics for social media posts in line with our branding.
- Collaborate with the team to align content with ongoing campaigns.
- Create visually compelling content that resonates with our audience.
The Impact of Your Work:
As a Social Media Graphics Designer at Empathos Foundation, your work will directly support our efforts to raise awareness, engage our community, and inspire action.
- Amplify our message: Your designs will communicate our campaigns and bring attention to initiatives in healthcare, education, and poverty relief.
- Increase engagement: By creating eye-catching content, you’ll help us reach more people and encourage interaction with our platforms.
- Shape our online presence: Your contributions will strengthen our brand and elevate our visibility, ensuring our message reaches those who need it most.
Skills, Experience, and Qualities:
- Graphic Design Skills: Proficient in tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Social Media Savvy: Understanding of Instagram and LinkedIn trends and best practices.
- Passion for Making a Difference: Enthusiastic about supporting impactful causes through creative design.
- Fast Turnaround: Able to deliver high-quality designs quickly and efficiently.
- Attention to Detail: Consistency with branding and a strong eye for design aesthetics.
- Collaboration: Willingness to work with a team and incorporate feedback.
- Time Management: Commit to 4 hours per week and effectively manage tasks.
Your designs will not just be graphics—they’ll be catalysts for change, inspiring others to join our mission and make a difference.
Join us as a Social Media Graphics Designer to use your creativity for good and help Empathos Foundation make an even greater impact.
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!
Are you an Urdu speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Urdu-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Urdu.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Urdu-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
Requirements:
Volunteers must complete an online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—both fully paid for by the organisation.
How to get involved:
Simply apply here through the CharityJob’s website. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.
Open to UK residents only.
Help us spread kindness and connection within the Urdu-speaking community across the UK!
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!
Project Coordinator
Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Coordinator (PC)
Location: Kakamega, Kenya
Duration: Minimum 3 weeks during our summer programme, which runs from approximately 1st July – 13th September 2025.
Start Date: UK-based training and preparation begins in June, with travel to Kenya taking place several days before the start of your placement.
Compensation: Non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:
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Travel: Project-related travel in and around Kakamega County is fully covered.
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Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer.
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Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery (travel to sites, partner meeting expenses, etc) paid for by the charity.
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Additional Costs: Round-trip flights to Kenya and limited subsistence costs, plus any personal travel elsewhere within Kenya (e.g., for your holiday week).
About EPAfrica
EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-led charity working in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. Our mission is to create sustainable change in education by investing in resources, infrastructure, and local capacity. Our volunteers are central to our work — building strong relationships, learning deeply about the local context, and delivering projects that matter.
Role Overview
As a Project Coordinator (PC), you will be a key part of the Summer Team, supporting the smooth operation of EPAfrica’s in-country summer programme. You’ll work alongside the Project Manager and other Project Coordinators to provide on-the-ground coordination, logistical support, and pastoral care for our Project Workers (PWs). This is a dynamic and rewarding role that gives you insight into international development, team leadership, and operational planning.
Key Responsibilities
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With guidance from the Project Manager (PM), support our team of Project Workers (PWs) in their school placements, including:
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Monitor project progress and guide PWs to address any issues as they arise
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Offering pastoral support and help maintain the wellbeing of Project Workers
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Co-deliver trainings on topics such as project management, effective international development practices, safety and wellbeing, and cultural awareness
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Coordinating key operational logistics relating to summer programme delivery.
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Facilitate communication between PWs, our in-country Summer Team, and the UK-based central charity team.
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Help deliver our in-country monitoring and evaluation programme, enabling us to effectively plan for and deliver future investments. This includes:
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Monitoring visits to current & recent investment schools to gauge impact of EPAfrica’s work
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Assessment visits to potential future EPAfrica participant schools
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Staying up-to-date research into developments in the Kenyan education system and potential impacts on our work
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Establishing and maintaining relationships with our network of local partners.
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Contribute to Summer Team planning, reflection sessions, and process documentation
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Help to maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of the Kenya-based team, working within the charity’s risk guidelines.
What We’re Looking For
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Strong familiarity with, and demonstrated interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.
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A demonstrated interest in grassroots international development is required; previous experience in this setting (volunteering, fieldwork, or prior work experience) preferred.
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Experience being a part of teams delivering project-based work, and leading with empathy.
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Effective communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
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Demonstrated ability to take initiative and solve problems under pressure.
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Willingness to operate in a challenging, fast-paced environment and to be involved in making decisions which affect the wider team.
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Experience as a Project Worker or previous Summer Team involvement preferred – but alternatively, relevant professional or volunteering experience in a similar context.
What You’ll Gain
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Real, hands-on project management and delivery experience.
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Exposure to international development at a grassroots level, with concrete opportunities to deliver meaningful work.
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A rich cultural experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in semi-rural communities in Western Kenya.
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Volunteers benefit from one week’s holiday in the middle of the programme, allowing the opportunity to explore the rest of the country (previous volunteers have travelled to Mombasa, Nairobi and the Maasai Mara).
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Opportunity to work with a team of passionate, like-minded individuals and build a strong professional network within the charity and our wider community.
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A standout experience for your CV, and the chance to develop transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and more. Previous EPAfrica volunteers have leveraged their experience with us to secure roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service and in a variety of consultancies.
Interested?
We’d love to hear from you! If you’re enthusiastic about education, development, and making a difference, this is a unique opportunity to get involved and get hands-on, meaningful experience delivering grassroots international development projects in Kenya. You’re also welcome to apply with a friend and complete a summer placement alongside them; just let us know in your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Are you a Sylheti speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Sylheti-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Sylheti.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Sylheti-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
How to get involved:
Simply fill out the application through CharityJob's website or by following this link: [https://lnkd.in/e36t8zWB]. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.
Open to UK residents only.
Help us spread kindness and connection within the Sylheti-speaking community across the UK!
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!
Law and Human Rights Records Volunteer Intern
Democratic Progress Institute
London based.
Next available volunteering role: beginning of May 2025or immediate start.
Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)
Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis
Fluency in English and computer literacy is essential.
The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several Law and Human Rights Records Volunteer Intern with an interest in our work relating to Human Rights. We are offering a number of internships to outstanding candidates. Admission to our internship program is on a rolling-basis, lasting at least three months, and is unpaid. The successful candidates will be current undergraduate or a recent international law, political science or international relations graduate.
Volunteers recruited to DPI’s International Law Department will assist documentation/organisation of human rights issues, legal materials, ECtHR judgments.
The suitable candidate will be available ideally full time (Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 17.30) but other arrangements can be made. You will have the opportunity to assist with the general work of the legal department for a period of three to six months, with a particular focus on our legal casework and on the implementation of ECtHR judgments. Candidates are expected to have excellent verbal and written English skills, a strong visual eye, good attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Working well either alone or as part of a team, you will have experience of working with a diverse range of people.
Those interested should send a CV and Cover Letter stating your interests and experience. The candidates will be selected on the basis of their experience and suitability for the role. Please also state your availability and how many days you are available per week (minimum requirement of 3 days).
This is an in person internship and therefore it’s imperative that successful candidates have the right to work in the UK.
Note this is an unpaid internship, however interns will receive a stipend for lunch.
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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!
Be part of something special and volunteer at MS Walk London. Join an incredible team of volunteers who will be helping to make MS Walk 2025 bigger and better than ever.
The 2025 event will have around 700 participants who will be walking through London on either the 1km, 5km, 10km or 20km route.
Together these participants will be hoping to raise over 100,000 for the MS Society to help support the MS Community.
There are various roles available on the day from making some noise and encouraging our walkers, to looking after the route and handing out medals at the finish.
Join our team of MS Walk volunteers and support everyone who is walking, rolling and strolling to stop MS.
You'll be required on Saturday 27th September 2025 for one day and there are various times throughout the day. Shifts will be from 2-6 hours depending on role and location.
There are no specific skills required just enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.’
Closing date: Wednesday 23rd September 2025
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!
Could you befriend an asylum seeking or refugee young person? HIAS+JCORE is seeking volunteer befrienders for our transformative JUMP project! As a befriender, you'd meet fortnightly with your young person for at least 12 months, and receive full training and an enhanced DBS check. You'll also get ongoing support from our JUMP project staff.
The difference you'd make
The young people JUMP support might benefit from a befriender because they’ve left their families behind and often feel isolated, bewildered and lonely. Some have no one to talk to. Some want to improve their English. Some would like to get to know London better. The impact made by our befrienders is long-lasting and varies depending on both the befriender and young person's interests.
What do volunteers get out of JUMP?
- A chance to help people in real need
- The opportunity to ‘give back’
- A new friend
- Increased understanding about asylum and refugee issues and policy
Skills required
- Able to establish good relationships with young people.
- Able to use a non-judgemental, non-directive approach to working with young people.
- Empathy, sensitivity and patience.
- Strong communication and listening skills.
- Reliable in making and keeping commitments, including arrangements to meet up.
- Aware of the needs of young people.
- Sympathy for the difficulties that asylum seeking/refugee children and young people face.
- Willing to enhance own awareness of the issues facing asylum-seeking and refugee children/young people through training.
- Aware of safeguarding and child protection issues, and (i) willing to enhance this through JUMP training, and (ii) willing to follow HIAS+JCORE’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Willing to ask for help when uncertain when befriending and to discuss the experience of befriending through regular updates and supervision.
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers will be required to:
- Meet with an unaccompanied asylum seeking or refugee young person fortnightly for at least one year.
- Establish a warm, supportive friendship with the young person within JUMP befriending boundaries.
- Help to build up the young person’s self-esteem and confidence.
- A JUMP befriender will be someone the young person can talk to. They must be prepared to support the young person with a range of possible activities, such as: developing everyday life skills, getting around London, taking part in recreational or educational opportunities, applying for work experience or a job. They should be prepared to offer support with English, and where possible other types of academic work.
- They must make time to travel, if necessary, within London to meet with the young person. While we try to match people who live reasonably close by, this is not always possible, and young people can often have precarious housing situations and move neighbourhoods. It is important to consider the travel time, as well as contact time, potentially involved in befriending.
- A JUMP volunteer should be prepared to enjoy cultural/ sporting activities with the young person, and to take advantage of free entertainment and other opportunities in London.
- They should regularly communicate with the project coordinator after meeting the young person, providing feedback once a month about activities undertaken and to attend supervision face-to-face twice a year.
- They must submit monthly expenses incurred during the activities undertaken with the young person, and immediately alert the JUMP project coordinator or HIAS+JCORE Safeguarding Lead to any safeguarding (child and young person protection) issues.
What is the application process?
After submitting your application, you will be contacted to arrange an informal telephone interview. If all goes well at this stage, we would request two references and get you booked onto a day's training. The training will cover the role of the befriender and offer some more information about the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee young people. Before being paired with a young person we would also request an enhanced DBS check.
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!
About you:
Are you passionate about supporting young people and families? Do you have a desire to see people flourish and empower change in your community? Have you experienced the care of a friend in difficulties or overcome some hardships and want to give back? If so, being a Family Friend could be the next adventure you embark on this year.
Volunteering activities and commitment:
Our Family Friend volunteers work directly with families by coming alongside parents and children when they need it most, making sure they feel less isolated. This can involve sharing a hot drink to hear about their day; helping a single dad or mum to get out of their home to a local park; or doing an activity with their children that would brighten up their day.
Every family support is unique to you and the family to help them achieve their goals, and always with your agreement. Practically speaking, being a Family Friend is a flexible role that can be fitted in with your other commitments and doesn't have to take up much of your time.
You will be trained and supported by a local Engagement and Support Coordinator and Family Support Manager who will support you throughout your volunteer recruitment journey and whilst you are volunteering.
Our vision:
Safe Families believes that no one should feel alone. We work with local councils to come alongside isolated and overwhelmed families to create relationship and connection because everyone deserves to belong.
As a Christian Charity, we also believe in the power of the Church community. Does your church have a passion to support, love and welcome newcomers? If so, you can help to be a bridge between your church community and the people you volunteer with. We know this is especially needed at a time when loneliness is an endemic in the UK. 27%
of adults report feeling lonely ‘always, often, or sometimes’, and this can be as impacting on a person’s life as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness steals joy, destroys self-confidence, and limits potential. The cure is community and a sense of belonging. Being a Family Friend is a great way to showcase care and compassion to others.
We look forward to welcoming you as our new Family Friend and celebrating and honouring the milestones in your journey.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.