Volunteer volunteer roles in east dulwich, greater london
Volunteer Peer Mentor (Lived Experience of Substance Use)
Make a Difference Through Your Recovery Journey
We are looking for passionate individuals with personal lived experience of substance use recovery to join our team as Volunteer Peer Mentors within the RhEST (Regional Homeless Engagement with Substance Treatment) service.
As a Volunteer Peer Mentor, you will help bring visible recovery to people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse. Your lived experience can inspire hope, build trust, and help others take meaningful steps toward change.
In this role, you will:
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Accompany individuals to appointments and group activities
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Provide one-to-one peer support
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Help shape and improve the services we deliver
This role is open only to those with personal lived experience of substance use and recovery. We believe that your insight and experience are vital to the work we do.
Join us to:
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Support others in their journey
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Build your skills and confidence
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Be part of a compassionate and dedicated team
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Find out more by contacting us at or emailing
Service Area
RhEST – Regional Homeless Engagement with Substance Treatment
Town
London
Status
Part-time
Contract Type
Volunteer
About RhEST
The RhEST service recruits, trains, and develops Peer Mentors and Volunteers to support and engage individuals who sleep rough in London. Our work removes barriers to accessing treatment, helping clients navigate substance misuse services from scripting to inpatient care.
Our Peer Mentoring Program is a key part of RhEST. Built on compassion, empathy, and empowerment, it enables individuals with lived experience to help others on their journey toward recovery and reintegration into society.
Purpose of the Role
As a Peer Mentor Volunteer, you will:
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Support the running and delivery of services.
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Facilitate group sessions and activities.
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Provide support and encouragement to people accessing community services.
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Use your lived experience to help design and co-produce services and support new initiatives.
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Offer one-to-one peer mentoring to service users referred to the program, where appropriate.
What We Offer
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Comprehensive six-day training and ongoing support for Peer Mentors.
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Regular supervision every 4-6 weeks.
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Opportunities to develop new skills in communication, group facilitation, and leadership.
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The chance to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of others and your community.
We use our expertise to support people in their personal recovery and to improve their lives.


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 difference you will make to cats and people
Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline 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
We are here to help people see the world through cats’ eyes
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!
Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.
If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.
- Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
- Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
- How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
- Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.
How does it work?
In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.
We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.
Important information:
In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.
Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
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 a Pashto 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 Pashto-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering 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 calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Pashto.
� Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Pashto-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
✅ What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations
� How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection and kindness to the Pashto-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!
Why we want you
Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.
Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.
Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.
We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.
What you will be doing
- Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
- Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
- Promote the services available to family members.
- Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
- Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
- Complete monitoring reports.
The skills you need
- Be over 21.
- Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
- Excellent listening skills.
- Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
- Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
- Good IT skills.
- An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
- You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.
What's in it for you
- Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
- You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
- You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost for you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:
1. It's fun
2. It's flexible
3. You'll learn and share skills
4. You'll be making a difference
5. You'll work with a great team
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
Volunteering in the shop
Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.
Our Wandsworth Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.
Why volunteer with Save the Children?
In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.
Skills and experiences we seek
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.
We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.
What happens next?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).
How to apply
Express your interest on email via the apply button.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
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 launching REMIX, a bold new youth charity in East London and we need YOU to help make a difference!
At REMIX, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to shine—no barriers, no limits. We’re here to bridge the gap, providing life-changing mentorship, and dynamic enrichment programmes that unlock potential, build confidence, and inspire lifelong success.
But we can’t do this alone! REMIX is about community, collaboration, and championing young talent. That’s why we’re teaming up with local schools, families, and community leaders to ensure that every young person, no matter their background, can thrive, dream big, and achieve more.
Join Us as a (Volunteer) Remix Manager
We’re searching for an organised, proactive, and strategic Manager to support the running and management of REMIX, ensuring we deliver our mission with efficiency, passion, and lasting impact.
In this role, you will:
- Oversee Key Operations: Help coordinate programmes, manage logistics, and ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of REMIX’s youth initiatives.
- Support Organisational Growth: Work closely with our team to develop processes that enhance outreach, volunteer engagement, and operational effectiveness.
- Manage Resources & Scheduling: Assist in overseeing budgets, timetables, and resource allocation to maximize impact and streamline our charitable efforts.
- Coordinate Partnerships & Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships with local schools, organisations, and stakeholders to expand REMIX’s network and deepen community involvement.
- Ensure Operational Excellence: Help implement best practices for volunteer management, communications, and programme delivery, ensuring REMIX continues to thrive and innovate.
If you’re highly organised, a natural problem-solver, and passionate about empowering young people, this is your chance to play a vital role in shaping the future of REMIX.
Empower. Elevate. Remix the future.
Join us, support us, and help shape a legacy that lasts—one young person at a time!
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 committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of MRT Volunteer Experience?
As a Community of Practice Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.
As a Community of Practice Officer, you will:
- Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
- Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
- Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
- Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
- Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
- Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.
For more information about this role, please see the role description.
The closing date for this vacancy is the 05/07/2025
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!
Innonurt
InnoNurt bridges the gap between tech education and industry readiness by providing free training, mentorship, and real-world volunteer experience to aspiring African tech leaders.
InnoNurt addresses the critical challenge of youth unemployment and the skills gap in Africa's tech industry. Many young people lack access to quality tech education, mentorship, and work experience, leaving them unprepared for the rapidly evolving job market. Additionally, businesses struggle to find adequately trained talent, further hindering innovation and growth within the tech sector.
InnoNurt provides free, high-quality training programs in technology, paired with mentorship and hands-on volunteer opportunities. By equipping youth with in-demand tech skills, real-world project experience, and career guidance, we ensure they are prepared to meet industry needs. This approach not only empowers young people to access better employment opportunities but also helps businesses tap into a ready pool of skilled, motivated talent.
Curriculum Development Volunteer
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
The Curriculum Development Team at Innonurt is responsible for creating a tech-related Curriculum, i.e, a modular, practical, and industry-aligned program designed to equip young Africans with essential tech and soft skills. The team will design structured learning paths, develop and curate engaging content, and integrate soft skills training to prepare learners for real-world careers.
They will also embed mentorship opportunities and industry exposure through guest sessions and professional interactions. Team members will collaborate on reviews, ensure quality, and support the curriculum’s delivery and implementation in line with Innonurt’s mission of bridging the opportunity gap through digital education.
Key Responsibilities:
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Design structured learning modules with clear outcomes, progressing from foundational to advanced levels.
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Develop or adapt instructional content, including lessons, activities, and assessments, tailored to learners.
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Integrate soft skills training into technical modules to build career-readiness alongside core competencies.
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Create opportunities for learners to connect with industry professionals through mentorship and guest sessions.
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Review and refine curriculum content collaboratively to ensure quality and relevance.
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Work closely with the team to meet deadlines and support effective curriculum delivery and feedback cycles.
Application Criteria for TechNurt Curriculum Developers
Educational Background or Experience
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Must have a background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or Education.
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Experience in curriculum development or teaching.
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Proficiency in one or more tech areas (e.g., coding, robotics, graphic design, data science, cybersecurity, AI, etc.)
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Must be able to design structured, modular lessons (with outcomes, activities, and assessment suggestions).
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Must understand how to bridge learners with industry professionals (e.g., via mentorship sessions, guest talks, or site visits).
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Ability to include modules that build soft skills needed in tech careers (communication, problem-solving, collaboration).
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Should be available to work collaboratively and provide drafts, reviews, and revisions within agreed timelines.
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Willingness to attend occasional check-in meetings (online).
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Must be available to be engaged for a minimum of 3 months.
Weekly Time Commitment
4-6 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
3-5 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!
Do you use technology on a regular basis for work, study, or daily life? If so, it is likely that you have the needed skills for this role! Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! You will make a positive difference to bridging the digital divide, empowering others to gain knowledge and confidence in using technology!
This role may involve travelling to different parts of London.
What you will be doing
- Supporting service users to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
- Supporting service users to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
- Supporting service users to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
- Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
- Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Confident using digital skills
- Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
- Good 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.




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!
Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.
We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff.
This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.
We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.
Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV
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.
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!
A bit about this role
This role is based in the Canterbury area covering postcodes CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, ME13.
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
- Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
- Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
- Keeping financial records from fundraising events
- Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
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!
Music has long been held as an effective and soothing way to help relieve stress and improve mental health. Do you have a passion for playing the guitar and would like to teach others?
Playing a guitar in a group allows for time to focus on the here and now, providing total mindfulness. This enables us to forget about the past or our future worries for a while, providing time without any distractions!
Support others to learn to play chords and push their worries to the back of their mind and an opportunity to engage with people that have a similar interest!
What you will be doing
- To facilitate guitar lessons for beginners on a 1:1 basis
- Plan each session, in collaboration with those you are supporting
- Lead on logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- Experience teaching playing a guitar and the ability to teach at beginner level
- Good 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.




Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Tasks and Responsibilities
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.
As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.
Selection Criteria
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
Requirements
- You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
- All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
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Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
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Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Benefits to Volunteers
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.
Application Process
You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.
You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you.
We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send.
Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way.
This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.
We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents.
Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision.
If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
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!
Volunteer Befriender
Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.
Reasons to volunteer
Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?
You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*
What would I be doing?
Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to
What skills are we looking for?
Good communication skills
Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
Understanding of confidentiality
Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.
We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.