Volunteer volunteer roles in forest hill, greater london

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Volunteer Opportunity: Chief Operating Officer (Non-Uniform Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Remote Flexible / National

Commitment: Volunteer Leadership Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational heart of Ranger Cadets in a non-uniform position. This is a vital volunteer role for someone who can translate vision into action, ensuring our programmes, systems, and people run smoothly and effectively.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Ranger Cadets nationally.

• Develop and implement systems for governance, safeguarding, and compliance.

• Support programme delivery, volunteer management, and organisational growth.

• Work closely with the CEO, trustees, and senior volunteers to ensure strategic goals are achieved.

• Champion efficiency, clarity, and inclusivity across all operational areas.

Who We’re Looking For

• A proven organiser with experience in charity operations, youth work, or community development.

• Strong skills in planning, systems design, and operational management.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

• Passion for youth empowerment, social mobility, and community impact.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape the operational backbone of a national youth organisation.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for young people across the UK.

• A role that blends structure, impact, and community service.

How to Apply

If you are ready to bring clarity, structure, and operational excellence to Ranger Cadets, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Do you enjoy writing, researching, and uncovering great stories? Are you looking to use your creativity to make a real difference?

The Communications and Development team at Humanists UK is seeking a motivated, curious, and articulate volunteer to support our fundraising and communications work. This is an exciting opportunity to help us share inspiring stories that highlight the need for and positive impact of our work, and encourage people to get involved.

Working closely with our Fundraising Manager, you’ll play a key role in gathering stories, researching opportunities, and crafting compelling content. Whether it’s identifying local news items, interviewing individuals, or drafting social media posts and supporter emails, your contributions will directly support our mission and help us reach more people.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you.

This is a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in communications, fundraising, journalism, or the charity sector, or for those who simply want to use their skills for good.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK.

Our football for wellbeing hub provides a safe, inclusive and wellbeing space in the community to improve mental and physical health in collaboration with QPR FC, Everyone Active and FootyAddicts Company.

As Football Session Helper Volunteer you will help the facilitator/s with pre-session tasks and delivery of exciting football sessions while adhering to the FA code of conduct.  We are currently seeking applications to support our newly launched  football sessions and potentially coach/manage our Football Club’s (West London NHS Peer FC) team if an FA qualified coach or willing to get the qualification. 

In return we will offer you:

• A full induction including support to access the FA free training
• On-going support, guidance and supervision from a member of staff
• The opportunity to develop your personal, professional and football coaching skills
• The opportunity to get involved in other areas of The Trust’s work, including NHS careers
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• The opportunity to contribute to our mission

Role Description

Role Description Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist Role Description Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid) �� Call for Volunteers: Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist �� Are you passionate about driving impact through strategic fundraising? Do you have experience in securing grants, sponsorships, and donor contributions for social impact projects? UNIMAC is looking for a Fundraising & Grant Writing Specialist to help us expand our reach and empower more women and youth through education, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development. About UNIMAC: It is a purpose-driven nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and girls through education, advocacy, mentorship, leadership training, and personal development. Our programs provide life-changing opportunities, but we need dedicated fundraising experts to help us sustain and scale our impact. What You’ll Do �� Grant Writing & Applications – Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to potential funders. �� Partnership Development – Identify and engage sponsors, donors, and corporate partners who align with our mission. �� Fundraising Campaigns – Plan and execute online and offline fundraising initiatives to support program sustainability. �� Donor Engagement – Develop strategies to maintain relationships with existing supporters and attract new donors. �� Impact Reporting – Assist in tracking and reporting fundraising outcomes to ensure transparency and effectiveness. Who We're Looking For ✅ Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or sponsorship acquisition. ✅ Strong research and proposal-writing skills. ✅ Ability to create and execute strategic fundraising plans. ✅ Passion for social impact, women’s empowerment, and leadership development. ✅ Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Why Join Us? �� Work with a global team of changemakers across Cameroon and beyond. �� Gain hands-on experience in fundraising for a high-impact social nonprofit. �� Be part of a mission-driven organisation transforming lives through education, advocacy, training, and mentorship. �� Help scale life-changing programs for women and youth.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organisation that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

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 organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

We are looking to appoint a volunteer who has management experience and who is able to support the functions of our Communications & Marketing Department through the effective management of our marketing team and marketing policy. These functions include: website, social media, engagement, events and sponsorship (as a temporary function within this department). 

Key accountabilities:

• Departmental strategic management 
• Marketing policy development 
• Social media output 
• Website development and design 
• Engagement and events 
• To take part in department wider management and leadership activities
• To support the planning of department activities
• To take on line management roles as assigned
• To provide effective supervision and guidance to other volunteers as delegated
• To oversee departmental tasks
• To provide support and additional capacity with regards to progress of departmental relevant tasks

Requirements 

• To have experience working in the charity sector or voluntary sector 
• To have experience in managing a team of people/volunteers 
• To be competent in IT, social media and website design 
• To be an effective communicator and leader
• At least 7 or more years of relevant experience.
• Some experience (ideally 2 or more years) of managing or leading a team.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

 Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for community engagement and urban planning? Perhaps you have recently retired and would like to help the next generation of planners to gain some experience?

Planning Aid for London is seeking dynamic individuals to join us as a Lead Volunteer Caseworkers. This role is a great opportunity for experienced town planners to help communities to shape the future of London's neighbourhoods and contribute to positive community development.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking experienced and motivated individuals with at least 5 years experience in:

• Urban planning
•  Development management
• Planning policy
• Planning enforcement 
• Planning applications (understanding the terminology, responding to planning applications)
• Navigating planning committee meetings

If you have proven leadership skills, excellent communication skills and a commitment to empowering communities, we want to hear from you!

Diversity Statement

Planning Aid for London's main aim is to help support greater diversity and inclusion for residents as part of the planning system. We work to empower people to have real influence over decisions about their environment and communities and welcome opportunities from anyone who would like to help us to achieve that.

Planning Aid for London is aware that discrimination based on sex, race, ability, sexuality, class, gender, religion, age, maternity, parenthood or other characteristics can be consciously or subconsciously replicated in its undertakings and will eliminate any form of discrimination in its activities. To achieve this Planning Aid for London regularly reviews and monitors their work and practises.

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

Volunteer Opportunity: Graphic Designer

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Flexible / Remote

Commitment: Volunteer Creative Role

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking a creative and committed Graphic Designer to join our volunteer team. This role is central to shaping the visual identity of Ranger Cadets, producing designs that inspire pride, belonging, and community impact.

As a Graphic Designer, you will:

• Create badges for cadet uniforms that embody dignity and achievement.

• Design posters, flyers, and social media posts to promote Ranger Cadets.

• Develop infographics and motion graphics to communicate our mission and programmes.

• Produce print and digital assets that expand our reach and strengthen our brand.

• Collaborate with leadership and volunteers to ensure designs are accurate, vibrant, and emotionally resonant.

Who We’re Looking For

• A creative individual with experience in graphic design (professional or volunteer).

• Strong skills in digital design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar).

• Ability to adapt designs for print, digital, and social media platforms.

• Passion for youth empowerment, community impact, and visual storytelling.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape the ceremonial and visual identity of a national youth organisation.

• A portfolio of impactful designs that inspire pride and belonging.

• The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through creative work that supports young people.

How to Apply

If you are ready to use your creativity to empower young people and help Ranger Cadets grow, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

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.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

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 Farsi

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 Farsi and english

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

Action Tutoring is a national education charity that offers free maths and English tutoring to pupils facing disadvantage. 

By volunteering as a tutor at a local school or online, you'll be supporting children to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future.

What will I be doing?

• Tutoring 1-3 pupils in Year 5 or 6, or Year 7, 10 or 11.

• Commit to one hour a week, for up to 20 weeks. You choose the day and time to sign up to.

• Use our tutor workbooks to guide your pupils through activities that will boost their confidence and grades.

What you'll gain:

• Receive induction training, tutor workbooks and ongoing support.

• Develop skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Meet like-minded people in our volunteer community.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

This volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.

• Seek valuable experience working with children and are eager to hone essential skills such as communication, mentorship, and leadership – all highly valued in any career path.

• Have a busy schedule but are keen to contribute to your community, as this flexible role requires just one hour a week, either in-person or conveniently online.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes, so if your qualifications differ from those mentioned - we still encourage you to apply! Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: this is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."