Volunteer volunteer roles in ilford, greater london

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

We've recently reopened our Islington Shop with a gorgeous new look inspired by the neighbouring film studios. In amongst the retro cinema seats and beautiful backstage velvet curtains you'll find unique vintage treasures and lovingly curated donated stock, hand picked by our brilliant volunteer team.

Our Islington 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. 

Proxy by IWI Overview
The mission of Proxy by IWI is to provide and encourage an engaged, thoughtful feminist response to mainstream media,
popular culture, legal discord and advocacy.

To be published daily on the web, Proxy by IWI is ambitious, distinctive journalism about the people, ideas, laws and institutions that matter most from a feminist perspective - and beyond. Featuring hard-hitting original reporting as well as smart analysis, provocative argument, and first-person perspectives.

Principal Responsibilities
• Maintain a comprehensive overview of trends and developments on women's human rights globally;
• Must be able to submit a minimum of two (2) articles a month for publication, avg 600-800 words;
• Verify accuracy of facts and obtain supplemental material and additional details from files, reference libraries, and
interviews with knowledgeable sources;
• Organise material and report conforming to specified length, style, and format requirements;
• Interview people in a range of different circumstances as needed;
•Build contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc;
• Work closely with the Proxy team to produce concise and accurate copy according to our house style; 
• Research and write feature articles, sometimes for subsidiary publications and supplements;
• Create news content for the Proxy by IWI website.

Requirements
• 4+ years' experience in research and /or reporting;
•Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Flexibility, initiative, and good problem-solving abilities;
• Multicultural experience and sensitivity to cross-cultural differences;
• Desire to work in a women's human rights environment;
• Strong listening skills;
• Excellent writing ability, including the ability to write in different styles and to other people's direction;
• Good analytical skills to gain an accurate understanding of the subject in question;
• Organisational ability to manage multiple projects, often to tight deadlines;
• Creative approach, both in coming up with ideas for new projects and for getting a message across innovatively; 
• Good attention to detail, including the ability to proof-read your own work;
• Excellent written English skills.
 

Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing! Come on board to help us manage relationships with the businesses that have joined us: use your communications skills to drive more businesses to engage with the platform and to make donations of things they no longer need.

A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We're rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we're growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.

You’ll be using both your communications skills and your project management expertise to help us grow the number of businesses engaging with the platform and giving things away.

Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.

We are recruiting Volunteer Team Leaders to lead and inspire! This is your chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experience and have fun whilst being part of a great cause.

Location: London, working from home 

Recruiting for various Team Leaders for- so please specify.

- West London Sister Team Leader

- North London Brother Team Leader

- Slough Brother Team Leader

- South London Brother Team Leader

- Tower Hamlets Sister Team Leader

- Newham Sister Team Leader

Expenses: This is a voluntary position, but we reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy

Main tasks

We need individuals who can manage a group of volunteers within their region and work with Human Appeal staff members to ensure volunteers’ active involvement in events and campaigns.

 Recruit new volunteers and lead current volunteers who will be allocated to your team

 Communicate important campaign-related information to your team

 Organise 2 Fundraising events or community projects with your team within an assigned budget in the year.

 Actively attend and participate in Team Leader meetings and complete any actions allocated to you E.g Recruiting volunteers for online fundraising.

 Work with the Human Appeal staff team to deliver campaigns and 2 in-person events for the year.

 Organise and attend Monthly Meetings with your Volunteers

 Where possible, support with Team Leader recruitment by joining the interviewing panel

Knowledge/Experience/Skills

We will provide you with the tools, training and support you need but here are a few things we are looking for:

 Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing, innovation and interpersonal skills

 Willingness to learn and develop as an individual and accept constructive feedback

 Ability to build and maintain relationships with all levels of people 

 Ability to support and coordinate a diverse group of individuals

 Ability to prioritise workload and work well in a team

Learning and Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

 Leadership training to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to fulfil the role

 A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision

 Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy

 Webinars to provide you with the information you require for the campaign

 A volunteer handbook that outlines the policies and procedures you need to be aware of whilst volunteering

Benefits of volunteering with us

By volunteering in an international charity, you will gain valuable skills, experience and knowledge. We will also offer:

 Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events and training programmes

 Opportunity for you and your team run your own event for a Human Appeal project of your choice

 Support from our HR Team in developing your CV and interviewing skills 

 Experience of operating within an international humanitarian charity

 Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering 

 Excellent support as part of a friendly team with fun away days

 Develop knowledge and skills in people management, social media, recruitment and project management 

We are looking for 3 experienced creative content writers who will enjoy planning, updating and delivering the content for our website, members magazine as well as other digital and print materials. We are looking for 3 skilled professionals who can write compelling and persuasive content, who will help ensure a consistent tone across all our digital and printed communications to promote awareness and engagement.

We deal with a wide range of people and professions, which means that it can be difficult to consistently communicate with everyone effectively. Therefore, a communication and marketing volunteer will help to market our projects, services and the condition more widely than we are currently able to do. This includes creating and helping to distribute marketing materials, creating content for the Burning Nights CRPS Support website and helping us create and develop a communications and marketing strategy.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Copywriting: Create well-written and compelling copy for use on our website, members magazine, leaflets, one-page/fact sheets, fundraising/promotional materials and in our membership packs
• Case study writing and storytelling: Help communicate our impact via stories and case studies that we can use on our website, in marketing materials, or for our fundraising materials
• Web copywriting: Create and update engaging content for our website that adheres to our brand
• Communication materials review: Review our existing communications materials. Recommend edits that will provide us with consistency in writing style and tone, accurate spelling and grammar, and a clear and engaging voice for our organisation. Evaluate the way we communicate with volunteers, members of the public and helping us to develop better ways of doing this
• Social media snippets - create information and case study snippets for the various social media platforms
• Press Releases and any content that could be used in different channel
• Annual Review/Brochure writing: Create or update copy for a brochure or our annual review, highlighting our impact current and potential stakeholders

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative 

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative empowers underserved communities in Uganda—particularly women, youth, and children—through grassroots action, advocacy, and partnerships. It addresses key challenges including limited mental health support, poor water and sanitation, barriers to quality education, and the impacts of climate change. Programs create safe spaces for mental health awareness, improve clean water access and hygiene, and provide educational resources and mentorship to promote inclusive learning. Climate action efforts involve tree planting, conservation, and sustainable practices. By fostering community ownership and engaging volunteers, Obuyisi bw’Omu drives practical, sustainable solutions that enhance well-being and resilience for lasting positive change.

Human Resources Assistant

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We are seeking a committed Human Resource Volunteer to support our people-focused processes remotely. The volunteer will help strengthen our capacity to manage staff and volunteers by leading recruitment, onboarding, policy development, and performance support. This role is vital in ensuring that our team and volunteers remain motivated, organized, and aligned with our mission to create sustainable impact in Mental Health, WASH, Quality Education, and Climate Resilience.

Key Responsibilities Recruitment & Onboarding Support the recruitment of staff, volunteers, and interns by preparing role descriptions, posting opportunities, and screening applicants. Coordinate virtual onboarding and orientation for new members.

Volunteer & Staff Management Maintain an updated database of volunteers and staff. Track volunteer contributions and ensure recognition through certificates or appreciation programs.

Policy & Compliance Support Assist in drafting and updating HR policies (safeguarding, child protection, equal opportunity, volunteer management). Ensure compliance with nonprofit standards and donor requirements.

Performance & Capacity Development Support setting clear expectations and goals for team members. Collect feedback and assist in organizing virtual training or capacity-building sessions.

Wellbeing & Conflict Management Promote staff and volunteer wellbeing, including mental health awareness. Provide basic support for conflict resolution and team relationship building.

Organizational Culture Help foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and inclusive work culture. Suggest creative ways to keep remote staff and volunteers engaged.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Use Your Creativity to Combat Loneliness with SUNSHINE

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Loneliness is one of the most painful experiences a person can face. It’s not just about being alone—it’s about feeling invisible. In London, thousands of people are quietly struggling with isolation, and the toll it takes on mental health, confidence, and wellbeing is profound.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run grassroots charity on a mission to change that. We’re building a community of connection, warmth, and hope—and we need a Marketing Manager who can help us shine.

Why This Role Matters

Marketing isn’t just about promotion—it’s about storytelling. It’s about reaching someone who feels forgotten and letting them know they matter. It’s about inspiring volunteers, donors, and communities to rally around a cause that touches every corner of society.

As our Marketing Manager, you’ll be the emotional heartbeat of our outreach. You’ll craft campaigns that stir empathy, ignite action, and build a brand that radiates compassion.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and lead emotionally impactful marketing strategies across digital and print.

• Create compelling content that highlights the urgency of loneliness and the power of connection.

• Collaborate with graphic designers and programme leads to promote services and recruit volunteers.

• Build SUNSHINE’s presence on social media, job boards, and community platforms.

• Shape our voice and visual identity to reflect hope, dignity, and inclusion.

What You’ll Bring

• A passion for storytelling and social impact.

• Experience in marketing, communications, or branding (professional or volunteer).

• Creativity, empathy, and a strategic mindset.

• A desire to be part of something meaningful from the very beginning.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to build a charity brand that truly matters.

• A community of kind, driven changemakers.

• The joy of knowing your work is helping people feel seen, heard, and loved.

• Experience, purpose, and legacy.

Let’s make loneliness a little less lonely. Let’s be the sunshine.

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections. Enhancing Wellbeing. Transforming Lives.

Volunteer Youth Support Worker 

Location: at our Satellite Session in Mildmay Comunity Centre N16 
Time commitment: Wednesdays in term Time 4:30-7:30pm 
Reports to: Lead Youth Worker

About Us 

At Mary’s Youth Club, we’re more than just a place to hang out. We’re a safe, supportive space where young people aged 10–19 can be themselves, try new things, and feel like they belong. 

From creative arts and music to games, sports, and wellbeing sessions, we run exciting drop-in activities and workshops every weekday. Everything we do is shaped by young people, with a strong focus on inclusion, creativity, and community. 

The Role 

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to support our team in delivering fun and engaging activities for young people. No experience is needed – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in! 

This role is for our Wednesday satellite session ‘Craft & Create’ delivered At Mildmay Community Centre (N16 8NA).

This role would particularly suit someone who is interested in, and able to offer, arts and craft, music or other creative sessions 

This is a great opportunity to gain experience in youth work, give back to your community, and help create a safe, welcoming environment for young people to grow and thrive. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting young people during drop-in sessions

• Helping set up and run activities with staff 

• Being a friendly and approachable presence for young people 

• Encouraging creativity, teamwork and confidence 

• Assisting with tidying up and ensuring the space stays safe and welcoming 

What We’re Looking For 

You don’t need experience – we’ll provide guidance and support. We’re looking for volunteers who: 

• Enjoy spending time with young people 

• Have an interest in creative, hands-on activities

• Are patient, friendly and good listeners 

• Are reliable and able to work well in a team 

• Are open to learning and receiving feedback 

• Respect diversity and different backgrounds 

• Are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment 

What You’ll Get 

• Support and supervision from experienced youth workers 

• A warm, friendly team environment 

• Opportunities to learn more about youth work 

• A chance to make a real difference in young people’s lives 

• References and certificates of volunteering (on request) 

Additional Info 

• All volunteers will be asked to complete a basic DBS (criminal record) check – we can help with this 

• We provide safeguarding training and a full induction 

• Volunteers must be 18+ 

Please note that unfortunately, we are not in a financial position to be able to pay sponsorship visa costs for individuals, therefore you will need to have settled status or pre-settled status in the UK in order to be able to apply for this volunteer role

How to Apply 

Interested? We'd love to hear from you! 

Join us in making Mary’s a space where young people feel safe, supported, and inspired – every day. �� 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Wandsworth Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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

The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so applicants would need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Design the Feeling of Belonging. Shape the Look of Hope.

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

SUNSHINE is a new grassroots charity tackling loneliness in London. We’re building spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued—through coffee mornings, digital inclusion, fitness, and befriending programmes. But before anyone walks through our doors, they’ll meet us through a poster, a flyer, a social post.

We’re looking for a Graphic Designer to volunteer some time to help us craft the visual language of SUNSHINE: one that speaks of warmth, dignity, and human connection.

Why This Role Matters

Design is how people feel us before they meet us. As our Graphic Designer, you’ll shape the imagery, colours, and layouts that invite people in—from volunteers and donors to those we serve. You’ll help us build a brand that feels like a hug, a spark, a welcome.

This is a vital role for someone who believes visuals can move hearts—and mobilise action.

What You’ll Do

• Design flyers, posters, social media graphics, and digital assets for campaigns and programmes.

• Develop a cohesive visual identity that reflects our values and mission.

• Collaborate with other volunteers to ensure messaging and design work hand-in-hand.

• Create templates and toolkits that empower volunteers to share SUNSHINE’s story.

• Help us make every visual feel like an invitation to belong.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in graphic design (professional or volunteer), with a portfolio that shows emotional impact.

• A strong sense of visual storytelling and brand cohesion.

• Familiarity with design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).

• A heart for grassroots change and a belief in the power of beauty to uplift.

What You’ll Gain

• A central role in shaping the look and feel of a charity that transforms lives.

• The joy of seeing your designs spark connection, action, and hope.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your creativity and care.

• Legacy, purpose, and the chance to design something that truly matters.

Let’s design a charity that feels like home. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR TEAM

BE THE SUNSHINE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES.

We are seeking a Fundraising Volunteer to join our small, friendly team. In this rewarding role, you’ll play an important part in our busy organisation. You will be helping to strengthen relationships with our valued supporters, assist with a variety of fundraising activities, and contribute directly to our mission: to find a cure for Parkinson’s. Your support will help us raise vital funds and awareness, ensuring every supporter feels appreciated and engaged.

What you’ll be involved in

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll be able to choose activities that match your skills and interests. Your tasks may include:

• Calling donors and fundraisers to thank them for their support
• Sending out fundraising materials and charity updates via post and email
• Processing donations, updating supporter records, and assisting with Gift Aid forms
• Engaging local businesses, schools, sports clubs and community groups to support our fundraising efforts
• Researching new partnership opportunities and potential supporters
• Assisting on the day of events with setting up stalls or cheering on participants Whether you prefer working behind the scenes or being out in the community, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.

Personal qualities we’re looking for

You don’t need previous fundraising experience just a willingness to get involved! We’re especially looking for someone who is:

• Friendly and approachable
• A confident communicator (verbal and written)
• Reliable, with good initiative
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable using basic IT systems
• Passionate about making a difference

We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!  

Who are Literacy Pirates?   

Through our term-long after-school programmes, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.  

Children join us on our Virtual Ship once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance.  

What does a Volunteer do?  

As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.

Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means your time is solely focused on supporting the children in breakout rooms.

You will:  

• Receive full training.

• Gain experience working with children and leading small groups online.

• Develop your communication, leadership, problem-solving and digital skills.

• Take part in games and have fun. 

• Be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.  

We offer employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us. 

What are we looking for?  

We ask volunteers to give just three hours per month, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!  

Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.  

All we ask is that you:  

• Are aged 16+ 

• Must be a UK resident  

• Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this)  

• Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role) 

Volunteer ESOL Teacher to provide classes for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You will plan and deliver lessons independently with the assistance of experienced ESOL teachers.  Your students will be from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ages.

We run classes from Monday to Thursday from 10 am until 12. 

Although previous teaching experience is not compulsory, CELTA and TEFL would be appreciated.