Volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Richmond, greater london
Trustee Recruitment
Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering
Become a trustee for Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering (Age UK RBH)
We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of vital services for older people across our three boroughs.
We are looking for dedicated, passionate people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience, to join the Age UK RBH Board of Trustees.
You'll join a trustee team with a vast amount of personal and professional experience across a whole range of fields. You’ll be warmly welcomed, participate fully in the governance of our charity and all that entails, and supported to develop your skills.
We'd love to hear from you whether you're an experienced trustee or have never been one. It's just important that you're passionate about creating a fair and equal society for older people and can embody our values.
What we are looking for:
· Previous committee experience and abilities to work in a team
· Professional or voluntary skills and experience covering areas such as supporting older people, caring, finance, communication, property, Human Resources.
· People who live in one of our 3 core boroughs or work or have family connection to one of them or an interest in supporting older people in Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering
· Commitment to diversity and inclusion
It is not essential to be an older person yourself (due to a majority of older people on the existing board).
We are particularly keen to recruit trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas that are underrepresented on our board:
· Legal – governance, compliance, contracts, safeguarding
· Human Resources – workforce development, wellbeing, organisational culture
· Local Authority/Public Sector – commissioning, partnership working, policy insight
· Data and Digital – evidence‑based decision making, data governance, innovation
· Social Enterprise/Business Development – income generation, sustainability, entrepreneurship
· Commissioning and Contract Management – strategic commissioning, outcomes framework
We're actively looking to improve the diversity of our Board of Trustees, so we'd especially like to hear from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.
Time commitment
There are six Board of Trustees Meetings in the year usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.
Contact
To register your interest in becoming a trustee please email your CV with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the role to chair
We will invite you for a conversation and provide further information about becoming a trustee.
Closing date: 31st January 2026
Interviews: Week beginning 9th February 2026
For more information please email:
Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustee
Andreea Albu, Chief Executive
Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering
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 seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Community First Aid Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams
At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.
We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.
As Network Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.
We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.
If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025
To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:
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!
Overview:
Lead recruitment, training, and support for CWV’s volunteer workforce, ensuring a positive and empowering experience for everyone involved.
Key Responsibilities:
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Recruit and onboard new volunteers
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Coordinate volunteer schedules and placements
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Deliver training sessions and maintain records
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Develop volunteer engagement and recognition programmes
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Liaise with team leads to match volunteers with appropriate roles
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Support the safeguarding and welfare of all volunteers
Skills & Experience:
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Strong people and organisational skills
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Experience managing or supporting volunteers
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Good communication and record-keeping
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Enthusiastic about community engagement and teamwork
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have a keen eye for detail and the ability to capture nature in an engaging and informative way?
We are seeking volunteer photographers to help us build a high-quality image library and create eye-catching visuals for our social media channels, website, publications, and case studies. Your photographs will play a key role in showcasing our impact and motivating more people to support a greener, healthier London.
You will have the flexibility to capture photos in your local area, focusing on specific themes featured in the supporting document. In addition, we will be hosting a number of hands-on tree planting sessions across London, and we would be delighted to have you join us to photograph, or digitally film these activities.
All images will be attributed appropriately, but we are unable to pay any royalties now or in the future. However, you're welcome to share links displaying your published work in support of our aims.
Our Vision is that by 2030 London has become a well-planned, climate resilient, nature rich city.



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're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.
The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.
Key Tasks and Objectives
- Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
- On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
- Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
- Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
- Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
- Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
- Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
- Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.
Key Skills or Qualifications
- Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
- Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
- Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
- Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
- Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
- Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
- Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
- A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
- Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
- Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
- Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
- Experience of using Django framework websites.
- Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
- Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
- Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
- Good research and information management skills.
- An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.
Key Benefits
- Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
- Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
- At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
- Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
- Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
- Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
- Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.
Training and Support
- Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
- This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
- Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
- Regular updates on charity activities.
- Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
- After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
- Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.



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!
Support our mission to bring light and joy to seriously ill children.
Volunteer: Trusts & Foundations Research & Applications
We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support our Trusts & Foundations team with research and grant writing. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in the charitable sector, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop fundraising skills.
Key responsibilities:
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Research potential funders and funding opportunities
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Assist with writing and preparing grant applications
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Support reporting and administration for submitted applications
Time commitment:
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Ideally one day per week (flexible to suit your schedule)
Who we’re looking for:
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Strong research and writing skills, good attention to detail
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Organised, proactive, and able to work independently
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Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
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Ideally some understanding or interest in T&F, fundraising, or the charity sector
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Previous research experience (academic or professional) is helpful but not essential
What You’ll Gain:
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Experience working in a high-impact fundraising team
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Training and support from a passionate, collaborative team
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A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families
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A reference upon successful completion of your volunteering
Join us and help make a real difference!
We brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community
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 Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC).
Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy. Formerly ALD Life, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy, the charity was established in 2004.
Due to popular demand, we extended our services to support all leukodystrophies in 2019 and became Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.
Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for adrenoleukodystrophy patients and their families. Our charitable work is supported by our chain of five charity shops across south east London.
With scant resources we are always in need of trustworthy and reliable volunteers to assist retail staff.
Could you spare a few hours a week?
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.
We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for volunteers who can:
- sort and clean stock
- serve customers
- create eye catching displays
- identify potentially valuable stock
ABOUT YOU
Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:
- an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
- honesty and trustworthiness
- reliability
- enthusiasm
The role is located in any of our five shops in Forest Hill, Greenwich, Peckham, Penge or Walworth Road.
Alex TLC is committed to promoting diversity.
We are only able to accept applications from UK residents.
Our Mission is to support anyone affected by leukodystrophy, support research, raise awareness and improve best practice within healthcare systems.
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 create sensory activities, challenges and games featuring our bespoke disabled characters and take them to a variety of events and other organisations. And this is where you come in! We need volunteers to do lots of different jobs from big too small. Whether it's preparing activities, setting up, speaking to people or helping pack up, there's plenty to do.
Why?
- Providing a safe space for families who would otherwise find bigger events difficult.
- Promote education and awareness of inclusion around disability.
Who are you?
We are not looking for robots, we want your uniqueness. Generally speaking you will have a;
- Fun loving personality
- Be Patient
- Enthusiastic even when your playing the same game for the 50th time that day.
What do we need from you?
- To have a DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
- Be willing to undertake our training programme
- Sign our volunteer contract (if you disagree with anything in the contract please feel free to discuss it with us.)
What can you expect from us?
- We don't currently ask us our volunteers to be on a rota. Your time is precious and we are thankful for however much you are willing to give to us.
- We have a proactive and positive approach to disability and illness. We will make any and all accommodations you require. If you would like to arrange a confidential conversation please contact us and we shall arrange to speak.
Please let us know if you require adjustments. Please note any and all information will be kept in the strictest of confidence.
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Be the difference on your doorstep.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship, support and listening ear to people living in their local community, sometimes with serious, long-term or terminal illness who often struggle with loneliness.
By popping round for a cup of tea or a friendly chat once a week you can make a world of difference. You will be a good listener, kind and have a genuine interest in other people.
As a Compassionate Neighbour Volunteer you’ll not only gain new skills, confidence, and social networks; you’ll be making a difference in your local community.
Full training and support is provided. Training for our next intake will be held at the Hospice on the following dates:
Saturdays 8 and 15 November 2025, 9.30am – 3.30pm
If you are unable to attend those, we have scheduled training later on in the New Year:
Wednesday 21 January & Friday 23 January 2026, 9.30am – 3.30pm
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!
Home-Start Croydon is a charity dedicated to helping parents give their children the best possible start in life.
As a volunteer, you will help run a warm and welcoming peer-to-peer stay and play group for families with children aged 0–5. You will engage with parents, share information about local services, and take part in play activities that encourage children to learn and explore.
Your support will help strengthen community bonds, promote inclusion, and reduce isolation—creating a safe, supportive space where families and children can flourish and thrive.
Role title: Stay & Play Group Volunteer
Hours: 3 hours per week, term-time only
Key activities
v Setting up the group room and tidying up afterwards
v Chatting with parents and making them feel welcome
v Making refreshments for adults/healthy snacks for children
v Encouraging children to play and explore
v Participating with the families in the activities organised for the day
v Inspiring parents to build friendships and support networks amongst themselves
v Providing information on childcare options / signposting to local services for families (training provided)
v Being attentive, observant, able to read situations and respond with care
v Building a good knowledge of your own community and links with local families
v Collaborating and coordinating with fellow volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly
v Recording and documenting basic but essential information needed for funding purposes
v Attending training
v Regularly meeting with the Parent Champion Coordinator and other volunteers to share good practice
Skills and Experience
v Have experience of being a parent or carer
v Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and local family services
v Having an understanding of professional and personal boundaries
v Being warm, jovial and welcoming with the families and colleagues
v Have a non-judgemental attitude, able to communicate and listen with kindness and understanding
v Have the ability to empathise with some of the difficulties parents face
v Be able to work collaboratively in small teams
v Have an awareness of Confidentiality and Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (training provided)
v Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity
v Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start Croydon
Prospective volunteers will be contacted and invited to attend an induction training course provided by Home-Start Croydon and Coram Family and Childcare. An enhanced DBS check is required and will be carried out as part of the application process by Home-Start.
Home-Start Croydon is committed to safe recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.
This role involves volunteering with families who may be going through difficult times. It is essential that candidates are in a stable and positive place themselves, meet the above criteria, and are prepared to work sensitively and responsibly with families. Home-Start Croydon reserves the right to decline any volunteer application if the individual does not meet the requirements or if it is considered not suitable for the families’ well-being.
Home-Start Croydon is a voluntary organisation committed to helping local families through emotional & practical 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!
Cadet Unit Leaders Wanted in LONDON
Join the Ranger Cadets – Lead a London Unit
Do you want to inspire the next generation and make a real difference in your community?
The Ranger Cadets are seeking passionate leaders to establish and guide our local cadet units across London.
We are 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.
Now, we are looking for Cadet Unit Leaders to lead our cadets at the grassroots level, ensuring they are seen locally in uniform as positive role models breaking down stereotypes of young people in the community.
The Role
As a Cadet Unit Leader, you will:
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Set up, manage, and develop one of our London-based cadet units.
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Lead and inspire cadets, creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
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Coordinate and deliver the cadet syllabus, ensuring cadets take part in fun, rewarding, and interactive programmes.
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Help cadets earn badges for their uniform and progress through the ranks.
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Represent Ranger Cadets locally, showcasing young people as forces for good in their communities.
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Wear a uniform with rank insignia, reflecting your leadership role.
Why Volunteer With Us?
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Empower young people: Help cadets grow into confident, capable leaders.
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Shape the future: Build and lead a unit that will become a cornerstone of the Ranger Cadets.
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Be part of something new: Join the founding team of a pioneering youth organisation.
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Inclusive community: Work with a diverse group of young people and volunteers united by service.
Who We’re Looking For
We want someone who is:
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Passionate about youth development and community service.
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A strong leader and organiser, able to inspire and coordinate activities.
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Committed to our values of inclusivity, integrity, and service.
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Excited to help cadets earn achievements, wear their badges with pride, and advance in rank.
Your Call to Action
This is more than a volunteer role – it’s a chance to make history at the grassroots level. Step into uniform. Take up the challenge. Become a Cadet Unit Leader and help us inspire the next generation in London.
Apply today and be part of the founding team of the Ranger Cadets. Together, we will be a force for good.
RANGER CADETS
#PreparedForLife
To empower young people through structured, uniformed experiences that build life skills, leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.
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!
Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe,
Activities include:
- Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
- Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
- Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
- Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
- Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
- Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
- Attend regular volunteer team meetings
- Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.
Additional activities could include:
- Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
- Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
- Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
- Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches
Skills/Qualities/Experience:
- Be a good and active listener who can support others
- Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
- Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
- Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
- A commitment to your own spiritual development
- A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
- Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
- Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
- A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
- Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have
Training Support:
- A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
- A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
- Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
- Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
- Team meetings and social events
- Mileage and expenses may be payable
You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this).
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and 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!
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
Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat welfare team leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.
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
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Volunteering alongside colleagues including the branch coordinator/team leader, Cat Welfare team, branch development manager and Vet team to ensure that cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
- Support fosterers to follow cat welfare policies and procedures
- Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
- Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified systems
- Attending relevant volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
- With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers
- Represent the branch at relevant meetings
- Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
- Collaborating with the cat adoption team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with our policies and procedures
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows:
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Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm
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Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm.
Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays.
Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
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Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
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Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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* Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed);
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry
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The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
Desirable:
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish;
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Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics.
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
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!
We’re looking for creative and organised people who enjoy visual design and want to use their skills to support meaningful community projects.
As a Creative Design Volunteer, you’ll help create eye-catching digital and print materials that promote our programmes, campaigns and events. From social media graphics to posters and newsletters, your designs will help us communicate clearly and consistently with our audiences.
This is a flexible opportunity for anyone who enjoys bringing ideas to life through design and wants to use their creativity for social good.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Designing digital and print materials such as posters, flyers and social media graphics
- Creating templates and layouts for newsletters, presentations or reports
- Adapting designs to meet accessibility and brand guidelines
- Supporting the visual design of campaigns and community events
- Helping organise and manage design files and templates
- Contributing creative ideas for visual storytelling and community engagement
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
- Creative eye for layout and design
- Confidence using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar
- Attention to detail and ability to follow brand guidelines
- Good communication and collaboration skills
- Reliable, organised and able to manage time effectively
- Interest in community, social impact or charity communications
What You’ll Gain
- Experience designing materials for community campaigns and events
- Opportunities to develop and showcase creative skills
- A chance to build a portfolio of design work for a good cause
- The satisfaction of helping a charity communicate its impact
About Us
We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.
Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.
Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.
A catalyst for overcoming poverty at its root by empowering marginalised people and developing sustainable communities.





