Volunteer volunteer roles in sidcup, greater london

Can you help us by providing a calm, safe, and caring environment for our small furries whilst we find them their fur-ever home?

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering our smaller animals? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits and other small furries relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these small animals, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a small animal fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the animals in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.

• Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.

• Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.

• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals.

What We’re Looking For:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our small furries may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.

• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).

• You should be located in Buckinghamshire or within a reasonable distance.

What’s in It for You?

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the small animals in your care.

• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

• The RSPCA is happy to reimburse you for any pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Practical Considerations:

• Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference. As a Membership and Retail Support

As a Membership and Retail Volunteer you will actively engage with our visitors and encourage them to support WWT as members. Enthusing them with stories of our conservation work and the many benefits of membership, you’ll help us secure the essential support we need to continue our ambitious plans for wetlands conservation.

And if you have an eye for something special and can offer excellent customer service to every one of our visitors, even better. You will also be a support to our retail team and help keep up the great work in offering a wide range of items for them to take home. Experience is always welcomed but not essential as training for this and our membership processes will be provided.

EVENTS VOLUNTEER (Guildford & Epsom Branch)

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible and play an absolutely essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. Much of the RSPCA’s direct animal welfare work is carried out through the branches. These separately registered charities across England and Wales are run by volunteers who are unstinting in their work for animal welfare.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to help fundraise at fetes, in supermarkets and other outlets to collect vital donations that enable us to continue our animal welfare work. The more volunteers we have and funds we can raise, the more animals we can help!

Overview of the opportunity

In this role, you will be the friendly face of the RSPCA, helping us raise funds for our branch at community fetes and in local high streets, supermarkets and similar outlets.

This varied role offers you the chance to experience different volunteering positions, ranging from street collections and in-store fundraising drives to attendance at local community fetes. Each of these events are equally important to raising vital funds as well as raising our profile in the community.

Volunteering at events offers you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and learn about how you each support the RSPCA. You will most likely meet animals that we have rehomed and hear about their adoption journey.

If you have a relaxed dog that likes meeting people, you are welcome to bring them along with you to street collections and fundraising drives as this is always a conversation starter!

Location is dependent on the event at which you choose to volunteer, you will be out in the community in the local area

What you will be doing

(this list is not exhaustive but gives an idea of some of the tasks that you may be required to assist with.)

• Street collections and fundraising drives: standing with a collection bucket, greeting members of the public and thanking them for any donations.
•  Fetes and fairs: potentially assisting with set up or pack away, handling money from sales of chatting to members of the public and thanking them for any purchases they make.
•  Helping seek out event opportunities and organising them.

The skills you need

• No experience is necessary as we will provide you with the guidance you need.
•  Reliability and commitment.
•  Good organisational and communication skills.
•  Enjoy working with the general public.
•  Enthusiasm and passion for the work of the RSPCA.
•  We ask for a minimum of one hour of your time - we recommend a maximum of 2 hours at any one event as you will be standing.
•  You will need to be aged 18 years old or over to volunteer in this role unless you can be accompanied by an adult.

What's in it for you

•  Meet new people and make new friends
•  Learn great new skills to add to your CV
•  A great induction and training relevant to your role
•  Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of the local community
• You'll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
•  Ongoing support, training and guidance will be provided.

PLEASE ONLY APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY IF YOU LIVE IN THE UK

Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety course and any associated training required for your role. Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees and depending on the position you may be required to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary’s Living & Giving Kew has become a much loved destination for followers of pre-loved fashion and a community hub for the wonderful residents of Kew. Located minutes from world famous Kew Gardens we welcome lots of UK and international visitors too.

Our Kew 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. 

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 fun

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our East Dulwich 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. We would also love to hear from people willing to volunteer on Sundays. 

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 let us know if you are willing to volunteer on Sundays.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Are you a Pashto speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Pashto-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

� What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎️ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Pashto.

� Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Pashto-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

✅ What’s required?

✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations

� How to get involved:

Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Pashto-speaking community across the UK!

At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts. We aim to raise as much awareness as possible about MS, to ensure that people with MS have the support and information they need.

We've been successful in securing funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project (covering Wales and the South West of England) which will run until March 2026. 

Community Connections aims to: 

• Connect people with, and affected by, MS across Wales and the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) with services, activities and resources to enable them to live well with MS.
• Develop links with local service providers which enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their local areas, whilst improving connections within the community
• Provide information and guidance on a range of subjects, including advice about finances, cost of living-related information, energy efficiency information, carbon monoxide awareness and the Priority Service Register. 

As part of the project, we’re looking for volunteers to deliver MS Awareness sessions to partner organisations that the project will signpost to (such as Citizens Advice Bureau). MS Awareness volunteers will help us to ensure that these partner organisations are equipped to support people with MS (who will be accessing their activities and services). To help people to understand how people with MS feel.

Here’s an overview of what will be involved - 

• Delivering talks (via Zoom/Teams) to organisations to increase their understanding of MS and its symptoms. 

• Signposting to the relevant MS Society team for further information and practical support, as required.

• Note taking and helping us understand how effective sessions were 

• Attending regular volunteer support groups, where you will debrief and share experiences with other volunteers, as well as receive support from your supervisor.

We will support you to develop the skills you need for this role which will include an induction into all the areas outlined. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.

In 2025 and beyond we are looking to expand our work. We want to collaborate with more organisations, gain coproate partners and truly grow the size of Buttons & Bubbles. 

Who are we looking for?

You will be enthusiastic about bringing about more representation and inclusion.

Enjoy development and may have experience of business development.

Experience with working with corporate sponsors would be helpful. 

Be passionate or have experience in fundraising.

Be a good communicator (this does not need to be verbal communication, we recognise other forms of communication such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)

Somebody who thinks outside the box (no robots at Buttons & Bubbles) 

This role can be done remoatly. 

What do we expect
Must be willing to undertake our training programme

Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)

Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).

A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

If you would be interested in having more information about this opportunity or want to know what else we have (trust us there is plenty) please email and we can chat. 

JOB BRIEF

We are seeking a strategic and persuasive Campaigner to join our advocacy team at The IWI: International Women’s Initiative. In this critical position, you will leverage your extensive political acumen and strategic insight to influence legislation and policy on behalf of The IWI. The Campaigner will play a critical part in shaping public policy and advocacy initiatives that align with our mission and objectives. They will serve as a key liaison between our organisation and governmental entities, ensuring that our interests are effectively represented and advanced. Ideal candidates for this role possess a keen understanding of advocacy, the legislative process, excellent communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to the human rights of women. We encourage applicants who may not meet every requirement to apply. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a valuable addition to our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, community leaders, coalitions, advocacy groups  and other stakeholders to promote The IWI's objectives;

o Monitor and report on legislative developments and emerging issues that may impact The IWI;

o Collaborate with internal teams to align lobbying efforts with broader organisational goals and messaging;

o Draft and advocate policy proposals, position papers, policy briefs, reports, and testimony to articulate our stance on key issues, while representing The IWI in public forums;

o Prepare reports and recommendations for senior staff;

o Draft and disseminate press releases, position papers, and other communication materials to promote The IWI advocacy initiatives;

o Utilise social media platforms to enhance public engagement and support for The IWI lobbying efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

o 5+ years of experience in change behaviour, lobbying, public policy and government relations, with a proven track record of successful advocacy and campaigns efforts.

o Deep understanding of the legislative process and the political landscape (in the USA, Europe specifically), particularly as it relates to CEDAW;

o Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively;

o Experience in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry groups, and grassroots organisations;

o Strong network of contacts within the legislative and regulatory community; media and related NGOs.

o Able to work independently with minimal supervision;

o Ability to manage people and multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred:

o Advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field;

o Experience in women’s human rights relevant to The IWI's mission;

o Proven ability to navigate complex political environments and build consensus among diverse groups;

o Membership in relevant professional organisations or certifications in lobbying or advocacy is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES

o Proficiency in using advocacy management software and tools for tracking legislation and stakeholder engagement;

o Strong analytical skills to assess the impact of proposed legislation on organisational objectives;

o Familiarity with social media and digital advocacy platforms to enhance outreach efforts.

SOFT SKILLS AND CULTURAL FIT

o Advanced interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively with diverse teams;

o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for advocacy;

o Integrity and professionalism, demonstrating a commitment to ethical lobbying practices;

o       A passion for public service and a deep understanding of the issues affecting women’s human rights globally.

We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:

- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer

- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People

The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.

- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.

- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.

Purpose of Role 

• Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated. 

• Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client. 

Key tasks 

• Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.

• Provide conversation and company. 

• Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences. 

• Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health. 

• Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from. 

• Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis. 

• Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect. 

Skills and attributes 

• Understanding loneliness and social isolation. 

• Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. 

• Keen on building a strong befriending relationship. 

• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history. 

• Consistency and reliability.

• Understanding of Confidentiality. 

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. 

• Patience and Sensitivity. 

• Confidence to deal with emergencies. 

• Record keeping.

• Basic IT skills. 

Support Provided 

• You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers. 

• Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more. 

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager. 

• Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other. 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

• Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.  

• Monthly volunteer newsletter 

We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers! 

Benefits 

• Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

• Emotional Rewards 

• Intergenerational Connections 

• Learning and Skill Development 

• Enhancing Career Prospects 

• Building Empathy and Compassion 

• Giving Back to the Community 

• Social and celebration events 

Commitment 

• We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.

• Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting. 

CAT FOSTERER

Cat Fosterer (RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch)

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will:

•  Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
•  Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
•  Provide them with your time and patience.
•  Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
•  Playing and cuddles are also a must!        

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer                                                                                                                                                                                             

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case). 

​What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
•  Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
•  Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Length of Placement: ongoing

Join Long Covid Support and play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of people affected by Long Covid. This volunteer role gives you the chance to lead our digital infrastructure, using Microsoft 365 tools to improve how we operate and collaborate. You’ll build your IT coordination experience within a mission-driven charity, enjoying flexible remote working and joining a supportive, values-led community that truly values your contribution.

What will you be doing (role overview)?:

You will lead the setup and management of Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook. You’ll manage IT onboarding and offboarding for volunteers, provide approachable support for IT queries, and migrate data from legacy cloud platforms. Additionally, you will develop clear user guides, ensure compliance with UK GDPR and cybersecurity standards, and offer strategic advice on IT procurement to help improve our operational efficiency.

What are we looking for (about you)?

You are confident administering Microsoft 365 and handling cloud data migration, with solid knowledge of data protection and cybersecurity. You communicate clearly and enjoy supporting non-technical users. You’re organised, proactive, self-motivated, and passionate about applying your IT skills to a meaningful cause. Experience in volunteering or working with non-profits is a plus/

What difference will you make:

Your expertise will strengthen our charity’s digital capabilities, enabling smooth collaboration across teams and volunteers. This will directly improve our ability to deliver vital support to people living with Long Covid.

Key Responsibilities:

· Manage Microsoft 365 infrastructure and services

· Coordinate volunteer IT onboarding/offboarding and provide ongoing support

· Migrate files and data from existing cloud drives

· Develop and maintain IT policies and user guides aligned with data protection standards

· Ensure digital security and compliance

· Provide strategic IT advice and support procurement decisions

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter and CV, demonstrating how you meet the criteria.

Equal ops statement:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

Closing statement:

Volunteering with Long Covid Support offers you the flexibility to work remotely at times that suit you, making it easy to fit into your lifestyle. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience managing IT for a growing charity, while developing important leadership and digital transformation skills. Beyond that, you’ll become part of a compassionate and inclusive community that is dedicated to making a real, positive difference in people’s lives. Your contribution will be recognised with professional references to support your future goals, all while making a tangible impact for those living with Long Covid.

Ready to use your IT skills to make a real difference? Apply now and help us build the digital foundation that supports thousands living with Long Covid every day.

About us

Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions. 

Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as offering social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.

Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.

The Role

In this busy, hands-on role, you’ll gain an understanding of how the UK asylum system works, enabling us to provide the highest standards of service to those who need us most. Your work will focus on maintaining accurate records, following clear processes, and delivering high-quality support to every one of our vulnerable clients.

This will include working with individuals in UK detention centres. As a Detention Team Volunteer Caseworker, you’ll be speaking to clients impacted by the government’s “one in, one out” policy. You will be taking them through our client questionnaire to gather information important for their referral to legal support.

This role requires a commitment of 10 hours per week distributed evenly across the week.

We’re looking for people with a genuine passion for human rights and refugee protection. If that’s you, please get in touch. This is a fantastic opportunity to help asylum seekers access the legal support they deserve.

Responsibilities include:

• Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and manage your time effectively, sometimes working to tight deadlines
• Take on new cases each week, whilst also providing ongoing support to previous clients
• Be organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail
• Maintaining and updating client records
• Sorting and organising client’s paperwork
• Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
• An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience to cope with this
• Liaising with other professionals including lawyers and Migrant Help
• Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all times
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
• Understand the remit of the role, we do not give legal advice, we are a referral mechanism
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
• Referring clients to other teams within the organisation, when necessary
• Keeping your line manager updated on any issues which may impact your ability to carry out the role effectively.
• Maintaining communication with the management team throughout your role, available for regular check-ins to ensure the best service is provided to our clients.
• To participate in promoting the work of the legal access team as directed by the management team
• Comitting to your weekly volunteering hours

To apply please provide a covering letter outlining why you want to volunteer for the Legal Access team, and why you think you would be suitable for this role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.

• Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.

• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Preferable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic is a strong asset. 

• Having experience of the asylum system in the UK is a strong asset.

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

Lived Experience Inclusion:

We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system.

As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.

We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment)

In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation. 

Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.