Volunteer volunteer roles in somers town, greater london
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!
Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for community engagement and urban planning? Perhaps you have recently retired and would like to help the next generation of planners to gain some experience?
Planning Aid for London is seeking dynamic individuals to join us as a Lead Volunteer Caseworkers. This role is a great opportunity for experienced town planners to help communities to shape the future of London's neighbourhoods and contribute to positive community development.
What We're Looking For:
We are seeking experienced and motivated individuals with at least 5 years experience in:
- Urban planning
- Development management
- Planning policy
- Planning enforcement
- Planning applications (understanding the terminology, responding to planning applications)
- Navigating planning committee meetings
If you have proven leadership skills, excellent communication skills and a commitment to empowering communities, we want to hear from you!
Diversity Statement
Planning Aid for London's main aim is to help support greater diversity and inclusion for residents as part of the planning system. We work to empower people to have real influence over decisions about their environment and communities and welcome opportunities from anyone who would like to help us to achieve that.
Planning Aid for London is aware that discrimination based on sex, race, ability, sexuality, class, gender, religion, age, maternity, parenthood or other characteristics can be consciously or subconsciously replicated in its undertakings and will eliminate any form of discrimination in its activities. To achieve this Planning Aid for London regularly reviews and monitors their work and practises.
The 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!
About Care4Calais
Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.
The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.
UK Area Lead Volunteer
We are looking for a compassionate, organised, and motivated Volunteer Area Leads to oversee a team of volunteers and the delivery of essential services and activities in their area. You must be committed to anti-racism and social justice, particularly for people seeking safety.
We are looking for Leads in the following areas:
- North London (including Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow)
- West London (Ealing/Acton)
- Reading
- Oxford
- Surrey (Redhill/ Reigate)
- Bedfordshire
- Southampton
- Birmingham
- Nottingham
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
Responsibilities include:
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Organising activities (distributions, drop-ins, conversation clubs)
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Monitoring WhatsApp groups
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Attending and leading meetings
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Sharing updates and resources with volunteers
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Partnering with local organisations and councils
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Attending training
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Ensuring best practice and reflecting Care4Calais objectives
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Monitoring group funds and purchases
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Recording services and support provided
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Ensuring your group reflects Care4Calais’ values and messaging
What you will get
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Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training.
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Support from a wonderful team
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Opportunity to develop skills including casework, team management/leadership, admin, organisational, delegating, networking, funding bids, sourcing donations, and building partnerships in the sector
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Greater understanding of the UK asylum system
There are a range of activities that you can organise, including the following:
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English classes/ conversation clubs
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Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.
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Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries.
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Sports - activities like yoga, football etc., are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.
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Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.
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Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular.
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Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.
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Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate.
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Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.
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Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, helping individuals register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin.
Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.
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
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
What we need from you
- A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
- 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
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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!
ScotsCare's reception is run by a team of friendly volunteers who each cover one shift per week.
We are looking for a volunteer who is free to commit to this role for at least 6 months, longer if possible. The shift is weekly on Friday mornings from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
As our receptionist you will:
- Use Outlook to check staff availability and wherabouts
- Screen and transfer phone calls to staff or pass messages on by email
- Provide a warm welcome to visitors and ensure they sign in and out
- Deal with requests to send information out, mainly application packs andletters
- Assist with outgoing mail, franking, posting and ocasionally going to the post office
- Assist with other admin tasks as they arise - skills and interests dependent.
You will need to be confident answering the phone, clearly spoken in English and a good listener. Ideally, you will be experienced in using Outlook and Excel for basic tasks although we can provide training if necessary. Most importantly, you will need to be reliable,good with timekeeping, non-judgemental and committed to helping Scots living in London who are struggling with life.
If you have the time to spare, can commit to volunteering with us on a regular basis for at least six months, preferably longer, want to meet new people or gain experience of working in an office /charity environment, please get in touch.
Applications are welcome from adults aged 18 and over. Our office has no step free access.
In return, we can offer:
- Travel expenses with proof of purchase
- Training and induction to help you feel confident in your role
- A 4-weeks trial period
- Regular newsletters and annual volunteer social events
- An opportunity to work within a small friendly team (23 staff working from home , office and in the community)
- Opportunities to help in other areas of our work if interested in doing more
- A very warm welcome, plus an endless supply of tea, coffee, fresh fruit and biscuits!
To improve the lives of Scots and the children of Scots in London
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!
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 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!
Richmond Carers Centre, a network partner of Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice and a voice for carers living and caring in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
Helping Carers to Live Well is our organisational aim. We are looking for someone with the skills and ability to offer a coordinated approach in supporting unpaid and family adult carers in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Carers provide vital support and can come from all walks of life and be of any age.
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will be part of a small dedicated team and directly deliver our counselling service to adult carers. You will provide regular counselling sessions for carers each week. These will either be face-to-face at our centre or can be via a remote offer using either a video platform such as MS Teams or by telephone. The counselling service is part of a range of services offered to support carers with their emotional wellbeing. This work helps to enhance carers’ health and wellbeing. It also provides carers with a much needed break from their caring responsibilities, in a safe environment where they can focus on their wellbeing.
With your proven experience of working with carers or other vulnerable groups on an individual and/or group basis, you’ll recognise the importance of being client focused and have a commitment to enhance the lives of carers. You will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of carer’s needs and a wide range of skills in relation to working with individuals and groups.
You will be self-motivated and positive in your approach to working with both carers and staff and have a willingness to embrace our organisational values. Strong administrative, time management, IT and organisational skills are essential.
Benefits of volunteering for Richmond Carers Centre:
- Clinical supervision every fortnight
- Flexible working with counselling either offered face-to-face or remotely
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Training and personal development opportunities
- Access to shared resources and training opportunities
- Supportive and friendly working environment
- Staff and volunteer socials
Please use the application form only. CVs will not be accepted
Provisional interview date – February 2026 (dates to be confirmed)
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the advert closes. Early applications are encouraged.
If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call us and ask to speak to Sophie Richardson, Operations Manager or Ellie Wright, Interim Adult Carers Support Team Leader.
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!
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!
Are you passionate about supporting people to improve their language and communication skills? Are you working towards a teaching qualification and looking to gain relevant experience?
We are looking for new ESOL volunteers to support our qualified tutors in the classroom. Volunteers play a fundamental role in our classes. All of our classes are led by paid teachers, however, they are also often supported by volunteer teaching assistants.
Whether helping to set up the classroom, supporting participants during group work or offering support and advice on local services, the contribution made by volunteers in our classrooms is vital.
Skills/ experience
- CELTA or similar qualification is desirable
- Teaching experience is desirable
In return, volunteers will have the opportunity to:
- Gain experience of English language teaching in a community setting with a friendly team
- Gain support and advice on professional development for those looking to become an ESOL teacher
Most of our classes are held face to face in West London, with some having a blended / online learning approach with Zoom.
If you are interested please send your CV and cover letter via Charity Jobs and our volunteer coordinator will get back to you. Please let us know your relevant experience, availability and why you would like to support Nova.
Please send your CV along with a cover letter outlining why you would like to support Nova.
Creating the circumstances through which people have the opportunity to achieve their potential & improve quality of life regardless of background.



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.
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!
Volunteer Advert: Website & Social Media Producer
Coempowered is a small but rapidly developing non-profit working to empower indiviuals and help build community capacity among for young people, women, and marginalised communities in the UK and internationally through workshops, classes, semiar, projects and research. We are now building the foundations of our organisation and are looking for a dedicated, creative volunteer who is genuinely passionate about our educational and social mission and willing to grow with us as we expand our work and prepare for charity status.
About the Opportunity
This role is ideal for someone who wants to contribute meaningfully to a growing organisation by strengthening our digital presence and helping us reach wider audiences. You will work closely with the directors to shape our public voice and ensure that our online communications reflect our values of inclusion, critical thinking, and empowerment.
We are seeking someone who can commit reliably, collaborate with a small remote team, and take responsibility for managing our online platforms with initiative and care.
Key Deliverables
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Manage weekly posts across LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
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Create clear, engaging written content that communicates our work and mission.
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Produce and upload website content, including updates, project summaries, and short articles.
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Maintain a consistent editorial tone and visual identity across platforms.
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Support campaign planning and announcement of new programmes.
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Monitor basic engagement analytics and propose improvements where relevant.
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Work collaboratively with directors and volunteers to plan communications in advance.
What We’re Looking For
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Strong writing and digital communication skills.
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Experience managing or creating content for social media platforms.
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Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate proactively.
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Interest in education, philosophy, youth empowerment, or social change.
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A genuine desire to help build a young organisation and contribute to its long-term growth.
Time Commitment
Flexible, remote, approximately 2–3 hours per week.
If you are passionate about meaningful education, committed to social impact, and excited to help shape an emerging organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Co-Thinking, Co-creating, Co-flourishing Women, Migrants, Socially and economically marginalised youth www.coempowered.org
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
Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.
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
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.




