Volunteer volunteer roles in stafford, staffordshire

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Mid-Sussex area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references

If you can spend time with us, we can offer lots of opportunities to help our cadets and gain your own skills and experiences too.

We meet twice a week and we’re always looking for volunteers who are willing to try their hand at anything. You could find yourself teaching skills, running activities, or providing encouragement and moral support. If you have specialist skills, we can use them. If you want to learn new skills like rock climbing or gliding, we can train you.

Benefits of being a volunteer

Being a volunteer is rewarding and has a lot of different benefits.

• learn skills in a range of areas
• develop leadership qualities
• personal development
• gain qualifications in areas like mountain leadership, first aid and NVQs

Whatever you decide to focus on, all volunteers gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential.

To be a volunteer you need to

• Be aged 20 years or more (uniformed officers serve up to age 65)
• have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years
• commit to a certain number of hours
• understand young people and their needs
• be patient, responsible and kind
• have a good level of fitness, but by no means be an athlete

We know our volunteers may have families, jobs and hobbies, so we can be flexible and work around other areas of your lives. All we expect in return is clear communication, good organisation and commitment to your squadron.

You do not need

• a military background or experience
• experience of working with young people
• relevant skills like flying or gliding

If you choose to progress into a uniformed role, we provide uniforms and all the training you’ll require and there are opportunities to move up through the ranks as an officer or senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO). You’ll be guided through the process of interviews at Wing HQs and Regional HQs.

While our volunteers don’t get paid, if you progress to be an officer or non-commissioned officer you can claim for up to 28 days’ volunteer allowance.

Typical joining process

• Submit an expression of interest
• Visit the squadron
• You’ll have an informal interview (usually when you make the first visit)
• Invited to complete an online application
• Get access to the RAF Air Cadets online system to complete the final forms
• Have a DBS check

After your DBS is successful, you’ll be able to attend the squadron and help with activities on a 6-month probation. During this time you’ll complete our mandatory Adult Volunteer Induction Course. After your 6 months, you can then attend external activities too.

The time from initial enquiry through to starting as a volunteer can vary depending on the availability of current volunteers, but on average it takes around three months. This is due to the enquiries that need to be made, including a DBS, as part of our safeguarding checks.

VOLUNTEER CHAIR/COORDINATOR

Across the UK, our 65 local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As your local Chair or Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.

You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

•  Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of  referrals in your area

• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings

• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals

• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers

• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories  and ensuring with the Treasurer that our financial requirements and policies relating to branches are followed

• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe

• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteer

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work

• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Confident in communicating with different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers

• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others

• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area

• Willingness to develop skills and experience

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without you – your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Do you enjoy organising things and making this happen?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

We’re looking for admin volunteers to help with our daily operations.  We have a variety of ways you can get involved:

• Responding to client requests and enquiries
• Fundrasing and partnership management
• Managing and updating company databases
• Keeping track of partnership enquiries
• Maintaining internal, volunteer, and client records
• Drafting and mailing client correspondence and newsletters
• Organising events, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
• Providing administrative support to other departments or projects as needed
• Performing other duties as agreed in advance

We’ve designed our volunteering programme to be flexible and adaptive to you.  All volunteering is 100% remote and you’re supported fully by our team.  You control what you do and how many hours per week you want to volunteer.  Some roles may require an Enhanced DBS check. If your application is successful, we will ask for a donation towards the cost of your enhanced DBS check if it's required for your role. This cost is £20.60.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.  You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Training

We provide CPD accredited training with 3 short courses needing to be completed prior starting your volunteer role.  After, you’ll have access to over 90 CPD accredited courses should you want to study further.

If you're looking for a rewarding, meaningful role and a new challenge, this is the opportunity for you. Self Injury Support has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years, and we're looking for new volunteers to help us continue offering these vital support services. 

Our wonderful team of Helpline and Text Volunteers provide valuable non-judgemental support to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds via our helpline, text, and email services. We're looking for people to help make an important difference to the lives of the people who contact us. 

We’re currently recruiting home-based remote volunteers from across the UK for our text service. If you prefer to apply for an office-based Bristol volunteer role, please apply to that form instead.

Our next training block will take place remotely over 3 days: Saturday 5th July 4pm–8pm , Sunday 6th July 12pm-4pm, and Sunday 13th July 12pm-4pm. Please note that attendance on all three dates is required to complete the training. 

Fill in this short form and we’ll arrange an informal chat.

Why volunteer? 

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-injury, trauma, mental health, and many more topics. 

• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at volunteer days where you'll receive additional relevant training. 

• Get access to supportive spaces as part of volunteering with us, ensuring that you're always supported in the work you're doing. 

What is it like being a volunteer? 

When you join our team, you’ll take part in our training course. The training is a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work. Our training covers experiential listening skills, self-injury, supporting suicidal callers, understanding the impact of trauma and abuse, mental health awareness, and reflective practice. 

Once you’ve started on the service, you’ll answer calls, texts, and/or emails from people across the UK and offer them confidential emotional support. The work can be emotional but highly rewarding. 

Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers in a supportive, reflective space to discuss volunteering. Here, you’ll have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work and its impact on you and talk through any issues. 

Who can volunteer? 

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-injury or mental ill health, or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences. 

You don’t need previous helpline or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn. 

We are looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, who can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is personal and unique. We are keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable, and open to new learning experiences. 

What happens now? 

After you submit the short form, we'll arrange a chat and to discuss the next steps. 

We require all volunteers to attend our small group training courses. There will be a general skills training course followed by breakout groups to learn the skills specific to your chosen service. We can discuss your availability when we meet. 

Practical details: 

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role, which will be paid for by Self Injury Support. 

• We ask that volunteers commit to a year on the service after completion of training. 

• For remote volunteers: You will require access to a laptop and an uninterrupted space during your shift. 

• For office-based Bristol volunteers: Our main office is Central Bristol, near Bristol Royal Infirmary, with good public transport links and parking nearby. We regret that the premises are not wheelchair accessible. We can offer our preliminary chat over the phone and discuss any adjustments we could make for more flexible roles. 

Join HELPING CHILDREN INC – Make a Global Impact from Anywhere

HELPING CHILDREN INC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in California, USA, is seeking committed, passionate, and qualified individuals from every country to serve as Online Volunteer Country Directors. This is a remote leadership opportunity to represent HELPING CHILDREN INC in your country and play a key role in advancing our mission to protect, support, and empower children globally.

�� About HELPING CHILDREN INC

We are a global nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children through health, education, protection, and empowerment programs. From humanitarian aid to policy advocacy, our work spans continents and cultures – driven by a commitment to equity and justice.

�� Role: Online Volunteer Country Director

Location: Your country (fully remote)
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum 5–8 hours per week)
Compensation: Volunteer / Unpaid
Reporting to: Global Volunteer Coordinator, HELPING CHILDREN INC

��️ Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the official country representative of HELPING CHILDREN INC

• Establish and grow a network of volunteers in your country

• Identify local needs and opportunities to implement or partner on child-focused projects

• Organize virtual awareness campaigns, fundraising, and outreach events

• Coordinate with the international team for reporting and alignment with global strategy

• Represent HELPING CHILDREN INC in local forums, events, or online platforms

• Promote HELPING CHILDREN INC through local partnerships and media

✅ Ideal Candidate

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Passionate about child rights, education, health, and protection

• Fluent in English (basic proficiency required)

• Active in their local communities or online networks

• Strong communicators with leadership or coordination experience

• Able to commit time consistently and responsibly

• Tech-savvy and capable of using email, Google Drive, and Zoom

• Students, professionals, educators, activists, and retired individuals are welcome

�� Benefits to You

• Serve a meaningful cause from the comfort of your home

• Gain global nonprofit leadership experience

• Receive a Certificate of Appointment as Country Director

• Access to exclusive training, resources, and networking opportunities

• Be featured on HELPING CHILDREN INC’s website and social media as an ambassador

• Contribute ideas to global child development projects

• Opportunity to lead your own team of volunteers in-country

�� Join Us and Be the Voice for Children in Your Country

Together, we can create a better world for children—no matter where we are. Become an Online Country Director with HELPING CHILDREN INC and help bring lasting change.

Would you like me to also prepare a Google Form template for application submission or provide a version

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) is about making everyday things in life more affordable for people in low income households. We do this through a membership scheme that offers regular provisions such as food and toiletries.

People apply for membership through our community hubs. Hubs are projects that are already doing great work in the community throughout Stoke and the midlands. TBBT requires volunteers at our warehouse in Stoke to collect food from our suppliers.

We get food from industry surpluses that might otherwise become waste and we use it to put food in the homes of people in need. Every day we collect food or have it delivered into our warehouse at Stoke.

What we do really makes a difference to thousands of families, but we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers. 

If you are keen to work with great people whose common goal is to help support local communities, then we would love to welcome you into our team of volunteers.

You’d need to be over 25 with a full, clean UK driving licence, with various shifts Monday to Friday starting from 7am.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Stoke, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - fundraising workshops.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Job Title: Fundraiser Trainer & Advisor

Reporting to: Operational Director

Hours: 2 to 4 hours per week (we can be flexible and work with your schedule)

Willowbrook Farm Charity

Willowbrook Farm Charity exists to create nurturing educational and cultural spaces in the Oxfordshire countryside that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to communities who have been historically underrepresented in rural environments — including people from racialised backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and young people with diverse learning needs.

In partnership with Willowbrook Farm (www  willowbrookfarm  co  uk), where we host our activities, we aim to build a nationally recognised centre of excellence that supports personal growth, wellbeing, and connection with nature. Through hands-on learning, community building, and cultural exchange, we empower individuals and groups to explore sustainable living, ethical land stewardship, and the transformative potential of nature-based education.

Our Values

Community
We foster a culture of care, connection, and belonging. We create space for people to come together in joy, learning, and mutual support, building relationships rooted in respect and shared purpose.

Stewardship

We honour the land as a living system and recognise that the wellbeing of people and nature are deeply interconnected. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of ethical and responsible stewards — who care for the earth, each other, and future generations.

Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to removing barriers so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities can access and participate fully in experiences of farming, countryside living, and sustainability. We celebrate diversity and work to create welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive.

Connection with Nature
We centre our actions on a deep respect for the natural world. We believe in restoring and nurturing the bond between humans and nature, creating a place where both can flourish in harmony.

Job description

We are thrilled to welcome a Fundraiser Trainer & Advisor to support our Fundraising and Marketing Team at a pivotal time for our charity.

After a challenging period of inactivity due to the impacts of Covid, we are excited to embark on a new chapter, as we are ready to restart our activities in 2025 and to develop our projects and create a positive impact in our community.

This is a unique opportunity for those eager to be part of a project evolving from its early stages to the launch of new initiatives. The volunteer will have ample opportunity to grow with the charity.

We are looking for a passionate and articulate Fundraiser with extensive experience in fundraising strategy and bidding writing skills.

What this position entails

This role is designed for someone eager to share their fundraising knowledge by coaching our team to enhance their skills and gain a deeper understanding of the fundraising landscape.

We work with a dedicated team of volunteers, from our operational staff to those actively participating in our events, all of whom are enthusiastic about supporting our initiatives while gaining valuable experience and connecting with new people. Our Fundraising Trainer will provide valuable training to our fundraising and marketing team, focusing on enhancing their fundraising abilities, helping them to develop innovative strategies, and assisting with bid revisions by offering them constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

We seek a mentor rather than someone to handle fundraising tasks for the team; we want a guide who can empower others to learn from their expertise.

Therefore, the ideal candidate must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to train individuals in the art of fundraising with creativity and kindness.

The key focus of the role is:

•  Train and guide the fundraising and marketing team, acting as a mentor.
•  Revise bids and give insightful suggestions for improvement.

Essential:

• Highly experienced in Fundraising and with excellent communication skills.
• Able to produce training in Fundraising skills and deliver it to the team.
• Able to dedicate time to weekly catch-ups with the team and review actions, offering insightful tips for improvement.
• Able to give constructive feedback on bid applications.

We might consider multiple volunteers for this position if we get applications from fundraisers with specialised skills in different areas of fundraising.

 
By getting involved you will gain:

• This is an excellent opportunity for professionals eager to utilise their talents to address community needs and contribute to reducing inequality.
  
• Additionally, this is an excellent starting point for those wanting to transition their fundraising career to a mentor/coaching style and are looking for an opportunity to develop skills as a mentor/trainer, try new techniques and get useful feedback from the team in your mentorship style.  

Location: Fully Remote. But we welcome those who wish to come and visit the farm at least once to understand more about us.

Commitment:

The estimated time needed is 2 to 4 hours a week, and we welcome those volunteers who can offer more, although it is not a requirement for the role. We can be flexible and work with you to find hours that fit ours and your schedule - all help is much appreciated!

As this is a trainer position, we unfortunately won’t accept applications from volunteers who do not possess a solid background in fundraising strategy.  

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - fundraising workshops.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Could you coordinate the training for the local SSAFA volunteers in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. Get in touch with us to find out more.

What is a Training Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each one has a Training Coordinator to make sure that all volunteers get all the training they need for their role and that training events are organised and run for the branch. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

Our SSAFA branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

To offer the best possible service to our clients SSAFA volunteers need training appropriate to their role. It’s important that we keep records of all the training completed by volunteers and provide local training to meet their needs, whilst also being interesting, fun and varied. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular commitment to the branch, but days and times could vary to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Coordinating induction and training for new volunteers
• Completing the admin needed for new volunteer to attend local and national training.
• Running interesting and relevant annual branch training days (minimum of one per year)
• Maintaining an accurate list of all volunteers and the dates when training was completed.
• Working with the Regional Trainer, branch volunteers and the Learning and Development team to identify local training needs and arrange for the required courses to be delivered.
• Supporting and encouraging any volunteers facing barriers to completing their training
• Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others.
• Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to clients as well as providing development opportunities for our volunteers.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from the branch secretary, Regional Trainer and the Learning and Development Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people, possibly with some experience of teaching/training and admin
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training.
• Willingness to use spreadsheets/records of volunteer training.
• Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.