Volunteer volunteer roles in willenhall, west midlands
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 Romanian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Romanian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
� What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎️ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Romanian.
� Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Romanian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
✅ What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations
� How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection and kindness to the Romanian-speaking community across the UK!
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!
Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.
Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.
Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:
• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors
• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values
• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC
• keep a record of all approaches
Time Commitment
• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments.
Location of Volunteering
• Homebased
ABOUT YOU
• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer
• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy
• excellent written skills
• excellent organisational and administrative skills
Benefits to you:
• Meeting and working with new people
• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments
• Learning new skills whilst having fun!
• Adding to your CV
• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies
We can only accept applications from UK residents.
Our Mission is to support anyone affected by leukodystrophy, support research, raise awareness and improve best practice within healthcare systems.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Visual Merchandiser - Acorns Children's Hospice Knowle
As part of our network of shops across the West Midlands, the Knowle store helps us generate vital funds to support children and their families. By volunteering in our store, you’ll play a key role in this mission while sharing your passion.
Step into a dynamic and exciting environment where no two days are the same!
The Role?
- Are you creative with a keen eye for design and detail? We’re looking for a Visual Merchandiser to help bring our displays to life
- In this role, you’ll support with window and mannequin displays, helping to create eye-catching, inspiring setups that attract customers and showcase our products beautifully.
- A strong sense of style, colour coordination, and layout design is essential.
How much time will it take?
Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.
Why volunteer at Acorns?
- To help a local charity
- To make a difference in your local community
- To connect with like minded people and make new friends
- Boost your CV
- Opportunities to progress to other roles
- All training will be provided
Am I right for the job?
For this role, you'll need to:
- Be welcoming and friendly
- Have a good eye for merchandising
- Be a team player that thinks of others
- Be sensitive to the needs of our customers/donators
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!
Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.
- Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
- Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
- Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
- Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.
What do we ask of you?
In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or over.
- Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
- Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
- Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
- Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
- Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.
Expenses
- All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.
Diversity Matters
- VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
- VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
- We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.
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!
Who are we?
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We work with children, young people, families and other professionals associated and affected by illness and disability. We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.
What are we looking for?
Do you enjoy art? Graphic design? Are you an amazing illustrator? Then we might just have a project for you. One of our aims is to have every type of disability in every culture, religion and ethnicity depicted through our characters. And yes, we know that’s going to mean a lot of hard work and a lot of characters! But NO we are not asking you to complete this entire project!
We’ve created 11 characters so far that depict a variety of conditions. We want to look at potentially re-developing these characters and starting work on some new ones!
What do we expect?
- Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
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Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
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Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it
with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if
appropriate).
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A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.
What can you expect?
• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. You don’t have to regularly commit your time.
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A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.
- A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.
Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC
- Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence
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Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.
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Make a difference to community
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Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.
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Displays your level of commitment to future employers.
- Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.
Please let us know if you require any adaptions.
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
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!
This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.
What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):
- Writing letters to clients
- Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
- Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
- Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Enjoy writing and receiving letters
- Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
- Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
- Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect
What support and training will be provided?
- Feedback from clients and colleagues
- Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
- Answering questions
- Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
- Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
- Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards
What are the benefits for you?
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
- Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Location of the role:
- Mainly your home
When are you needed?
- At a time to suit you
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for detail-orientated, proactive people who’d like to use their research or writing skills to help strengthen our funding applications and impact reporting.
As a Research and Bid Support Volunteer, you’ll help identify funding opportunities, gather data and evidence, and support the preparation of grant proposals. You’ll also assist with compiling feedback and monitoring information that helps us demonstrate the difference our work makes.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys research, analysis and writing and wants to gain experience in how charities develop projects and secure funding.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Researching grant opportunities that align with our programmes and priorities
- Helping gather data, statistics and community evidence to support funding applications
- Reviewing funder guidelines and eligibility criteria
- Assisting with drafting or formatting sections of funding proposals
- Collecting quotes, case studies and outcomes to demonstrate impact
- Supporting report preparation and data organisation for monitoring and evaluation
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
- Strong written and research skills
- Attention to detail and ability to analyse information clearly
- Organised and methodical approach to work
- Confidence using digital tools and online databases
- Interest in community development, funding or project design
- Discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information
What You’ll Gain
- Experience contributing to real funding applications and impact reporting
- Insight into charity fundraising, project development and evaluation
- Opportunities to build research, analysis and writing skills
- The satisfaction of supporting projects that bring lasting community benefits
About Us
We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.
Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.
Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.
A catalyst for overcoming poverty at its root by empowering marginalised people and developing sustainable communities.



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!
Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.
Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.
You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid).
Why you'll love it:
- You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
- You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project.
- You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
- You will develop communication and public speaking skills
- You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing.
If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!
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!
Are you an Italian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Italian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Italian.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Italian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
✅ What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training (funded by us)
✔ A DBS check (funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations
How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection and kindness to the Italian-speaking community across the UK!
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!
Fundraising events helper
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
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
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.
Applicants will be requested to complete an application for and provide two references.
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!
Organisation: The Muslim Lived Experience Network CIC
Role Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote
Time Commitment: 3.5–7.5 hours per week, 6 months fixed-term
Reports to: Co-Directors
Start Date: Immediate
About Us
The Muslim Lived Experience Network is a lived experience-led organisation committed to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. We offer faith-informed peer support interventions, lived experience-related workshops and events, Islamic talks on mental health related topics, hospital ‘Muslim Faith Kits’, training, consultation, ad hoc support and signposting.
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers united by a shared mission to attain the pleasure of Allah (SWT). We strive to achieve this by bringing peer support and lived experience perspectives to our communities - to educate, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions.
Role Purpose
We are seeking a highly organised and mission-driven Volunteer Operations Lead to join our team and support and streamline our internal operations. You’ll help build and maintain the organisational backbone of our CIC by coordinating people, processes and systems. This is a key leadership role within a small but growing team, perfect for someone passionate about using their skillset to help bring faith-sensitive support to our community.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Oversight
- Support day-to-day running of the organisation’s internal systems
- Implement and maintain operational processes, documentation, and protocols
- Coordinate calendars, internal meetings, and project timelines
- Track organisational goals and ensure progress reporting
- Help streamline workflows using digital tools (e.g. Sharepoint, Zoom)
2. Compliance & Admin
- Support data protection (GDPR) compliance and document management
- Keep internal policies and procedures organised and updated
- Assist with safeguarding processes and record-keeping
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Attributes
- Previous experience in the non-profit or CIC sector and/or experience in non-finance quality, legal, governance, HR or compliance/internal audit sector
- Understanding of safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant policies
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- Experience in operations, project coordination or administration
- Confident with digital tools
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
- Passion for faith-informed approaches and/or mental health
- Alignment with the values of a Muslim-led, inclusive organisation
Desirable (but not required)
- Lived experience of mental health challenges
- Familiarity with the needs of Muslim and/or marginalised communities
- Experience in a leadership position
What You’ll Gain
- A leadership role in a purpose-led, community-rooted organisation
- A chance to directly shape systems and processes to help a growing CIC thrive
- Personal development and transferable skills in operations, leadership and project management
- Ongoing support, networking opportunities, and recognition for your contributions
- Flexible hours and a values-aligned, supportive team of volunteers
- A professional reference and volunteer certificate upon completion
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
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!
Barefoot and Free is a small UK-based charity that gifts unforgettable staycations to families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma.
We are seeking creative and committed Volunteer Fundraisers to help us grow our small charity.
This is a remote volunteer role ideal for someone looking to use their creative fundraising knowledge to make a meaningful impact.
Role Overview
As a Volunteer Fundraiser at Barefoot and Free, you will be reuired to come up with fun ideas to fundraise, be able to engage people to fundraise and encourage new supporters.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organise and execute virtual and in-person fundraising events (eg raffles, quizzes, sponsored challenges)
- Liase with fundraisng volunteers (eg sponsored runners etc)
- Ensure events run smoothly by preparing, schedules, materials and plans.
- Act as a main point of contact for invividual fundraisers and teams
- Regukar communication to offer encouragement and guidence.
- Procatively check they have everything they need (eg fundraisng pack, marketing materials)
- Create.design a central fundraising tracker (eg excel or similar)
- Log all fundraising activities, targets, deadlines ad progress updates
- Collaborate with the social media volunteers (if applicable) to amplify campaigns
- Support the recruitment of new fundraising volunteers
What You’ll Bring
- Clear friendly written and verbal communication
- Ability to confidently engage with fundraisers, donors and team members remotely
- Excellent time management and ability to co-ordinate multiple activities at once
- Structured approach to planning events and tracking fundraising progress
- Strong communication skills, self-motovated with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision
- A passion for charitable work and a willingness to contribute time and skills
Time Commitment
This is a flexible remote role. We ask for a commitment of 2 to 5 hours per week. We are happy to work around your availability.
What You’ll Gain
- A chance to use your skills for a good cause
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Hands-on experience in event planning, fundraising, and project coordination, ideal for CVs, job applications, or future charity roles.
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Remote, flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule — ideal for students, parents, or professionals looking to give back.
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Experience working in the charity sector
- Portfolio development and references on request
- Being part of a friendly supportive team making a difference
To apply please send a recent C.V along with a short note about yourself & with examples of any fundraising, event planning you have carried out.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Providing funded respite breaks for families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma.
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!
Could you be the person who helps a young man rewrite his future?
At Trailblazers, we believe in second chances. Since 1998, we’ve been mentoring young men in prison to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Through a programme of 1:1 mentoring and practical support, we support men aged 18–35 during the last 6 months of their sentence and for up to 12 months after release.
In the West Midlands, our services are delivered near Wolverhampton HMPYOI Brinsford, and we’re looking for volunteer mentors who can commit half a day per week to help someone change their life.
What You’ll Do
- Be a positive and empathetic role model whilst supporting someone to fulfil their potential
- Meet regularly to build a supportive, consistent relationship with a mentee for a minimum of 12 months
- Help set goals and celebrate achievements
- Support reintegration into the community, education, and employment
- Attend and participate fully in mentor training and develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor
- Engage with ongoing support and supervision sessions to regularly review performance within mentoring relationships
- Perform your role in line with the aims of Trailblazers, following relevant policies and procedures and reporting safeguarding concerns immediately
- Keep mentoring session notes and communicate regularly with Trailblazers staff
Mentoring sessions last around 1 hour per week, with additional time needed for travel and liaison. We ask for a 12-month commitment to ensure consistency for the mentee.
Why It Matters
The national re-offending rate is up to 55%. For those with a Trailblazers mentor, it drops to just 7%. Your time could be the turning point in someone’s life.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome all backgrounds and skill sets, especially those with experience in:
- The criminal justice system
- Underrepresented communities (including BAME groups)
All we ask if that you are:
- Empathetic, non-judgmental and committed to social change
- Professional but relatable with strong communication skills
- Able to advocate for your mentee and help them to overcome barriers
- Comfortable using basic IT and taking guidance from staff
- Willing to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis
- Committed to supporting one young man for up to a year
Requirements
- Aged 21+
- British citizen (due to prison security checks)
- Live within 30 miles of the prison at which you want to volunteer
- Good level of fitness (prison visits may involve stairs and fast-paced movement)
- Not barred from working with vulnerable adults or children
- If you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, you must be off licence for at least 12 months and not in crisis
- You cannot volunteer at a prison where you were previously a resident
What We Offer
- Full training and ongoing support
- Out-of-pocket expenses covered
- A chance to make a real difference
Ready to be the change?
Visit our website for more information and to apply. We’d love to hear from you.
Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures for young men (18-35) leaving prison.
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!
Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you!
As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.
There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.
What you'll be doing:
- Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
- Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her.
- Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
- Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
- Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
- Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
- Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.
You'll ideally have:
- A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
- Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
- Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home.
- A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.
What you'll get:
- The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
- The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:
- Food manners
- Greeting new visitors
- Being home alone
- Settling in new environments
You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.
Minimum age of applicant: 18.
To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.
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!
Role Summary
Education Outreach Volunteers support the Reptile Centre by assisting with community education sessions, school visits, events, and public engagement activities. Volunteers help promote reptile welfare, conservation awareness, and responsible pet ownership. This role is ideal for people who enjoy working with the public, have an interest in animals, and want to make a positive impact in the community.
Key Responsibilities
Support Educational Sessions
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Assist staff during school visits, workshops, and community outreach events.
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Help set up and pack away educational materials, displays, and activity stations.
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Support the delivery of interactive demonstrations (with or without live animals, depending on training).
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Engage with visitors, answer basic questions, and help create a welcoming learning environment.
Animal Handling (Optional Based on Training)
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Handle reptiles safely during sessions once trained and approved by senior staff.
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Support welfare checks and ensure animals are comfortable during events.
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Help maintain safe handling practices with the public.
Community Engagement
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Represent the Reptile Centre positively at fairs, open days, fundraising events, and exhibitions.
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Share information about the centre’s conservation work, rescue stories, and how people can get involved.
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Encourage visitors to support fundraising campaigns and ongoing community initiatives.
Event Support
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Assist with coordinating groups during onsite and offsite sessions.
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Help manage queues, guide groups, and provide general visitor support.
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Prepare craft materials, activity sheets, or demonstration equipment.
Practical Support
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Help maintain the cleanliness and organisation of education and outreach equipment.
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Support the preparation of educational resources and displays.
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Assist with basic administrative tasks such as feedback collection or session records.
Skills & Qualities Needed
Essential
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Friendly, reliable, and comfortable speaking with the public.
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Enthusiastic about reptiles, wildlife, conservation, or animal education.
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Willingness to learn and follow safety and welfare guidelines.
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Good teamwork skills and a positive, helpful attitude.
Desirable
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Experience working with animals, children, or in an educational setting.
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Confidence handling reptiles (training will be provided).
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Knowledge of reptile care, conservation, or science communication.
What We Provide
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Full training in reptile handling, welfare, and safe educational practice.
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Safeguarding and health & safety guidance.
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Support from staff and fellow volunteers.
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Opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, education, and animal care.
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Experience that can support future employment or studies in animal care, conservation, or education.
Time Commitment
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Flexible volunteer shifts available (weekdays, weekends, or event-based).
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Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they are comfortably able to.
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Outreach events may require occasional travel with staff.
Additional Requirements
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Minimum age (centre-specific, often 16+ or 18+).
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Willingness to undergo basic training and follow centre policies.
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Some roles may require a DBS check (depending on involvement with children).
Benefits of Volunteering
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Make a meaningful contribution to reptile welfare and conservation education.
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Gain confidence and skills in presenting and public engagement.
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Work closely with a variety of reptiles and learn from experienced handlers.
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Join a supportive team and become part of the centre’s community.
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Opportunities to assist in fundraising that supports vital veterinary and rescue work.


