Volunteer volunteer roles in yate, bristol
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 grassroots charity that supports families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma. We offer fully funded staycations and nature-based respite breaks for families and parent carers who are often at breaking point.
We’re a small, warm team not a large wealthy organisation and we care deeply about what we do. There are no airs and graces here, just real people doing our best to help families who need a break. Right now, we need someone with the skills and experience to help us bring in more funding to meet the growing need.
We’re looking for someone experienced and independent.
This is not a start out training opportunity. You’ll be working alongside an existing bid writer and need to come in ready to get stuck in with little to no guidance, it will test your resiliance and give you some amazing challenges. We’re looking for someone who knows how to write strong, successful bids and is comfortable finding opportunities, matching them to our projects, and managing the process from start to finish, we are giving you alot of exciting responsibility so if you wish to progress and move to the next step and meet some personal goals this is for you.
What are we looking for?
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Solid experience writing successful funding bids, ideally in the charity or non-profit sector
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Someone self-motivated, confident, and able to work without close supervision
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A clear communicator who can work independently and enjoy networking.
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Someone who genuinely cares about the work we do and wants to help us keep doing it
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Meet funding dealines and reporting deadlines
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Help along with our team to maintain the funding database and outcomes
What difference will you make?
By securing funding through successful bids, you will be supporting Barefoot and Free towards building a more sustainable and resilient organisation. Your input will be instrumental in establishing long-term sustainability, ensuring that our vulnerable families are supported over time. Families are often stretched to the limit with carer roles, supporting vulnerable children and young people without breaks or respite, by securing suitable funding you will be supporting them and the long-term sustainability of the organisation's efforts with the ultimate goal of profoundly improving the quality of life for our families.
We rely entirely on grants and donations. Every successful bid helps keep the doors open for families who often have nowhere else to turn.
Perks of volunteering with us:
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Flexibility to work around your life, take the lead on bids from start to finish
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Join a genuinely warm, down-to-earth team where your input is truly valued and felt
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Be part of something that directly supports struggling families in a very real way
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A rewarding role where your skills will have a direct and lasting impact
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Achieve some personal goals and a chance to build your portfolio with meaningful, purpose-driven work
If you’re looking to be part of something real, something with heart, and you’ve got the experience to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you today.
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!
Calling all animal lovers! We're looking for passionate volunteers to join Team Teckels at our charity shop in Stroud.
Teckels rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of vulnerable cats and dogs every year. Your support in our charity shop will make a massive impact on their lives.
We have customer facing and non-customer facing roles available. Shifts will be planned according to your availability and the shop opening hours of Tuesdays to Saturdays 9am to 5pm. Ideally, this will be a morning 9am to 1pm or evening 1pm to 5pm shift once a week.
We welcome volunteers whenever the shop is open, but we are especially looking for help on the shop floor on a Saturday morning or afternoon, and with sorting donations on a Friday and Saturday.c
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!
Volunteer Events Coordinator Wanted
Are you a creative planner with a knack for bringing people together?
The Principality of Scotia is building a vibrant community, and The Scotia Foundation is looking for a passionate volunteer to serve as our Events Coordinator. This is a unique opportunity to design and execute memorable experiences that will unite our global community and celebrate our culture.
Your vision will be vital in creating the moments that define our shared story.
The Role
As our volunteer Events Coordinator, you will be responsible for conceptualising, planning, and managing a variety of community gatherings, both virtual and (in the future) physical.
Your key duties will include:
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Brainstorming and developing a calendar of engaging events, such as virtual meetups, webinars, cultural showcases, and community-building workshops.
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Coordinating all logistical details, including scheduling, promoting, and moderating online events.
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Collaborating with other volunteers to ensure each event is a success.
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Gathering feedback from attendees to continuously improve our event offerings.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual who:
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Has a passion for event planning and a flair for creativity.
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Is reliable and detail-oriented, with excellent time management skills.
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Is a strong communicator, able to work with a team to make ideas a reality.
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Is passionate about The Principality of Scotia's vision and building a strong community.
What You'll Gain
This is more than a volunteer role—it's a chance to make a tangible impact. You will:
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Gain hands-on experience in planning and executing events from start to finish.
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Build a unique and impressive project for your professional portfolio.
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Network with dedicated and passionate individuals from around the world.
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Help shape the cultural and social heart of a new micronation.
Ready to help us create our first events?
How to Apply
To apply, please send a brief message outlining your interest and any relevant experience.
We can't wait to see your ideas!
THE
SCOTIA
FOUNDATION
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Volunteer Fundraising Lead
Location: Remote (UK-based preferred)
Type: Volunteer (Flexible, ~5-15 hours/month)
Reporting to: Director/Founder
Organisation Type: Community Interest Company (CIC)
About Us
We are a mission-driven Community Interest Company dedicated to early intervention against online harms and the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSEA) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Rooted in a behavioural science approach combined with systems thinking, we work to understand the contemporary online context for children and young people and pathways to engaging with harmful content, develop evidence-based interventions which support healthier sexual and social development, and create safer communities through primary and secondary prevention.
Role Overview
We are seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Fundraising Lead to help us grow our income and strengthen our financial sustainability. This is a key voluntary role for someone with a background in fundraising who wants to use their skills to make a measurable difference in a sensitive but vital area of public benefit, increasingly recognised as an urgent issue and one in receipt of growing governmental attention.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop and lead a fundraising strategy aligned with our mission and values
· Identify and research suitable grant, trust, and foundation opportunities
· Draft and submit funding applications in collaboration with the CIC’s director
· Build relationships with potential donors, funders, and community partners
· Explore and recommend individual giving, crowdfunding, and corporate support options
· Track fundraising performance and maintain basic reporting for transparency and impact
· Contribute to funding-related communications (e.g., case for support, impact updates)
What We’re Looking For
· Experience in fundraising (professional or voluntary), especially in small or early-stage organisations
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently
· Commitment to safeguarding, sensitivity, and ethical fundraising
· Alignment with the CIC’s mission and core values of safety, empathy, collaboration, innovation, and integrity
· Understanding of confidentiality, discretion, and working with potentially sensitive subject matter
Time Commitment
· Approximately 5-15 hours per month
· Flexible schedule, with occasional online meetings
What We Offer
· A meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection of children from online harms, as well as a CSEA and VAWG prevention mission
· Flexible, remote working with supportive leadership
· Recognition in reports and communications
· A reference or endorsement after three months of active volunteering
· The chance to shape fundraising strategy at an early and impactful stage of growth
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!
We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!
Who are Literacy Pirates?
Through our term-long after-school programmes, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.
Children join us on our Virtual Ship once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance.
What does a Volunteer do?
As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.
Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means your time is solely focused on supporting the children in breakout rooms.
You will:
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Receive full training.
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Gain experience working with children and leading small groups online.
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Develop your communication, leadership, problem-solving and digital skills.
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Take part in games and have fun.
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Be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.
We offer employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us.
What are we looking for?
We ask volunteers to give just three hours per month, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!
Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays.
No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.
All we ask is that you:
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Are aged 16+
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Must be a UK resident
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Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this)
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Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role)
We develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children who are falling behind in class and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives.


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!
Why we want you
Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.
Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.
What you will be doing
- Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
- Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
- Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
- Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
- Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Non-judgemental
- Reliable
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
- Access a range of training and learning opportunities
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing! Come on board to help us manage relationships with the businesses that have joined us: use your communications skills to drive more businesses to engage with the platform and to make donations of things they no longer need.
A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We're rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we're growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.
You’ll be using both your communications skills and your project management expertise to help us grow the number of businesses engaging with the platform and giving things away.
Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.
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!
Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. Join your local fundraising group as a volunteer.
Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity where you can meet new people and raise funds that will change lives? Join a Guide Dogs group near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.
Did you know it costs £102,000 to raise, train, and support a guide dog from birth to retirement.
We have a range of roles from being a group member, to taking on a lead role such as Group Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Treasurer, Merchandise Coordinator or Collection Box Coordinator.
Why become a fundraising volunteer:
As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, volunteering with your local Guide Dogs fundraising group is a great way to spend some of your free time and give back.
- Inspire people to support Guide Dogs and make a difference to someone with sight loss.
- Have fun finding new events and places to volunteer at.
- You’ll meet lots of special dogs – from young puppies in training to incredible guide dogs in partnership.
- You’ll empower others to get involved with Guide Dogs.
- You’ll learn new skills and we’ll provide all the training you need for your role.
- You can take on as much or as little as you want, and you can fit the role around your other commitments.
Who you are:
We appreciate our volunteers’ passion and energy, but we also value your unique skills, perspectives and personalities.
- Inspire others: Do you have lots of ideas that could motivate others? We need more inspirational volunteer leaders and fundraisers who can bring their energy and unique perspective to our local fundraising groups.
- Bring your skills: Could you help organise a calendar of events, take care of ordering merchandise, or count the funds raised by your local team? We need more volunteer treasurers, secretaries, and merchandise coordinators to support our fundraising groups.
- Help take Guide Dogs into your community: Are you well connected or do you love going to new places and meeting new people? We need more volunteer fundraisers to help at our events and spread the word about our work.
Training and pre-agreed expenses available.
Visit our webiste to see what roles are available where you live.
NEUROMANCERS is a peer-led organisation providing autonomous, abolitionist, and accessible mental health care for and by the neurodivergent+ community.
NEUROMANCERS was founded in 2021 by then-fifteen-year-old Aiyana Goodfellow in response to the lack of politicised community spaces for neurodivergent individuals. After years of incredible work, we are re-launching in 2025 in our new and improved form.
We are...
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Youth Founded
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Black Led & Centred
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LGBTQ+ Led & Centred
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UK Based & Globally Grounded
Volunteer Coordinator
The Volunteer Coordinator will oversee and support the Research Collective, Care Practice Collective (Peer Support), Media Team, and Membership Team, ensuring volunteers feel valued and engaged. This role involves team management, volunteer support, and fostering a positive volunteer experience.
Key Responsibilities:
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Team Management:
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Oversee all volunteer teams across NEUROMANCERS.
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Ensure volunteers are aligned with organisational goals and tasks.
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Volunteer Support:
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Facilitate a monthly drop-in session or one-to-one check-ins with volunteers as needed.
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Act as a point of contact for volunteer questions, concerns, and feedback.
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General Support:
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Assist with onboarding new volunteers.
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Collaborate with the Administrative & Operational Assistant to streamline volunteer-related processes.
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Ideal Candidate:
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Able to gain a fast understanding of how NEUROMANCERS works and our community programs.
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Experience in volunteer coordination or team management.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexible to different access needs, and prompt at responding.
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Empathetic and supportive, with the ability to motivate and engage volunteers.
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Organized and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
NEUROMANCERS is a peer-led organisation providing autonomous, abolitionist, and accessible mental health care for and by the neurodivergent+ community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.)
- Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
- Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!)
- Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.
Can I care for a guide dog mum?
If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:
- A loving home with a secure garden.
- Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
- Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.
Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process.
What you’ll get:
- The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
- The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
- Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners!
- The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
Training and support
Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment. All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.
Minimum age of volunteer: 18.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.
What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.
There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people.
However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes.
We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background.
Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:
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Have a passion for helping children and young people
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Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week
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Build pupil confidence in Maths.
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Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)
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Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors
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Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this
Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:
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A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule
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The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers
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The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.
Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.
We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.
What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.
There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people.
However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes.
We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background.
Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:
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Have a passion for helping children and young people
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Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week
-
Build pupil confidence in Maths.
-
Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)
-
Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors
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Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this
Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:
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A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule
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The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers
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The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.
Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.
We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.
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!
Fundraising volunteer
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 are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
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
This is a eally flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
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 asked to complete and application and provide details for 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!
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.
Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!
About the Role:
Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.
Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.
- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers. It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.
- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.
Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.
Why Volunteer with Us?
Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.
Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.
Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.
How do I know it’s right for me?
Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.
We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.
What is the time commitment?
You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group).
- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
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