Volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

One25 is a Bristol charity which reaches out to women who street sex work. We meet women who have been deeply traumatised from childhood abuse and violence. This leads to life situations where they are stigmatised, marginalised, locked out of society and face life-controlling issues. We work non-judgementally and with unconditional love to build a relationship with each woman.

Our Outreach Service
The outreach van meets women on the streets at night, 7 nights a week.  This outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van.

A team of three (a Team Leader, van driver and van volunteer) go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for 6 van volunteers to join our team. These volunteers will need to be able to drive an automatic van (Fiat eDucato) and be willing to drive the van as a backup driver, in the event of a cancellation by a van driver.

Van shifts run from 8.45pm-12.30am Monday to Thursday, and 8.45pm-2am Friday & Saturday nights, all year round.

Availability and commitments needed:

• Available to commit at one weekday evening and one Friday/Saturday per month, for at least a year.
• To successfully complete a driving assessment during interview stage
• To complete a Volunteer Induction, Safeguarding training and Supporting Street Sex Workers training (date tbc – online in evening)
• Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol after shift
• Attend probation review after 10 shifts and if requested external support (which we would fund).

Person specification and attributes needed:

• Reliable and punctual
• Understanding of the issues women involved in street sex work.
• Non-judgmental and compassionate approach.
• Empathy and ability to actively listen.
• Ability to be friendly, but professional.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and be firm about rules.
• Ability to take direction from a volunteer Team Leader.
• Willingness to learn from mistakes and progress in your role
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Must hold a valid driving license (able to drive automatic).
• Driven a van or similar sized vehicle before (desirable, not essential)
• Fluency in English

Tasks will involve:

• Preparing sandwiches ahead of shifts, as agreed with Team Leader.
• Working as part of the team to prepare and stock the van for going out and engaging with the pre-shift briefing.
• Inviting women on to the van for provisions and a chance to talk.
• Listening, supporting and signposting women around addiction and health, and supporting women to disclose ‘ugly mugs’ (assaults and abuse).
• Assessing the women’s safety and providing them with appropriate help and support
• Taking clear and legible notes of the interactions on the van.
• Supporting in cleaning and unloading the van at the end of the shift and engaging with the shift debriefing.
• Driving the van when needed

In return you will:

• Join a passionate and enthusiastic volunteer team.
• Receive an induction to One25 and support from experienced staff
• Have access to regular training sessions.
• Be part of a friendly, fun and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
• Have the opportunity to have an impact on women’s lives
• A reference provided after 3 months.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

**Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying: **

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

More Information

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.

The Diana Award are thrilled to invite you to volunteer for our Mentoring Programme in Spring 2026, which operates across London. 

We collaborate with volunteer mentors to support young people aged 14-18 who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) through mentoring interventions, career skills development programmes, and support with their youth-led social action projects. 

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AS A MENTOR? 

We welcome applicants of all industries and levels of experience. Through mentoring you will gain skills in communication and leadership, building empathy and understanding of issues and barriers facing young people in their communities. 

OUR MENTORING PROGRAMMES  

We will be running our exciting Twelve-week Mentoring Programme from March - July 2026, across London, in the boroughs of Enfield, Hounslow, Southwark, Redbridge, and Sutton. 

The programme will involve: 

• Twelve weeks of in-person weekly mentoring sessions that last one hour (excluding travel) and are delivered on the same day and time each week. 

• Group mentoring, where a group of volunteer mentors work together to support a group of mentees, with the help of a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Volunteer mentors will share advice and guidance with young people who are at risk of becoming NEET.

We will train you to mentor and provide ongoing support for the duration of your programme. 

The Diana Award can provide you with a professional reference, paid for DBS check, and refund your travel expenses in exchange for your voluntary work. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Requirements 

• A minimum of 18-years-old.

• Willing to complete a DBS Check (paid for by The Diana Award).

• Willing to provide contact details for two referees.

• Has the right to work and volunteer in the UK. 

• Able to attend a three-hour in-person mentor training session. 

• Able to commit to weekly face-to-face sessions. 

• Lives or works in London.

Skills 

• Passion for working with young people. 

• Has developed or willing to develop active listening skills. 

• Ability to see solutions and opportunities when working with people or in a group setting. 

• Ability to show resilience when faced with challenging situations or behaviours. 

Experience / Knowledge 

• Has work experience, this can be professional, from previous volunteering, or social action initiatives. 

• Has developed or willing to develop experience of picking, planning, and delivering a social action campaign. 

Optional Experience / Knowledge 

• Has prior experience working with young people. 

• Has experience in organising grassroots activism. 

• Has experience or knowledge in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

• Has experience or knowledge in Widening Participation. 

• Has experience in project management. 

Responsibilities

• Commit to weekly sessions for twelve weeks, demonstrating consistency and punctuality. Mentoring Programme sessions last 60 to 90 minutes (excluding travel time). Follow through is key when working with young people at risk of becoming NEET. 

• Collaborate with a Diana Award Facilitator and other volunteer mentors to deliver and support group mentoring sessions within a school setting. 

• Review session plans and prepare for weekly sessions. Communicate weekly and in a timely manner with other volunteer mentors and a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Create a safe and positive learning environment and provide young people with encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback. 

• Nurture positive relationships with young people. Listen, understand, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. 

• Support young people to plan a social action project. 

• Foster a growth mindset and encourage young people to challenge themselves to work towards their goals. 

• Support young people’s professional development by connecting them with further opportunities. For example, workplace visits, work experience, resources, relevant networks etc. 

• Identify and report any safeguarding and child protection concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as per The Diana Award Safeguarding Policy. 

OUR CHARITY 

The Diana Award is the charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. We seek to empower young people, delivering bespoke youth programmes for children and young people aged 9 – 25. We work with young people to unlock their potential, create opportunities for their growth, and inspire action from them to lead the change they want to see. 

HOW CAN I APPLY?

1. Read the Mentor Application Pack attached, so you have all the necessary information before applying. 

2. Apply now using the Online Application Form. The deadline to apply is 7th January 2026 you will hear back about your application in mid-January 2026.

If your application is successful, volunteer mentoring will begin in March 2026, following identity checks and training. 

We can’t wait to receive your application! 

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

After successful selection an interview process will be followed, welcome events and training will be arranged as and when needed. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/10/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Volunteer Receptionist Crawley, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Shoreham

A bit about the role

Supporting the Advice Supervisor, giving a warm and friendly greet to visitors to our services, identify what help is needed, direct people to information and self-help resources, book appointments and take enquiries.

What happens at Citizens Advice West Sussex

Our ambition is to reduce health and social inequalities by empowering people through information, advice and advocacy. We help people with all sorts of problems, from employment rights to food vouchers.
We listen and take people through their options so they make informed choices and support them to get the help they need. We advocate for residents, giving them a voice to bring changes to policy, so no one has to face their problems alone.

What will I do

 Welcome clients and other visitors to our services  Identify what help is needed and if there are emergencies  Directing leaflets, self- help materials and support clients to use our website pages  Setting up new clients on our database and record client information, book client appointments  Help the Supervisor with office tasks What skills do I need  Be friendly and approachable  Be open-minded and non-judgemental  Be confident to work independently  Have good IT skills ( Microsoft, database )

Where will I be

We have a number of vacancies on different days at our locations across Crawley, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, Horsham, Shoreham and Worthing.

As well as at out growing community outreaches in each of those Districts and Boroughs.

If you are interested in this role, please apply and we can talk with you.

What Training will be given?

Full and ongoing training is provided by our Training team and first class training portals. We will work with you to identify what your needs are.
Training can include customer service skills and how to use our database.

Valuing Inclusion

We pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce with volunteers from a range of backgrounds and encourage. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, including Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) volunteers, disabled volunteers, volunteers with physical and mental health conditions, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual, Trans and Non-binary volunteers, to join our service.

Other Information

We need reception help across a number of our offices, we are also building our community volunteer led teams at locations such as Libraries and Community Centres.

Reasonable travel expenses are paid.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Become an Enter & View Volunteer

Do you want to help improve local health and social care services?
We’re looking for volunteers who live in Barking and Dagenham and can take a fresh, solution-focused approach to assessing how services are run.

As an Enter & View Volunteer, you’ll:

✔️Receive full training from Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham

✔️Visit health and social care settings to gather feedback from patients and residents

✔️Help identify what’s working well and where improvements are needed

What you’ll need:

❤️Good communication and listening skills

❤️Professionalism, reliability, and empathy

❤️Ability to follow guidance and work as part of a team

Time commitment:
Flexible – you can choose when and how often you volunteer.
All reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Please get in touch to express your interest and request an application form.

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams))

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Teams)

• 24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

More about this role:

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Please note you must be over 18 to volunteer with us.