Volunteers volunteer roles in braintree, essex

Help give animals a voice – join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group.

Do you want to help shape a fairer future for animals, where progress in medicine is equal, ethical, and compassionate?

We’re looking for passionate changemakers to join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group as volunteer members. Whether you’re a professional (human clinician, vet, scientist, engineer, or bioethicist), an animal guardian, or simply someone who believes in equality for all species, then we’d love to hear from you.

What is PGIE?

In human healthcare, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) has become a powerful way to make sure research meets real patient needs. At Humanimal Trust, we’re translating this idea into veterinary medicine through PGIE – bringing together patients (in our case animals, via their guardians), the public, and professionals, to develop best practices.

By joining, you’ll be helping to guide research, so it benefits both humans AND animals.

As a volunteer member, you’ll:

• Help shape an ethical framework for One Medicine, focusing on good practice in veterinary clinical trials and collaboration between human and veterinary medicine.
• Join virtual group meetings (around 6 per year, with at least 60% attendance expected).
• Share your ideas and perspectives to support our mission and influence real change.
• Work with others to build consensus on key issues.
• Support projects and campaigns that spread the message of One Medicine.
• Occasionally represent the group at meetings and events.

What you’ll bring:

• Good listening and communication skills.
• An open mind and respect for different perspectives.
• A real passion for making a difference.
• Enthusiasm for our mission to create a fairer, kinder future for all species.

What’s in it for you:

• Be part of something truly groundbreaking – PGIE is the first group of its kind.
• Play a direct role in giving animals a voice in medical progress.
• Help build stronger connections between humans and animals in the fight against disease.
• Be part of a supportive, inspiring community of people who care as much as you do.

While this is a voluntary role, we will do our best to cover any out-of-pocket expenses related to your involvement.

Together, we can make sure that all humans and animals benefit from equal and sustainable medical progress, but not at the expense of an animal’s life. This is One Medicine.

How you can make a difference:

Are you a painter, illustrator, knitter or potter? You might be a sports teacher, a music student or even a professional writer. If you are dedicated to supporting young people and you’ve got a super skill you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you!

A sibling or young carer is a young person who lives with a family member with a disability, such as a parent or sibling, often providing support or care. Here at Sense, we know that it’s not always easy being a young carer, or the sibling of a disabled person. Their wellbeing and happiness are just as important. That is why we deliver activities and sessions specifically for young people aged 5-18, who have a caring role for a parent or have a sibling with a disability.

We run a wide range of virtual group sessions after school and at weekends. Our sessions are designed to meet the interests of the young people we support, supporting their wellbeing, giving them opportunities to socialise with other siblings and young carers, and providing a fun break that is just for them. 

We are looking for volunteers to share their skills and engage groups of young people through fun, interactive, and accessible Zoom workshops. Volunteers will have experience in one of the following skills, either through study, teaching, running a business, or delivering workshops. Please note you only need one of the following skill areas to apply, however if you have experience in more than one, please do let us know:

• Arts/drawing
• Crafts/creative projects
• Sports/fitness
• Music
• Graphics/design/animation
• Gaming
• Creative writing

We welcome your application if you have another area of expertise you believe would be a great opportunity for young people to partake in.

This a great opportunity to utilise your own skills and experience to deliver impactful recreational sessions to siblings and young carers across the country. You do not need to have previous experience working with siblings or young carers, we will provide you with training and ongoing support to equip you for your role.

Our staff team will be there to support you every step of the way. The volunteer role is really flexible – you might run workshops after school, evenings, or any time at the weekend – once a month, twice a month, or more if you’d like! You will build up a great rapport with the young people and gain amazing experience supporting them each month.

Benefits:

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A reference following your commitment (at least 6 months)
• Flexible volunteering hours
• Reimbursed expenses*
• Full training and ongoing support, as well as ‘upskill’ opportunities
• Joining a family of wonderful volunteers
• Learning about the experiences of siblings and young carers and those with disabilities

• Gaining experience of working with young people

  *Expenses have to be pre-agreed

Additional Information:

• Location: Virtual, so we’re keen to hear from people all around the UK
• Time commitment: Estimated 3–5 hours a month, depending on the activity
• Duration: minimum 6 months
• Age minimum: 18

JOB BRIEF

We are seeking a strategic and persuasive Campaigner to join our advocacy team at The IWI: International Women’s Initiative. In this critical position, you will leverage your extensive political acumen and strategic insight to influence legislation and policy on behalf of The IWI. The Campaigner will play a critical part in shaping public policy and advocacy initiatives that align with our mission and objectives. They will serve as a key liaison between our organisation and governmental entities, ensuring that our interests are effectively represented and advanced. Ideal candidates for this role possess a keen understanding of advocacy, the legislative process, excellent communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to the human rights of women. We encourage applicants who may not meet every requirement to apply. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a valuable addition to our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, community leaders, coalitions, advocacy groups  and other stakeholders to promote The IWI's objectives;

o Monitor and report on legislative developments and emerging issues that may impact The IWI;

o Collaborate with internal teams to align lobbying efforts with broader organisational goals and messaging;

o Draft and advocate policy proposals, position papers, policy briefs, reports, and testimony to articulate our stance on key issues, while representing The IWI in public forums;

o Prepare reports and recommendations for senior staff;

o Draft and disseminate press releases, position papers, and other communication materials to promote The IWI advocacy initiatives;

o Utilise social media platforms to enhance public engagement and support for The IWI lobbying efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

o 5+ years of experience in change behaviour, lobbying, public policy and government relations, with a proven track record of successful advocacy and campaigns efforts.

o Deep understanding of the legislative process and the political landscape (in the USA, Europe specifically), particularly as it relates to CEDAW;

o Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively;

o Experience in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry groups, and grassroots organisations;

o Strong network of contacts within the legislative and regulatory community; media and related NGOs.

o Able to work independently with minimal supervision;

o Ability to manage people and multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred:

o Advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field;

o Experience in women’s human rights relevant to The IWI's mission;

o Proven ability to navigate complex political environments and build consensus among diverse groups;

o Membership in relevant professional organisations or certifications in lobbying or advocacy is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES

o Proficiency in using advocacy management software and tools for tracking legislation and stakeholder engagement;

o Strong analytical skills to assess the impact of proposed legislation on organisational objectives;

o Familiarity with social media and digital advocacy platforms to enhance outreach efforts.

SOFT SKILLS AND CULTURAL FIT

o Advanced interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively with diverse teams;

o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for advocacy;

o Integrity and professionalism, demonstrating a commitment to ethical lobbying practices;

o       A passion for public service and a deep understanding of the issues affecting women’s human rights globally.

Are you passionate about mental wellness and helping others? We’re looking for a dedicated volunteer to run online mindfulness sessions! Mindfulness is a great way to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Through mindfulness practices, participants can enhance their emotional resilience, focus and overall quality of life!

At Hestia, we support adults and children who have experienced crisis and trauma, to find safety, hope and purpose. We specialise in trauma and resilience informed support for people in crisis or who have experienced trauma – including survivors of modern slavery, adults and children escaping domestic abuse, people needing support with their mental health, and people leaving prison. We foster trusting relationships at crucial moments in their recovery, that empower individuals to

build a life beyond crisis.

What you will be doing

• Deliver online mindfulness sessions for groups
• Support participants in developing mindfulness practices.
• Providing a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and learn coping mechanisms related to mental wellbeing.

The skills you need

• A personal understanding and practice of mindfulness techniques
• The ability to guide and support individuals or groups in mindfulness practices
• Strong communication, empathy, and the ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment are important
• Being able to adjust activities to meet the diverse needs and abilities of participants.
• Qualification desirable but not essential

In 2025 and beyond we are looking to expand our work. We want to collaborate with more organisations, gain coproate partners and truly grow the size of Buttons & Bubbles. 

Who are we looking for?

You will be enthusiastic about bringing about more representation and inclusion.

Enjoy development and may have experience of business development.

Experience with working with corporate sponsors would be helpful. 

Be passionate or have experience in fundraising.

Be a good communicator (this does not need to be verbal communication, we recognise other forms of communication such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)

Somebody who thinks outside the box (no robots at Buttons & Bubbles) 

This role can be done remoatly. 

What do we expect
Must be willing to undertake our training programme

Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)

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).

A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

If you would be interested in having more information about this opportunity or want to know what else we have (trust us there is plenty) please email and we can chat. 

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm

This role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
• Facilitating conversation in the group
• Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

�� Help Shape Our Humanitarian Team! Join the IHF Interview Management Team ��

Are you organized, empathetic, and passionate about connecting people with meaningful roles? Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) as a member of our remote *Interview Management Team*. Play a critical role in recruiting volunteers who are eager to make a difference in the world.

What You’ll Do:

- Coordinate Interviews: Oversee and conduct interviews with potential volunteers, guiding them through our application process and creating a welcoming experience.

- Promote IHF’s Mission: Clearly communicate IHF’s values and mission, ensuring that volunteers understand the importance of their role.

- Match Talents with Needs: Work closely with other teams to ensure that volunteers are placed in roles that align with their skills and interests.

Why Join IHF?

- Impactful Recruitment: You’ll be helping us find passionate individuals who will carry out important humanitarian work.

- Skill Development: Gain experience in human resources, recruitment, and cross-cultural communication.

- Work Remotely: Enjoy the flexibility to make an impact from wherever you are.

Requirements:

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Experience in recruitment, interview management, or HR is beneficial.

- A positive attitude and a commitment to IHF’s mission to help communities worldwide.

Be a Part of Our Mission– Join IHF’s Interview Management Team and help us build a community of dedicated volunteers committed to making a difference.

Our Challenge

Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

At The Brain Tumour Charity, we aim to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding our counselling service. We know the difference that talking therapy can make to the brain tumour community and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
As a Volunteer Counsellor for this service, you would work with a wide range of clients who either have a brain tumour diagnosis themselves, or have a loved one who has been diagnosed. This includes patients/carers who have been newly diagnosed, to those in/post treatment, to people at end of life, or bereaved.

This is a remote service, where we offer up to 8 free sessions to clients, delivered by either telephone or webcam.
 

We’re looking for counsellors who:

• Are qualified with a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
• Are integrative or person-centred counsellors
• Are a member of the BACP (or equivalent ethical body)
• Are committed to attend monthly clinical supervision
• Have an interest in working with people affected by a brain tumour and possibly experience of working with clients in a similar field. (Eg. Neurological conditions, palliative care, bereavement, etc.)
• Have the IT abilities to be able to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database.
• Have experience of working remotely, via telephone or webcam and is happy to use their own laptop, phone and WIFI for their client work.
• Have their own public liability insurance (or are willing to obtain this.)

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

What can you gain from volunteering with us?

• The opportunity to work with a unique and rewarding client group
• Management supervision and regular, ongoing support from our Counselling Service Team.
• You will receive a financial contribution towards your monthly clinical supervision, with an independent supervisor of your choice.
• All diary management will be carried out by our Counselling Team, reducing the amount of admin required by you.
• The opportunity to apply for paid counsellor roles as and when they become available.

Time commitment

We ask each Volunteer Counsellor to commit to a placement of at least 6 months and to see a minimum of 3 clients per week (at a time suitable for you, but it MUST be at the same time each week). The service operates between the hours of 9am—5pm, Monday-Friday and you will be required to see clients within these hours.

Practical Considerations

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with our Counselling Service Manager and Counselling Service Officer.

Successful candidates will then receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing support from one of the team. 

We will carry out reference and DBS checks for all successful applicants and you will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

AHO Head of Fundraising (unpaid, Volunteer role)

Responsibilities and Duties

The Volunteer Head of Fundraising assists the Director of Fundraising in developing and implementing a comprehensive multi-year funding strategy that encompasses diverse income streams, working collaboratively with senior leadership to coordinate efforts and maintain an up-to-date funding pipeline. 

The Volunteer Grants Head assists the Director of Fundraising to:

• Develop and drive a multi-year fundraising strategy to support the organisation's growth ambitions.  To include a mix of both existing and new income streams and the resources needed to reach the goals.
• Work with the CEO, Director of Fundraising, and Grant Managers to implement the strategy in a coordinated and effective way.
• Create and maintain the fundraising pipeline, keeping it up to date in the CRM, in collaboration with other Volunteers and staff members.
• Lead on fortnightly Business Development meetings to keep everyone aligned and updated.
• Lead the development of new income streams, including government procurement opportunities and individual donations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure alignment between income generation and programme delivery.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to establish and leverage networks and opportunities.

Essential Skills, knowledge, and behaviours:

• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies at a senior level.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple income streams.
• Experience managing multiple income streams, including statutory income, individual, corporate, and grant fundraising
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience developing high-performing teams
• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including bid writing and donor presentations
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and best practice in supporter stewardship

Please note that this is an unpaid role. Don't apply if you plan to negotiate a pay or deal.  Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.

For the full role description and other volunteer opportunities, please visit our website.

How to apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and cover letter using the Charity Job system.  If you use any method other than the one specified, we will not review your application.

Are you a social media whiz?

Can you take a successful brand and make it sparkle?

Do you have 3-5 hours a week to give to a charity supporting SEND families?

As a social media volunteer you will be managing and creating content for the charity's social media platforms, monitoring performance and establishing and maintaining active social media accounts.

What will you be doing?

• Creating and managing daily posts across all social media platforms e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Advertising our services, webinars and other events in order to reach more families in need of the support we offer.
• Working in conjunction with the Operations Manager, develop new, engaging content to increase interest, improve our presence, attract followers and drive growth.
• Create posts for the organisations needs as and when needed.

What are we looking for?

• Clear understanding of social media platforms.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and a positive can-do attitude.
• Knowledge of marketing and public relations is desirable.
• Creativity and experience with Canva for content design is also desirable.

About Yoga Stops Traffick

Yoga Stops Traffick (YST) is a global yoga campaign to raise awareness and funds to combat human trafficking. YST supports the work of Odanadi Seva Trust, an organisation in India dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and empowering survivors of human trafficking.

Role Overview

We're looking for a Volunteer Web Designer experienced in WordPress to help enhance our online presence.

Responsibilities

• Website Updates: Maintain and update the Yoga Stops Traffick website (built on WordPress) to ensure content is current, visually appealing, and user-friendly.
• Design Enhancements: Propose and implement design improvements to align with our branding and campaign goals.
• Troubleshooting: Address any technical issues on the website, ensuring smooth functionality and navigation.
• Content Integration: Assist with uploading blogs, event details, images, and multimedia content.
• SEO Optimization: Ensure the website is optimized for search engines to increase visibility.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience designing and managing WordPress websites.
• Strong understanding of web design principles, UX/UI, and responsive design.
• Familiarity with basic SEO practices and tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical website issues.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently.

What We Offer

• A chance to use your skills to make a tangible impact in the fight against human trafficking.
• Collaboration with a global network of passionate volunteers and changemakers.
• Flexibility in working hours and location (remote role).
• The opportunity to enhance your portfolio while supporting a meaningful cause.

If you’re interested in joining our team as a Volunteer Web Designer, please send a message via Reach which includes

1. A brief introduction about yourself and why you’d like to volunteer with YST.
2. A link to your portfolio / examples of WordPress projects you’ve worked on.
3. Your availability 

About Us

The Story Forge Project is a new, grassroots literacy project based in Grantham. We design imaginative, inclusive workshops for children and young people that build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of words. From festive letter-writing to story zines and sensory map-making, we’re on a mission to make storytelling part of everyday life - for every child, not just the confident ones.

We’re newly constituted, but growing fast, and now we’re looking for a like-minded volunteer to help us grow our funding base and secure support for our pilot projects across Lincolnshire.

The Role

We’re looking for a volunteer with an interest in literacy, books, children’s creativity or arts fundraising to help us design and coordinate a simple fundraising calendar. You don’t need to be a professional fundraiser, just someone organised, curious, and up for helping a new idea take flight.

Key tasks include:

• Researching small grants and funding opportunities (local councils, trusts, literacy/arts schemes)

• Helping shape a 6–12 month calendar of possible applications or fundraising opportunities

• Supporting with simple application templates and tracking

• Optional: helping build relationships with local businesses, bookshops or sponsors

You won’t need to make asks yourself unless you want to, we’re just looking for someone to help us build the plan and shape our direction. You’ll be working closely with our founder (a children’s author) and will be credited as part of the founding team.

You Might Be…

• A former or aspiring fundraiser looking for hands-on experience

• A publishing, arts or charity professional with a bit of time to give

• A parent, teacher or booklover passionate about children’s literacy

• Someone who wants to contribute to a new project from the ground up

What You’ll Get

• A flexible, rewarding role you can shape

• Experience building a fundraising pipeline from scratch

• Insight into grassroots children’s arts and literacy work

• A meaningful credit on our website and publications

How to Apply

Please send a short email telling us a bit about you and why the role interests you. CVs are welcome but not necessary. 

We’re reviewing on a rolling basis and would love to chat. 

We are currently recruiting for a Fundraisers for our newly formed not for profit which provides fully qualified mental assistance dogs for those in need across Northamptonshire.

Ideally this would be a great role for someone who looking to gain some experience having been out of the business for a while and looking for someone to grow with us or someone is newly qualified in this area

You will have the platform to take control and create your own success story.

Essential to the role

ü  Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

ü  Satisfactory references

ü  Has working knowledge of word, Outlook

Desirable

ü  Educated to GCSE level with English and Maths

Role and Responsibilities

· Have experience of fundraising would be ideal.

· Must have strong verbal and written communications skills.

· You will be measured against agreed key performance indicators.

· You should be able to work with all other areas of the organisation from volunteers fundraising, to corporate functions.

· Strong time management skills and manage own administration with a keen eye for attention to detail.

· Be honest, reliable and knowledgeable about our services and how we support the local community.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Volunteer Trust & Grant Bid Writer to help secure funding that will enable us to continue and grow our life-transforming work in Christian mental health. Working with the Director of Development, the role will involve identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant applications, and helping us build strong relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.

Mercy UK is a Christian mental health and wellbeing charity, committed to equipping people to live free and stay free through a range of trauma-informed, faith-based support services. From our flagship Freedom Journey programme to practical resources like Keys to Freedom, we support individuals navigating emotional and spiritual challenges and empower churches and Christian organisations to provide meaningful, transformational support.

Key Responsibilities

● Research suitable grant-making trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on those funding mental health, faith-based initiatives, and/or community wellbeing.

● Work closely with the Director of Development to maintain a pipeline of prospective funders.

● Draft high-quality, tailored funding applications that reflect the heart, outcomes, and impact of Mercy UK’s work.

● Collate and interpret project data, outcomes, and financial information to support applications.

● Support the development of template responses and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.

● Assist in preparing follow-up reports or updates required by funders.

What We’re Looking For

● Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and inspiring content.

● Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

● Experience of fundraising through trusts and foundations, or equivalent transferable experience in writing bids or proposals.

● An ability to articulate and represent Christian values and ethos respectfully and effectively in written applications.

● Passion for mental health and wellbeing, and alignment with Mercy UK’s mission and values. 

What You’ll Gain

● The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing, impactful charity.

● Experience in trust and grant fundraising, with support and guidance from our development team.

● A chance to use your skills to directly support the emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing of individuals across the UK and beyond.

● References and testimonials for future opportunities.

● Access to Mercy UK’s Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured