Volunteers volunteer roles in dorking, surrey

As a Retail Volunteer, you'll try a bit of everything! Be the friendly face of our shop, handling customer transactions with a smile. You'll provide top customer service, and help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps our customers coming back!

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

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.

Volunteer Role: Charity Shop & Arts Space Assistant
Location: NICOLA Arts, Wandsworth Rd, Lambeth, London
Organisation: NICOLA Arts

About Us:

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity shop in the heart of Lambeth. We’re more than just a shop — we’re a creative hub where local artists can display, sell, and create their work. Through our in-store exhibitions and collaborative projects, we aim to build a supportive, accessible space for creatives and the wider community.

Role Overview:
We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to help support the day-to-day running of our charity shop and creative space. This is a varied role that combines retail tasks with hands-on support for artists and exhibitions. It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the arts, community work, or gaining experience in a creative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sort, price, and label donated clothes and items
• Assist customers with queries and purchases
• Operate the till and handle payments (training provided)
• Keep the shop tidy, welcoming, and well-organised
• Support artists working in the on-site studio
• Assist with setting up and manage in-store art exhibitions and events
• Post flyers locally for promoting our new shop

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, reliable, and proactive individuals
• An interest in the arts, creativity, or community engagement
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Willingness to learn and get stuck in
• Previous retail or creative experience is a bonus, but not required

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience working in a unique arts and retail environment
• Opportunities to connect with local artists and creative projects
• Training in retail and event support
• A chance to make a real difference in the Lambeth community
• References for future roles or education

Time Commitment:
Flexible shifts available – we’re happy to work around your schedule. Whether you can offer a few hours a week or more, your time and support will make a big difference.

How to Apply:
To express your interest, pop into the shop or apply online

Do you enjoy writing, researching, and uncovering great stories? Are you looking to use your creativity to make a real difference?

The Communications and Development team at Humanists UK is seeking a motivated, curious, and articulate volunteer to support our fundraising and communications work. This is an exciting opportunity to help us share inspiring stories that highlight the need for and positive impact of our work, and encourage people to get involved.

Working closely with our Fundraising Manager, you’ll play a key role in gathering stories, researching opportunities, and crafting compelling content. Whether it’s identifying local news items, interviewing individuals, or drafting social media posts and supporter emails, your contributions will directly support our mission and help us reach more people.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you.

This is a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in communications, fundraising, journalism, or the charity sector, or for those who simply want to use their skills for good.

Volunteer Graphic Designer – Share Your Heart of Gold with SUNSHINE

Loneliness is one of the fastest-growing epidemics of our time. Across London, thousands of people feel isolated and disconnected. At SUNSHINE, we believe no one should feel alone. Our mission is to bring sunshine into people’s lives through grassroots, community-led programmes that spark joy, foster friendships, and transform lives.

To help us shine even brighter, we are looking for a Graphic Designer with a Heart of Gold to create uplifting, vibrant designs that inspire, empower, and connect.

Why This Role Matters

Visuals are the heartbeat of SUNSHINE. They carry our message of joy, dignity, and community spirit into the world. As our Graphic Designer, you will help us:

• Promote our programmes so more people can join and feel connected.

• Celebrate our volunteers and supporters with designs that radiate gratitude and pride.

• Inspire funders and partners with professional, emotionally resonant materials.

• Spread sunshine across London through vibrant, positive imagery.

What You’ll Create

We’re especially looking for support with these initial designs:

1. Roller Banners – to take to events and showcase SUNSHINE.

2. Social Media Posts – promoting SUNSHINE, our programmes, our volunteer opportunities, and fundraising needs.

3. Business Stationery – letterhead, compliment slip, business cards, appointment card.

4. Leaflet (business card size) – a pocket-sized introduction to SUNSHINE.

5. Info and Motion Graphics – to promote SUNSHINE, tell our story and explain our impact in engaging ways.

6. Brochures – highlighting our mission, programmes, and community stories.

7. Fundraising Drive Promotionals – vibrant campaigns to inspire giving.

Who We’re Looking For

• A creative soul with a Heart of Gold who loves designing positive, uplifting visuals.

• Someone with skills in digital and/or print design (motion graphics a bonus!).

• A volunteer who believes in the power of design to inspire change and foster community.

• Passion for social impact and a desire to help tackle loneliness in London.

Join Us

At SUNSHINE, every design you create will help bring joy, connection, and hope to people who need it most. Your creativity will not just make things look beautiful, it will transform lives by spreading sunshine across our community.

Step forward. Shine bright. Share your Heart of Gold. Because when you give your creativity, you’re not just designing—you’re bringing sunshine into people’s lives.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

The Centre Manager needs some admin support on a Friday morning. Tasks include

Answering the phones

Taking a register

Communicating with schools, volunteers, staff and clients

Other administrative activities

IHF Website Design and IT Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of children around the world!

The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is seeking passionate volunteers to join our Website Design and IT team. As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in helping us to:

• Educate marginalized children in Indonesia, Kenya, and Thailand.

• Provide safe homes for children in need.

• Empower adults to start their own non-profits.

What you will do:

• Assist our Website & Media Teams in visual editing of content for social media platforms and website design.

• Collaborate with volunteers from around the world on website and marketing materials.

• Use your creativity and skills to help us share our story and make a difference.

Why volunteer with IHF?

• Make a real impact in the lives of children and families.

• Gain valuable experience in website design and IT.

• Join a global network of passionate volunteers.

• Work with a flexible schedule from the comfort of your own home.

Who we are looking for:

• Individuals with a passion for visual communication and design.

• Proficiency in Google Suite applications.

• A deep empathy for impoverished children and their communities.

• A commitment to our core values.

Ready to make a difference?

Visit our website today to learn more and apply!

As a Front Desk Volunteer, you will be the welcoming face of Historic Croydon Airport, responsible for ensuring visitors have a smooth and enjoyable experience. You will manage visitor check-ins, handle donations, and support merchandising activities. 

Responsibilities: 

Reception Duties: 

1. Visitor Reception: 

• Greet visitors warmly at the front door or Reception desk. 

• Check if visitors have pre-booked and verify booking details. 

• Keep the Reception Desk attended at all times. 

1. Booking Management: 

• Obtain booking sheets from Graeme and update them throughout the day. 

• Set out and supervise the donation box. 

• Maintain a supply of hand sanitisers, leaflets, and other materials. 

• Re-stock leaflet holders in the Main Entrance lobby. 

1. Visitor Handling Procedures: People with a Booking: 

• Check the Lead Name off the booking list and confirm the number of visitors in the group. 

• Request a donation of £8 per adult on entry, payable by cash, credit card, cheque (to Historic Croydon Airport Trust), or QR code. 

• Ensure the donation process is completed. 

• Inform visitors of the location of toilets and answer any questions. 

• Ask visitors to wait in the Waiting Area until their Guide collects them. 

• Manage additional visitors, ensuring tour groups do not exceed 12 people, including the Tour Guide. 

People without a Booking: 

• Politely inform visitors that entry is by pre-booking online. 

• Check the booking list for vacant slots and inform visitors of available times and spaces. 

• Advise visitors to book and return at the specified time, noting they cannot wait inside AH. 

• Allow visitors to wait outside for potential "no-shows" if they wish. 

• Be polite, sympathetic, but firm if turning people away, and provide the date of the next Open Day and booking details. 

• Seek assistance from Graeme or Mike if needed. 

1. Visitor Departure: 

• Thank visitors for coming and say goodbye. 

• Encourage visitors to review their experience on Tripadvisor (Croydon Airport Visitor Centre). 

Merchandising Duties: 

1. Merchandise Stall Management: 

• Set up and take down the HCAT Merchandise stall. 

• Retrieve and replace sale items from/to the cupboards under the model in Reception. 

• Run the merchandise stall, selling items to visitors. 

1. Cash Handling: 

• Manage the float, monetary takings, cashing up, and recording total takings at the end of the day. 

• Ensure cash takings are not left unattended and hand them over to a Trustee at the end of the day. 

1. Stock Monitoring: 

• Monitor stock levels and advise Jeff if stocks are running low. 

Qualifications: 

• Friendly and welcoming demeanor. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to manage bookings and handle donations accurately. 

• Experience in handling cash and managing merchandise sales. 

• Punctual, reliable, and able to adhere to procedures. 

• Commitment to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all visitors. 

Training: Volunteers will receive an induction, including a review of booking procedures, handling donations, and merchandise management. Ongoing training sessions and resources will be provided to support the role. 

Benefits: 

• Be the welcoming face of Historic Croydon Airport. 

• Gain experience in visitor management and merchandising. 

• Contribute to the educational and cultural enrichment of the community. 

• Be part of a supportive and passionate team. 

Application Process: If you enjoy engaging with the public and are enthusiastic about history, we would love to hear from you. 

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for community engagement and urban planning? Perhaps you have recently retired and would like to help the next generation of planners to gain some experience?

Planning Aid for London is seeking dynamic individuals to join us as a Lead Volunteer Caseworkers. This role is a great opportunity for experienced town planners to help communities to shape the future of London's neighbourhoods and contribute to positive community development.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking experienced and motivated individuals with at least 5 years experience in:

• Urban planning
•  Development management
• Planning policy
• Planning enforcement 
• Planning applications (understanding the terminology, responding to planning applications)
• Navigating planning committee meetings

If you have proven leadership skills, excellent communication skills and a commitment to empowering communities, we want to hear from you!

Diversity Statement

Planning Aid for London's main aim is to help support greater diversity and inclusion for residents as part of the planning system. We work to empower people to have real influence over decisions about their environment and communities and welcome opportunities from anyone who would like to help us to achieve that.

Planning Aid for London is aware that discrimination based on sex, race, ability, sexuality, class, gender, religion, age, maternity, parenthood or other characteristics can be consciously or subconsciously replicated in its undertakings and will eliminate any form of discrimination in its activities. To achieve this Planning Aid for London regularly reviews and monitors their work and practises.

Role Overview

As a Volunteer DevOps Engineer at GHRI, you will support the backbone of our digital health systems. You’ll help build and automate infrastructures that make our telemedicine services stable, secure, and scalable.

Perfect for students, early-career DevOps talents, or tech enthusiasts looking to gain real-world experience while contributing to a meaningful global cause.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in deploying and maintaining cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP).

Support CI/CD pipeline setup, testing, and automation.

Monitor system performance and ensure uptime for GHRI platforms.

Collaborate with engineers to improve system reliability, speed, and security.

Handle basic security, backups, and documentation.

Help troubleshoot infrastructure issues and optimize workflows.

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Requirements

Basic understanding of cloud services (AWS/GCP/Azure).

Familiarity with Linux environments.

Knowledge of CI/CD tools (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins).

Experience with Docker or Kubernetes is a bonus.

Good communication, eagerness to learn, and a problem-solving mindset.

Interest in digital health, telemedicine, or humanitarian technology.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on DevOps experience on real digital health projects.

Mentorship from industry and tech experts.

Flexible hours that work with your schedule.

Certificate of Volunteer Service from GHRI.

Projects that significantly boost your resume and portfolio.

A chance to contribute to life-changing healthcare innovation.

How to Apply

Send your CV 

Use the subject line:
“Volunteer DevOps Engineer – GHRI”

Focus Birmingham is a dedicated charity supporting people with sight loss and complex needs, helping them lead fuller, more independent, and more connected lives. We’re currently looking for warm, compassionate volunteers to join us as Telephone Befrienders.

If you can spare just a few hours a week, you can make a genuine difference to someone who is visually impaired and may be feeling isolated. A simple conversation from the comfort of your own home can bring comfort, confidence, and connection to someone who truly needs it.

As a Telephone Befriender, you’ll offer friendly chats, emotional support, and a vital social lifeline — helping people feel heard, valued, and less alone and you won’t be doing it on your own. We’ll support you every step of the way, from application and onboarding to being carefully matched with someone you’ll genuinely connect with.

If you’re ready to brighten someone’s day — and enrich your own — we’d love for you to apply and join our community of caring volunteers.

Quotes from our volunteers -

• Sonia, Telephone Befriender "It's so rewarding knowing that  a weekly phone call to someone can help reduce their feelings of loneliness and isolation for a small part of their day."
• Sacha, Telephone Befriender "One of the greatest gifts is giving my time to support and empower citizens with sight loss."
• Sharon, Telephone Befriender "It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction when I see service users gain confidence and self-esteem, as I believe the be-friending service is making a real difference to their lives".

Help us bring our farm stories to life!

Time: one-off project (about 10–20 hours over 2–4 weeks or until the project is completed)
Location: UK-based only (you must be able to volunteer/work in the UK)
Type: Volunteer (pre-approved expenses reimbursed if any)

About us

We’re Willowbrook Farm Charity, a tiny, big-hearted team teaching sustainability, biodiversity, and ethical farming. We’re working hard on our branding and visuals and would love a creative soul to help us make a small set of illustrations and icons that feel playful, kind, and unmistakably “us.”
 

The project (hand-drawn, brand-matched)

We need a talented Digital Artist who can hand-draw (on tablet or device of choice) and then deliver clean vector or high-res digital files. Your drawings must match the style of our main logo, so please take a quick look at our website first and see if that’s a style you’re happy to work in.

You’ll create

• Simple icons (e.g., education, biodiversity, volunteering, donations, accessibility).

• Farm-animal illustrations (goat, chicken, cow, bee, duck, etc.).

• Simple landscape elements (hedgerow/field/sun).

Files: SVG/AI (or layered PSD) + transparent PNG exports in agreed sizes.
Style: Hand-drawn linework, consistent strokes, brand-friendly colours (we’ll share swatches/brand guidelines).

How we’ll work (friendly & simple)

• You will work as part of our volunteer team doing brand development.

• Sketch/concepts round (hand-drawn roughs) → we will together discuss a direction.

• We keep feedback kind and clear to help you get the most out of the experience.

You (what helps you shine here)

• You love drawing by hand (sketchbook, iPad/Procreate, etc.) and can translate it into tidy digital files.

• You’re good at matching an existing style and keeping a set consistent, as all our assets must look like they belong to the same family as our rooster.

• Portfolio that shows icons/animals/mascots or similar line-based work.

• Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate—whatever helps you deliver clean assets.

• A soft spot for nature and community work

Important eligibility

• UK only: You must be living in the UK and able to volunteer here.

• We can only consider applications that include both a cover letter and a portfolio.

Rights & usage

To keep our brand consistent, we’ll ask for a simple agreement granting Willowbrook Farm Charity a perpetual, exclusive licence to use the final artwork across print and digital (you keep your moral rights/credit).You’re welcome to feature the work in your portfolio.

What you’ll gain

• Recognition & credit: We’ll credit you by name/handle on our website and socials (you keep moral rights/credit; the charity holds exclusive usage rights to the final assets).

• Portfolio showcase: Your illustrations will appear across our website, socials, and reports, with permission to include the project in your portfolio and case studies.

• Reference & testimonial: After successful delivery, we can provide a written reference and a short testimonial you can quote or reference on LinkedIn if you desire.

• Real-world impact: Your art will help a small, values-led charity tell its story and reach more people who benefit from our programmes.

• Clear brief & kind feedback: A tidy brief, quick decisions, and constructive notes—useful experience working to brand style and artwork specs.

• Practical support: You will work as part of a team and gain experience working in a creative environment with other volunteers who are also working hard to develop our brand. 

How to apply

Please email us with:

1. Cover letter: Tell us why this project excites you and why you want to volunteer with us.

2. Portfolio link (required): show us hand-drawn work and any icons/animal pieces you may have produced or any other artwork that helps us to see your line of work and style.

3. Availability: when you could start.

We can’t wait to see your lines and little creatures come to life. Thanks for considering volunteering your art to help our community grow. 

This is an opportunity to use your expertise and skills in website development and social media presentation to make a difference to the arts in Ukraine. Our charity is focused on projects within Ukraine to support the future of dance there. This volunteer role will play a key role in fundraising and communications in support of this work.

Responsibilities:

Website:

• Developing and maintaining website (currently Wix)
• SEO and analytics

 Social media:

• Technical support for development of presence on Instagram, Facebook
• Support for Fundraising and Communications Manager in development of presentation

Technical oversight:

• Ensure and advise on security
• Ensure data protection compliance
• Advise on development of technical support for administration of the charity

 Key Skills / Attributes:

• Strong interest in volunteering within the arts in the third sector
• Strong experience of website development and maintenance
• Knowledge of JavaScript, SQL useful
• Experience in use of social media for corporate communications

Likely to have had 3 years plus relevant professional experience supporting corporate communications or  marketing or similar disciplines.

RSPCA South London Branch

Location: Crystal Palace, Tooting & Croydon

Are you practical, reliable, or good with technology? We are looking for local volunteers to support our charity shops as Drivers, Handymen, IT Support volunteers – or a combination of all three. Whether you can help with one area or several, your support will play a vital role in helping us raise funds for our animal welfare work. We’re looking for practical, reliable people to help keep our charity shops running. Whether you’re handy with tools, happy behind the wheel, good with tech – or a mix of all three – we’d love to hear from you. You can get involved in the areas that suit your skills and availability, and your help will directly support our animal welfare work.

Overview of the opportunity

Our charity shops rely on skilled and dependable volunteers to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. This flexible role is ideal for someone who can help with driving donations, basic maintenance and repairs, or IT and technical support across our local shops. You will need to be local to Crystal Palace, Tooting or Croydon, as this role supports shops in these areas.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, the RSPCA has been saving animals for almost 200 years and is proud to be the world’s oldest animal welfare charity. Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, and our volunteers play a crucial role in helping us achieve this every day.

Our Charity Shops

Our local charity shops are essential in raising funds and awareness for our animal welfare work. They sell a wide range of donated items including clothing, books, bric-a-brac and collectables. Keeping our shops safe, functional and well-supported allows us to maximise the funds we raise for animals in need.

Volunteer responsibilities

Depending on your skills and interests, you may help with one or more of the following areas:

Driver support

• Collecting and delivering donated and purchased items
• Moving stock between charity shops
• Completing basic administration such as mileage returns
• Ensuring RSPCA policies and procedures are followed

Handyman / Maintenance support

• Carrying out basic repairs and maintenance in shops
• Fixing fixtures, fittings and shop equipment
• General upkeep to ensure shops are safe and welcoming

IT / Technical support

• Helping with basic IT issues (e.g. computers, printers, Wi-Fi)
• Setting up or troubleshooting shop technology
• Supporting staff and volunteers with simple tech queries

What we are looking for

• Someone local to Crystal Palace, Tooting or Croydon
• Reliable, friendly and willing to help
• Driver volunteers must have their own vehicle and good local knowledge
• Practical skills or IT experience are desirable but not essential
• Willingness to offer an ongoing commitment (days/hours flexible)
• Volunteers must be aged 18 or over
• All necessary training will be provided

What we can offer you

• The chance to make a real difference to animal welfare locally
• A friendly, supportive volunteering community
• Training, induction and ongoing support
• The opportunity to learn new skills
• Volunteering experience to enhance your CV

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the South London Branch.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.