Volunteers volunteer volunteer roles in South east london, greater london

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5.30pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5.30pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5.30pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre and we are trialing an outreach sessions at a local Library & Hotel on otger weekdays

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Administration Support Volunteer

When someone reaches out to us, often in a moment of crisis, our administration support volunteers are one of the first voices they hear. You make sure that voice is calm, kind, and helpful.

You support people in a housing crisis, as well as offering assistance and information to supporters, volunteers, and members of the public who get in touch by phone, email, or in person. Working alongside our trained staff, you’ll help answer calls to our support line and keep things running smoothly across our office and support centre.

A big part of this role is helping the office runs smoothly day to day. That means getting involved in a wide variety of tasks, from supporting our databases and keeping records up to date, to helping with general admin, organising information, and making sure everything is where it needs to be so the staff and volunteer team can focus on supporting people. You’ll also help us keep accurate records so that people get the right support at the right time.

You’ll be helping with things like:

• Being a friendly first point of contact by phone, email, or at the door. 
• Listening carefully and recording important information accurately. 
• Supporting people with enquiries and helping them feel heard and understood. 
• Helping keep our databases and records up to date. 
• Supporting a wide range of daily admin tasks across the office. 
• Keeping the office organised so the team can focus on supporting people. 
• Helping prepare spaces for meetings and everyday activity. 
• Filing, scanning, and handling post. 
• Making refreshments and helping create a welcoming environment. 
• Supporting with basic stock checks and office supplies. 

What matters most in this role

We don’t expect you to know everything already. What matters most is:

• You’re kind, patient, and a good listener. 
• You can stay calm when things feel busy or emotionally challenging. 
• You’re comfortable using a phone, email and a computer, Microsoft Office and happy to learn new systems. 
• You understand the importance of confidentiality and treating people with respect. 
• You’re reliable and willing to be part of a team that supports each other. 
• You’re happy to help with a mix of people-facing and computer-based tasks.

 What you’ll gain

You’ll receive a full induction and ongoing support so you feel confident in your role. This includes training in safeguarding, confidentiality, and the systems we use day to day.
Many of our volunteers find this role deeply rewarding, not just because of the skills they gain, but because of the part they play in supporting people through difficult moments. We’re also happy to provide a reference for future opportunities.
 

When you’ll volunteer
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and/or 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. 
We ask for around one shift a week wherever possible, but we’re flexible. 

Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership operates in the borough of Watford and Three Rivers district, providing support to refugees and others without status in the UK. The partnership has a full-time caseworker and two part-time support staff in addition to around 80 volunteers. It currently serves around 350 families and individuals.

The charity provides:

· A weekly drop-in session – currently Tuesdays 11:00-13:30 – for existing and new clients to see us

· Casework supporting applications for leave to remain and related issues

· A weekly social hub – concurrent with the drop-in – for any client to join us for company and activities

· Education for our clients, mainly in the English language but including help with literacy and numeracy.

The operations manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity, reporting to the committee and trustees, ensuring the organisation runs efficiently and resources are used effectively to achieve its mission.  They will provide a line management and mentoring role for the case worker and office administrator. The successful candidate would have had managerial experience, possibly in the charity, education, healthcare or related sectors. The role is a part time one – expected to average 2 days per week, and likely to suit someone retired from employment.

Specific roles for the operations manager are:

· Support of communication within the charity

· Supervision of the weekly (currently Tuesday, 11:00am-1:30pm) welcome desk, drop-in, social hub and casework operation

· Line management of our full-time caseworker and part-time office manager

· Support of elements of casework by allocating other volunteers, logistics etc.

· Making day-to-day decisions within agreed scope, for management of the charity

· Report to the committee (including trustees) at its regular meetings with status of cases and requests for decisions

· Advising the committee in developing the charity, helping work on core mission, vision and strategy.

· Working with our fundraisers to provide required information and guidance where needed.

The successful candidate would have experience in:

· Proven organisational and multitasking skills

· Knowledge and experience of regulatory requirements to ensure compliance (e.g. GDPR etc)

· Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders

· Management of staff and volunteers

· Working with a volunteer committee and trustees

· Development of a business, charity or equivalent organisation

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Summer Project
Wed 22nd – Sun 26th July 9:30am – 5:30pm in North London.

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Summer Social Development Project.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.

What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.

Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, you are a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, Wed 22nd – Sun 26th July, 9:30am – 5:30pm  in North London.

Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full ten days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills.
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
• Increase your confidence.
• Meet new people and make friends.
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community.
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time.
• Challenge yourself.
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 17th  May with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from the end of April.  

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.  

Could you give one hour a month to hold a safe, reflective space for a team of bereavement support volunteers? We are looking for a qualified therapist to facilitate a monthly online group; a place for our volunteers to process, decompress and feel supported.

The New Normal is a charity that runs free peer support groups for people navigating bereavement, facilitated by a dedicated team of volunteers across the UK.

Our volunteers dedicate their time and energy to supporting others through emotionally challenging times, and we want to make sure they feel equally held and supported in that work. We are looking for a qualified therapist to facilitate a monthly online group session for our volunteers: a safe, reflective space where they can process what comes up, let off steam, and when required be offered reflective feedback.

This is a facilitation role rather than a clinical one. You would be holding the space, normalising emotions, and offering a warm, containing presence, not providing individual therapy or carrying clinical responsibility for group members.

What we are looking for:

— A qualified or experienced therapist, ideally with a person-centred or integrative background

— Experience of group work or group facilitation (desirable but not essential)

— An affinity with bereavement, peer support, or community-based work

— Warmth, groundedness, and the ability to hold a group with confidence

What we can offer:

— Access to free safeguarding, peer support and Sucide First Aid (lite) training worth £500 (optional)

— A warm, motivated and reflective group of volunteers who care deeply about what they do

— Full support from The New Normal team

— The opportunity to contribute to a charity doing vital work in the bereavement space

This is a voluntary, unpaid role. We are happy to discuss the scope of the role in detail and support you in checking any requirements with your professional body or insurer before you commit.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat welfare team leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

As a Gardening Volunteer at Croft House, you’ll play an important part in creating and maintaining a welcoming, therapeutic outdoor space for residents. Working alongside staff and residents, you’ll help care for the garden while supporting engaging, hands-on gardening activities.

This role is about more than plants — it’s about connection, wellbeing and creating a shared space where residents can relax, learn new skills and enjoy being outdoors. Your ideas and enthusiasm will help shape seasonal projects and themed gardening sessions throughout the year.

Key Duties

• Support the general upkeep of the garden (planting, watering, weeding, tidying and seasonal maintenance).

• Work alongside residents to co-create and deliver inclusive gardening sessions.

• Encourage and support residents to take part in hands-on gardening tasks.

• Help plan and contribute ideas for seasonal or themed activities (e.g. spring planting, sensory gardens, harvest projects).

• Promote a positive, safe and welcoming outdoor environment.

• Follow guidance from staff to ensure activities are safe and accessible for all.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has an interest in gardening (experience is helpful but not essential).

• Is friendly, patient and enjoys working with people.

• Feels confident supporting others in practical, hands-on tasks.

• Is reliable and able to commit to agreed volunteering times.

• Brings creativity and enthusiasm to help make the garden an engaging space.

• Values inclusion, wellbeing and creating supportive environments.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying time outdoors and sharing your passion for gardening

Are you looking to get involved in the local community or perhaps have an interest in mental health? Volunteering in our mental health services is a rewarding and varied opportunity for someone who is interested in working in this field. You will support by offering a listening ear and will offer individuals tailored mental health support, alongside our team of trained workers. We are looking for a volunteer to facilitate a Men’s group. The group provides a safe, welcoming place for people to meet, share experiences and support each other’s growth.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate discussions
• Create a supportive environment for men to connect, share experiences, and empower each other
• Prepare hot drinks and snacks
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings.

The skills you need

• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Experience of facilitating groups.
• Strong listening and communication skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We work to increase inclusion and representation across society for the disability community.We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity that you can do in your own time and without having to leave the comfort of the sofa? Do you have a good imagination? Are you interested in graphic design? Or have an artistic flair?

We have a range of creative projects and tasks and our creative team have more work than people. From helping to bring our characters and Bubble World to life to helping with our rebrand project. 

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• 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.

What can you expect?

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Youdon’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

For further information or to apply email us and we will be more than happy to have a chat. 

Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK. 

Are you interested in helping to save wildlife? We are Swan Lifeline, based on Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton Berkshire, and our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured waterfowl.

We’re dependant on Volunteers to manage our site operation and offer a very rewarding experience where you will learn lots and share amazing experiences as we transform lives. The work includes cleaning indoor and outdoor enclosures, food prep & feeding, site maintenance and assisting with rescues (if you are interested).

We do have a few simple requirements for the on-site team Volunteer role:

· You have a passion for Swans and helping wildlife.

· You make a regular commitment that fits with our shift system (ideally once a week but a minimum of 2 half days a month)

· You can work hard (active physical work), as part of a team.

· You can work independently once fully trained (full training will be given)

· Are over the age of 18 (sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover Minors).

We are also very interested in Volunteers who can offer time at weekends, and people who could do an early evening shift in the months of July & August when we’re especially busy.

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers to help with our social media. We want to massively improve and increase our content from TikTok to You Tube. So much goes into social media from the physical filming and scripts to making the small everyday promotional posts to bigger videos, editing and posting them. We need people to help with every aspect of social media  But don’t panic we are not asking one person to do all of this! So keep reading....

Who are we looking for?

• Somebody who is fun loving
• Be creative. Content creation is all about being creative.
• Knowledge or willingness to research algorithms and social media trends.
• Willing to learn or has knowledge of editing and posting videos
• Enjoy building online community
• No previous experience is necessary but a willingness to learn is essential.

What do we expect?

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
• Have a basic 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.

Interested? 

Get in touch and we can chat. Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK and ideally located around Berkshire, Outskirts of London, Surrey and Hampshire. 

Many of the men we support experience isolation, low confidence, and barriers to engaging with community life. As a befriender volunteer, you’ll build a consistent, trust based relationship that encourages social connection, helps set and pursue personal goals, and supports wellbeing and independence.

What you will be doing

• Offer regular one-to-one befriending - meeting for a walk, coffee, or a planned activity to reduce isolation and build confidence.
• Provide light, goal focused mentoring - agree simple goals (e.g., joining a group, practicing a routine, building life skills) and check progress together.
• Encourage safe community participation - libraries, local groups, leisure activities, volunteering, or learning opportunities.
• Share clear information and signpost to staff or local services where appropriate
• Accompany to non clinical community appointments, help read/understand letters, complete wellbeing “welfare check ins,” and promote general engagement in the community.
• Keep brief session notes or a simple check in with your supervisor and escalate any concerns immediately in line with safeguarding guidance.

The skills you need

• Warm, patient and non judgemental approach; able to build rapport with adult men from diverse backgrounds.
• Good listening, clear communication and reliability
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries; comfortable following guidance and asking for support.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

We are looking for the 'practical hands' to help our families reclaim their childhood. Use music to help families regulate, bond and feel joy again. Whether you sing, drum, strum or play something unique, you’ll help create soothing, expressive sessions that support emotional wellbeing.

We are seeking a diverse, proactive team of volunteers to support a 6-week summer programme (July 20 – Aug 28) across three refuge houses. Our mission is to rebuild parent-child bonds and bring joy back into childhood for families recovering from domestic abuse. You will be volunteering alongside Children Family workers throughout the summer, and will be invited to join an end of summer party.