Weekend volunteer volunteer roles in edinburgh

How you can make a difference:

Are you dedicated to supporting young people and want to make a difference to siblings and young carers? If so, 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 engage groups of young people through fun, interactive, and accessible Zoom workshops. Volunteers will support existing workshops by running games and activities with their assigned groups of young people. This could involve:

• Leading activities in your own Zoom room
• Running a Zoom session independently
• Quizzes
• Book clubs
• Film nights
• Online/digital games
• Challenges
• Board games/party games

We also welcome your application if you have exciting new activity ideas for young people to partake in. This a great opportunity 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 (after 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

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

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.

The role: Our scholars are eager to meet graduates and professionals who can support them in achieving their ambitions. Mentors are mainly responsible for providing support and career advice to pupils. Mentors must also be committed to supporting us at our events, which take place in the evenings and on Saturdays throughout the term. These events include our scholar enrichment days, our parent and pupil information sessions and our volunteer social events which are held in London. 

Availability: Mentors must be available for approximately 2-3 hours a month to meet with their mentee, and discuss via phone, email or in person. There is a minimum commitment of one year (three terms).

In addition to this, you will need to support a minimum of 2 events throughout the year. Enrichment and skill-building events for our scholars usually take place in the evenings and at weekends, with events ranging from 2-8 hours in length.

Location: Mentoring sessions and events can take place online or in person.

Responsibilities: 

• Working collaboratively with parents to give students guidance and advice on how to achieve their aspirations

• Informing pupils of opportunities to them so that they can achieve their aspirations

• Meeting with pupils for one to one mentoring sessions

• Supporting pupils with university, sixth form or job applications

• Monitoring and reporting on each pupils progress

• Giving feedback to parents and programme coordinators

• Working collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Supporting at events including:

  • Collaborate effectively with other volunteers within the events team

  • Assist with setting up and clearing up at events

  • Support workshop facilitators with managing groups of young people or parents

  • Assist with the coordination of lunch or refreshments for attendees

  • Assist the event coordinator with ensuring the health and safety of attendees and overall risk management at events

  • Give feedback to the event coordinators and programme managers at the end of each event.

Person specification:

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Enjoy working with children and young people

• Be educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent

• Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal

• Be punctual and organised

• Be able to remain calm under pressure

• Have excellent time management skills

Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives. 

Training: 

Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women. 

The Role: 

Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation. 

As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months. 

You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like. 

You: 

You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener. 

The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery. 

As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK. 

Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends. 

Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010. 

At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women. 

 What Past Befrienders Say: 

“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.” 

“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.” 

“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.” 

Closing Date: 31/08/2025 

Job Type: Volunteer 

Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based 

We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.

Job Description:

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer - Commercial Proposal Volunteer to join their team. Quilombo UK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.

By joining Quilombo UK and QMC Capoeira School you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers, who are willing to share their skill set and will provided you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.

Ideal candidates will assist Quilombo UK in preparing funding bids that contribute to their further development. They should be well-organized, with a proactive attitude to deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organization. Candidates should be willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks.

You will be volunteering as part of the team who are responsible for creating the bids to attract funding for our new or existing projects. The role will involve discussing project ideas and proposals with the management & project teams, searching for the right funding opportunities and preparing bids for submission.

You will work as part of an experienced team, where writing skills and experience in crafting persuasive and compelling content are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and write commercial proposals tailored to meet the specific requirements of clients and align with business objectives.
• Review and revise previously created proposals to ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with current business strategies.
• Collaborate closely with other team members, partners, and stakeholders to produce high-quality bid responses, compelling content, and effective key messages that align with win themes.
• Assist in establishing a comprehensive proposal development strategy.
• Propose innovative ideas for bid submissions in line with the established strategy and market demands.
• Collect, organize, and analyze all relevant information to be included in the proposals.
• Manage a detailed “bid plan” and ensure all proposals are approved and submitted before the stipulated deadlines.

Skills and Attributes:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Ability to work with Excel is an advantage; support will be provided if necessary.
• Excellent writing skills with a strong understanding of persuasive writing and narrative structure.
• Focused, organized, and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Some understanding of commercial market trends and research processes.

Perks:

• A supportive working environment providing opportunities to develop your skills and experience in commercial bid writing.
• Work alongside seasoned professionals eager to share their expertise.
• On-site training programs to help you grow your skill set.
• A casual yet professional office setting with snacks and drinks provided.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 12 per week

Benefits: Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• No weekends

Experience:

• Bid writer: 1 year (preferred)

Location:

• Remote (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Location: Remote
Department: Executive
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Hours: Part time, 4 board meetings per annum
Salary: Expenses only
 
Who they're looking for 
 
Our client is seeking a new Trustee with a background in veterinary or medical practice to support their Board and team in achieving their charitable aims. They are looking for someone who, in addition to their own expertise, has an interest in human-specific research approaches. This is a unique opportunity to join the country's leading animal-free medical research charity, where you will play a key role in helping to advance science to improve treatments for humans without the use of animals. You should have a strong interest in their mission and be willing to advocate on the charity’s behalf. Previous experience of being a Trustee is not necessary as a full induction and ongoing support will be provided. 
 
Equality, diversity and inclusion 
 
They want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or stakeholder to feel included and that they belong. Our client is committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities they serve and ensuring inclusion in everything they do. They will support you to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. 
 
Board meetings and time commitment 
 
The Board ordinarily meets four times per year in March, May, August and November. Two of these meetings are held remotely via video call on a Saturday, and two are held in person in London across weekends. In addition, Trustees are encouraged to join a Committee relevant to their area of expertise which meets at least once per quarter via video call. An appropriate time commitment will be required over the course of the year for preparative work between meetings. Trustees are also invited to attend occasional charity events and join recruitment panels on an ad hoc basis. Following a probationary period where Trustee-elects attend at least 3 board meetings, appointed Trustees serve a three-year term, with the option to renew for a further three years. Trusteeship is an unremunerated position, though reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid. 
 
If this opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity appeals to you, and you have enthusiasm and a commitment to their vision of a world where animal-free, human specific technologies secure breakthroughs for patients then they'd like to hear from you.
 
You may also have experience in the following roles: Board Member, Non-Executive Director, Charity Trustee, Medical Advisor, Veterinary Advisor, Clinical Director, Medical Trustee, Healthcare Trustee, Scientific Advisor, Research Trustee, etc.
 
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