Wellbeing volunteer volunteer roles in bedford, bedfordshire

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you have a strong background in Human Resources and a commitment to supporting charitable causes? If the answer is yes, then we want you to help guide our organisation as a Trustee!

Garden House Hospice Care provides specialist palliative care and free wellbeing services for patients, families and carers facing life-limiting illnesses. We are seeking a HR professional to join our Board and contribute to the charity’s development and success. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping our People and Culture strategy and governance, ensuring that we are best positioned to attract, retain, and develop talented staff and volunteers. You will provide strategic HR guidance and support, helping to build an organisational culture that reflects our values and mission.

We strive to be an inclusive and diverse Board and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Skills & Experience….

• A background in Human Resources, ideally at a strategic level (Senior HR Manager, Director, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance
• Experience in strategic HR leadership and the ability to work with non-profit organisations
• A passion for the charity sector and commitment to the mission of Garden House Hospice Care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with both a diverse team and stakeholders

What you will gain from this role…

• The opportunity to contribute to a cause you believe in
• Make a lasting impact in the local community
• Work with a dynamic and supportive team of Trustees, staff and volunteers
• Ongoing professional development
• The opportunity to expand your professional network

Training and support…

· This role is subject to a DBS check and mandatory training

· You will receive ongoing training/development and support in-role

· You will be entitled to receive free access to our Volunteer Assistance Programme, which offers confidential support and advice

Help shape the future of mental health support in your community. Become a Trustee at Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind and make a meaningful impact in just a few hours a month.

Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind is looking for compassionate, values-led individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in guiding one of the region’s leading mental health charities at a time of growth and transformation.

As a Trustee, you’ll support strategic decision-making, champion inclusive and community-based mental health services, and help ensure strong governance and financial sustainability. You don’t need prior board experience—we’re looking for people with diverse backgrounds, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to improving mental health for all.

We’re especially interested in hearing from people with lived experience of mental health challenges, as well as those with expertise in finance, safeguarding, digital strategy, income generation, clinical services, or HR.

Our board meets around 8–10 times a year, usually in the evenings. The average time commitment is 2–4 hours per month, and we provide a full induction, training, and reasonable expenses.

By joining us, you’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team helping to create a future where everyone facing a mental health challenge is recognised, valued, and supported.

Purpose of the Role:
The Treasurer plays a key leadership role in ensuring SAPHNA’s financial integrity and sustainability. In addition to the responsibilities of a General Trustee, the Treasurer provides strategic guidance and oversight on SAPHNA’s financial matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place.
• Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Work closely with SAPHNA’s management team to monitor budgets, cash flow, and financial performance.
• Ensure the preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations.
• Present financial reports to the Board in a clear and accessible format.
• Support the development of financial policies and procedures.
• Ensure SAPHNA’s funds are invested appropriately, achieving both security and growth.
• Oversee financial compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Person Specification:

• Proven financial expertise, ideally with experience in financial management, accountancy, or charity finance.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or financial oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other Trustees and SAPHNA’s management team.

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events. The Treasurer role may require additional time to review financial matters and liaise with staff.

We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses. 

Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote. 

Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid 

Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month 

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Overview 

For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.

The role 

We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth. 

The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life. 

The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions. 

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month. 

For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Sussex RH15, RH16, RH17, BN6, BN45.
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Play your part in harnessing the value of the UK’s natural environment for everyone 

Recently celebrating its 10 year anniversary, the Ecosystems Knowledge Network (EKN) has gained widespread recognition as a trusted source of insight for all with role in the stewardship of land, water and nature. Through our events, resources, advice and communications, we support a wide range of people, from volunteers in small local environmental initiatives to representatives of big businesses. Our job is to help them harness the value of the environment for everyone’s wellbeing and prosperity. We are a registered charity and a growing social enterprise. 

From architecture to agriculture, ecology to engineering and finance to fisheries, EKN is a diverse network of professionals. We run pioneering events on ‘frontline’ topics not addressed by others, enabling mutual understanding, collaboration, and action between different sectors and interests.  For example, convening events on the role of games and gamification in nature recovery, and running the renowned series of conferences on the rapidly growing topic of nature finance (now into the sixth year).  

We think the natural environment has huge untapped potential to help resolve issues of concern people and businesses in this part of the 21st Century. The current Board is now recruiting up to three new trustees to guide EKN in this endeavour and to deliver to its 4,000+ members and stakeholders. The role includes attending quarterly Trustee meetings (normally online) and we are seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

1. Skills and knowledge development 

1. Treasurer - financial and commercial oversight 

1. Rural land and communities 

We are looking for people who are committed to using their expertise and professional networks in support of our charitable objectives and social enterprise goals. 

In accordance with Charity Commission rules, Trustees are not entitled to receive remuneration. All reasonable expenses incurred in relation to the role will be reimbursed. The positions are open to anyone who resides in the UK and has the right to work in the UK. 

New members of the Board will be asked to complete a declaration of their business interests. They will need to fulfil their role in accordance with the rules and guidance set of charity trustees in the UK. It is important that they are able to safeguard the independence and impartiality of EKN. 

At EKN we know that diversity of thoughts, perspectives and lived experience fosters innovation. We are committed to fairness, equal opportunity and inclusion and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, abilities and identities across all UK nations

The Pirate Castle is a buzzing charity based in the heart of Camden.  From our iconic castle base we offer boating, kayaking and canoeing as well as community space to hire.  We are looking for a Company Secretary for our engaged trustee board to minute our meetings and to lead on governance and compliance matters.  We look forward to hearing from candidates with governance experience who are keen to contribute to the future of a well-loved community charity as it approaches its 60th year.

Purpose of the Role:
As a Trustee of SAPHNA, you will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation achieves its mission to promote excellence in school and public health nursing. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial sustainability of SAPHNA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute actively to the Board’s strategic decision-making and direction.
• Ensure SAPHNA complies with its governing document, charity law, and relevant regulations.
• Uphold SAPHNA’s values and promote its objectives.
• Provide guidance and expertise to support SAPHNA's development and growth.
• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial stability, approving budgets and ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings (approximately four per year) and contribute to subcommittees or working groups as required.
• Support fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy activities where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador for SAPHNA, representing the organisation to stakeholders.

Person Specification:

• A commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or relevant professional expertise.
• Knowledge of school and public health nursing or the broader healthcare landscape (desirable but not essential).

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events.

Trustee

Be part of an organisation that envisions a fairer, more sustainable society where partnerships between business and charity unlock the potential of people and organisations to ignite lasting social impact. As some of our current Trustees come to the end of their term, we are looking to appoint up to four new Trustees to bring fresh insight and experience to our board.

Position: Trustee

Activity: Four Quarterly Trustee meetings and participation in one sub-committee

Location: meetings are online, with 2 meetings a year in person, typically in London (we welcome applications from all areas of the country)

Time Commitment: Up to two days per month, with the option of a further half day involvement in direct charity projects through the Pilotlight 360 programme

Contract: 3-year term, with potential for renewal

Closing Date: 5pm, Friday 6 June

Interview Date: 25th and 27th June

About the Role

We are a charity built on the simple but powerful idea that when people share skills across sectors, everyone benefits. We create partnerships that spark ideas, unlock potential, and deliver lasting impact - business leaders learn new perspectives; charities build their capacity; communities feel the difference.

Our Trustees are at the heart of this - offering guidance, sharing insights, and championing a culture of learning and collaboration. We are looking to recruit four trustees to join our current team of Directors. 

We’re particularly looking for skills in the following areas:

· Marketing in a Business-to-Business Context – helping us tell our story and engage with corporate partners.

· HR / People – supporting our ambitions to be a great place to work and to embed equity and wellbeing in all we do.

· Commercial Finance – contributing financial expertise as we plan and invest for sustainable impact.

· Digital / AI – bringing insight into how technology can enhance our programmes and internal capability.

About You

You believe in the power of partnerships and the value of shared learning. You’re willing to contribute your skills to a purpose-driven organisation that’s ambitious for change.

You don’t need previous board experience, we’ll provide an induction and ongoing support. What we’re really looking for is curiosity, a collaborative mind-set, and a commitment to our mission and values.

We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and are especially keen to hear from people who are currently underrepresented on charity boards, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of social or economic exclusion.

About Pilotlight

Pilotlight is where business expertise meets charity ambition. We connect people across sectors to create real-world learning, stronger organisations, and greater social impact. We design and deliver bespoke programmes that bring businesses and charities together to solve challenges, unlock potential, and build skills – on both sides. We carefully match skills with ambition. We create collaborative teams of business experts and charity leaders. We guide shared learning and development through real-world, purpose-driven experiences that deliver lasting results.

In 2024, Pilotlight worked with 1,259 business participants on 162 projects, delivering support to 142 unique charities. In turn, these charities support over 11 million people. Our mission is to facilitate and promote the sharing of professional skills to promote learning and enable charities to help more people.

If you’re ready to use your skills to help others grow, and to grow yourself along the way, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Non-Executive Director, HR Director, Finance Business Partner, Marketing Strategist, Chief People Officer, Technology Lead, Digital Transformation Manager, Equity & Inclusion Advisor, Head of Marketing, HR Director, Head of HR, Finance Director, CFO, COO, CEO, etc.

Are you a committed environmentalist and a strategic thinker? Do you have skills in devising and managing or communicating about community based, environmental projects?

The Railway Land Wildlife Trust is seeking passionate and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

We’re particularly interested in those with skills in communications, fundraising or environmental projects. As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the future of our work, protecting and restoring habitats while deepening people’s connection to nature.

As a Trustee, you will:

- Support our strategic vision via one of our sub-committees (Project Strategy or Communications & Fundraising)
- Share your expertise to help us grow and diversify our impact
- Work collaboratively with a small, committed team driving grassroots environmental change

We are especially keen to hear from individuals based in East Sussex, as a strong local presence supports our hands-on, place-based approach. 
This is a voluntary role and a valuable opportunity to contribute to environmental leadership, gain experience in governance and be part of a meaningful local initiative.
 

Active Humber trustee vacancies

Support us to encourage people across the Humber to benefit from an active lifestyle

Due to the four-year term ending for a number of our trustees, Active Humber are looking to recruit to the following Board vacancies:

• Chair of the Board
• Senior Independent Director
• Welfare and Safety Director
• Non-Executive Trustee

These are crucial roles for our Board, and we are looking for people who share our passion and energy to work with us to create a happier, healthier and stronger community across the Humber.  To achieve our goals, we need a board of trustees who are as diverse as the people we are trying to reach.

Active Humber is a registered charity and is one of 42 nationwide Active Partnerships who are funded by Sport England to improve lives through physical activity and sport. 

Our vision is that the Humber is a place where everyone, everyday is physically active.

Our mission is to get the most physically inactive to be active.

Our role is to help people think differently about physical inactivity.

What is it like to be a Board Member at Active Humber? 
The Board at Active Humber is integral to what we are trying to achieve in the Humber.  If you join us as a trustee you will help to lead Active Humber to achieve their mission and purpose - you might ask questions to challenge us to think differently, make suggestions to move things forward, or act as a sounding board for ideas.

To learn more about Active Humber and what we have achieved and what we are hoping to achieve, please explore our website.

What we’re looking for:

We’re seeking individuals who are enthusiastic about our vision and have the time and skills to contribute to the board. We are particularly looking for expertise in one or more of the following areas;

• Experience of chairing a Board
• Knowledge of Safeguarding and Welfare, in relation to Children and Young People and/or Adults at Risk
• Experience of governance matters, or legal issues
• Experience within environmental sustainability matters
• An understanding of equality and inclusivity

Application Process
Each of the vacancies has its own areas of responsibility, and there are role descriptors for each of the roles that we are advertising. We also have a recruitment pack giving more details about the expectations of being an Active Humber trustee, which is relevant to all the roles. 

This information is available via our vacancies pages.  Please read these documents fully to support you in making a decision about whether to apply.  You should also consider which role suits your skills and experience so reading each of the role descriptions is recommended. 

We would suggest an informal chat with our CEO, David Gent or our Chair, Richard Smith as the first step in your application.  Please email the hr email address and we would be happy to arrange this.

If you then wish to go ahead and apply, please send the following information:

1. A covering letter expressing which role you are applying for.
2. Your covering letter should explain why you are interested in being an Active Humber trustee, and how your skills and experience meet the criteria set out in your preferred role and person specification.
3. A copy of your current CV.

Applications should be submitted by 9th July 2025.

Interviews will be held in person at the Aura Centre on 23rd or 24th July 2025.

If you have any queries about the role or the application process, please do not hesitate to email HR who will be happy to help.