Youth children volunteer roles

About nurtureuk

At nurtureuk, we believe that every child and young person deserves to feel safe, understood and supported to flourish at school, emotionally, socially, and academically. But for many, school can be a difficult place, especially for those who’ve experienced trauma, adversity or unmet emotional needs.

For over 50 years, we’ve been pioneers in nurturing approaches to support social emotional development, using a tried-and-tested framework that helps children and young people build the confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging they need to succeed in education and in life.

Our work transforms school environments so that they are truly inclusive, supportive and safe spaces. We train teachers and school leaders, and deliver evidence-based programmes that strengthen wellbeing across whole school communities, as well as improving attendance and reducing exclusions- because the children enjoy being in school!

At the core of our work is the Boxall Profile®, our unique, award winning and Department for Education recommended assessment tool. It helps teachers understand what lies behind a child’s behaviour; the hidden emotional needs, the gaps in development, the things a test score could never show. By shining a light on what each child needs to feel secure, the Boxall Profile empowers educators to respond with empathy, not punishment, and to nurture every child’s potential.

Behind every report and dataset is a story:
A child who finally feels safe and excited to walk into class.
A teacher who sees progress and growth where there used to be only frustration.
A family who begins to believe that things can get better. 

By joining us as a Volunteer Grant Support Officer, you’ll be helping make these stories possible, securing the funds that enable us to reach more schools, support more teachers, and change more children’s lives.

See our attached evidence brochure to learn more about the impact our work has.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and skilled volunteer grant writer to help us increase our capacity to apply for funding from trusts and foundations.

You’ll work closely with the Income Generation staff in our Income and Partnerships team to research potential funders, write compelling proposals, and help us build long-term relationships that sustain our impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Researching new funding opportunities aligned with nurtureuk’s mission and programmes

• Writing persuasive, high-quality funding applications and accompanying documents

• Maintaining a pipeline of opportunities and tracking application progress

• Helping to build a library of core fundraising materials and case studies

• Utilising our bank of supporting evidence, data and testimonials to strengthen proposals
   

About You

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• An excellent writer who enjoys crafting persuasive and engaging text, ideally with previous experience of writing successful grant or funding applications

• Organised, proactive and detail-oriented

• Confident researching and interpreting funders’ criteria

• Able to work collaboratively and independently

Desirable (but not essential):

• Familiarity with the UK charity funding landscape

• Experience in education, wellbeing, or social impact sectors

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to make a tangible impact on children’s lives across the UK

• The opportunity to develop or deepen your fundraising and bid-writing experience

• Insight into how a national education charity operates

• Optional free Boxall Profile training (1 day training worth £225 exc. VAT)

• Optional free Nurture Group training (3 day course worth £699 exc. VAT)

• Support from an experienced and friendly team

• Flexibility: You can volunteer remotely, at times that suit you

• Reimbursement for any agreed expenses

Time Commitment

Approx. 3–6 hours per week, with flexibility around other commitments.
Regular remote catch-ups with the nurtureuk team and fellow volunteers.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For an informal chat, please contact Louisa on the email address supplied in the 'apply' area. 

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 2 young people aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer with the Portuguese Red Cross in Braga, Portugal. Next placement dates are planned for: 5th January - end of August 2026.

You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the Portuguese Red Cross undertake in Braga. 

Typical tasks may involve:

• Supporting the charity shop, Ponto Vermelho, with social media, sorting donations and organising the displays.
• Supporting in the Youth Centre for the Roma Community – organising and delivering activities, helping with homework.
• Supporting in the Foster Care for Unaccompanied Minor Refugees.
• Supporting the Social Kindergarten.
• Assisting with projects which help the homeless and the elderly.
• Assisting in the writing of project proposals and funding bids.

It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved in projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! These are fully funded placements, with return flights, accommodation and health insurance covered - volunteers receive a small monthly stipend for living expenses.

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role, as it is Taith funded. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates.

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?

We are offering 6 young people aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer with the Portuguese Red Cross in Cucujães, which serves the Municipality of Oliveira de Azeméis. Planned placement dates are: 26th February - 27th May 2026 and 1st June - 7th August 2026.

The Red Cross offers support to the local community in three main areas: Social Assistance and access to Welfare Services, Emergency Response & First Aid and Youth Engagement. Projects include: social assistance and counselling, food bank and food relief, activities for people with disabilities, first aid education, environmental education, activities focused on prevention for at risk youth, intergenerational and community workshops.

The successful volunteer will stay in a shared apartment (with other international volunteers) in a shared bedroom, located in Oliveira de Azeméis and carry out volunteering activities in two different locations (at Local Partner Institution: Centro de Apoio Familiar Pinto Carvalho (Oliveira de Azeméis) and at the Local Branch of the Portuguese Red Cross (Vila de Cucujães).

We would expect volunteers to do no more than 36 hours per week, within a rotating volunteer schedule, which will include two consecutive days per week away from the project. 

It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved in projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! These are fully funded placements, with return flights, accommodation and health insurance covered - volunteers receive a small monthly stipend for living expenses.

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role, as it is Taith funded. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates.

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.

Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.

Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.

As a Practical Family Support Volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, you will assist families in need with various light tasks such as cleaning, tidying up and laundry.

Your contribution will go beyond housekeeping; it's about taking some of the pressure off and giving families the breathing space they need to spend more precious time together.

This role offers the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact on families with a child with a life-shortening condition, by helping them create a tidy, clean and safe home environment that reduces their daily stress and worries.

Most importantly, you will be helping us to ensure that no family faces this challenge, alone.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 21+

Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)

Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.

Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.

Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.

Activities include:

Activities include helping families with light housekeeping tasks such as; cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and laundry, giving them the space they need to be there for their child who needs them.

We are looking for volunteers who:

•Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;

•Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;

•Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;

•Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;

•Are polite and friendly;

•Can adapt to different situations and challenges;

•Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training you will receive:

You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.

You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.

Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.

All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.

The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:

•Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;

•Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;

•Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;

•Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Who They Are

Peer Power Youth is a national charity that leads with empathy, supporting young people who have experienced trauma. The organisation provides life skills, training, and work experience, while working in partnership with young people to drive meaningful change across mental health services, justice, and social services. More information can be found on their website and social media channels.

The Role

Peer Power Youth is seeking a Trustee with responsibility for overseeing all financial aspects of the charity on behalf of the Board. This individual will advise the Board on financial matters, safeguarding both the short- and long-term financial stability of the organisation. They will ensure effective internal financial controls, oversee risk management, and guarantee that accurate, insightful financial information is shared internally and externally as required.

As a Trustee, they will also contribute to shaping the charity’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and a continued commitment to Peer Power Youth’s objectives and values.

The ClementJames Centre is a North Kensington-based award-winning charity supporting approximately 2500 young people and adults every year. Our vision is of a community where everyone gets the opportunity to realise their potential. We work towards this through our purpose, which is to support young people, adults and families to achieve their ambitions by providing high-quality services that meet individual needs. 

ClementJames has been able to establish a prominent position in the community thanks to a skilled and dedicated staff team and Trustee Board. We currently have a Board consisting of 9 individuals who have a wide and varied skill set, but most importantly a commitment to helping make ClementJames the best that it can be. As a member of the Board, you will be at the heart of this work and we hope to appoint someone whose values are aligned with those of ClementJames. 

Learn to Love to Read offers one-to-one support to children who find learning to read challenging, in schools and online via Zoom.Our In-school volunteers are asked to commit 90 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 1-3 pm.
Our virtual volunteers are asked to commit 30-60 minutes, one afternoon a week, usually between 4-6 pm.

Full training and ongoing support is provided for all volunteers to provide them with a framework which supports children's reading skills, while also building their self-esteem, confidence and love of reading. Our volunteers support the same children each week, providing 20 minutes of one-to-one support for the whole academic year. This ensures a consistent and rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the children.

In Wandsworth, post-COVID, 20% of Key Stage 1 and 25% of Key Stage 2 children did not reach the expected standard of reading in summer 2025. Low literacy is linked to poverty and social exclusion, limiting options in life. Early literacy intervention is crucial to break this cycle. School closures due to COVID-19 have been tough for children from disadvantaged families.
 

Please note we only work with schools in the London borough of Wandsworth and all our volunteers need to live in or within easy reach of that borough. 

In line with Safer Recruitment, all applicants are asked to complete an application form, provide references, take part in a face-to-face interview and ID check, and attend online training which includes safeguarding. All volunteers must have an enhanced DBS check which we arrange on your behalf. You will also be required to obtain checks from any country in which you've lived for more than three months from the age of 16 in line with Wandsworth's guidance. Once you have registered, we’ll send you a link to the application form.

Learn to Love to Read is committed to working without bias and offering equal opportunities for our volunteers. We are committed to valuing diversity and working inclusively across all our activities. Our aim is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Would you like to use your skills and experience in organisational finance and strategy to help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK? And to help a small user-led charity that has become reputationally successful and punches way above its weight to grow sustainably, yet at speed, into its next iteration and be able to serve more families?

Founded in June 2020 , The Belay Foundation was created to fill an urgent need for practical ‘in-home’ support to families whose children have previously been in local authority care. We were awarded charity registration in December 2020 and were soon working with families and Local Authorities across the UK. Our main areas of focus are: finding, training and supporting people who can offer trauma-responsive childcare and respite; disability benefits advice to families and young people; training professionals and parents to understand and respond to the impact of early-life trauma. 

Currently, The Belay Foundation has an income of £120k and has supported over 400 families. Feedback from those families is very positive and reflects the change from crisis to coping. We are currently conducting a major review of our services and business model to enable us to relaunch services which can be scaled to the next level and respond to an ever-expanding need. This review is being led by our new CEO, Libby McVeigh, who looks forward to working with our new Treasurer to ensure that our financial systems and processes match our ambition.

Role Description

As a trustee you will:

• Meet regularly (mostly online and in the evening) with the other trustees to shape, drive and monitor the charity’s strategy
• Scrutinise the proper management and administration of the charity
• Champion the charity’s core values
• Help develop the financial sustainability of the charity
• Consider further service delivery in line with the charity’s aims
• Promote the work of the charity and develop contacts externally

As Treasurer you will:

• Support the development of operational financial processes, working creatively and supportively with the CEO and Chair to choose the right financial frameworks and tools for our needs
• Present financial reports to the board so all trustees understand the charity’s financial position
• Advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
• Oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts

Person specification

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or experienced senior finance professional
• Some experience of charity finance and fundraising, with an understanding of core accounting principles and charity reporting requirements
• Excellent financial acumen, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance trustees
• Ability to scrutinise financial processes and budgets, and a willingness and ability to support with operational financial tasks
• An interest in good governance and strategy
• Experience of providing oversight of operations in an organisation
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative, enthusiastic and empathetic
• Able to offer 6+ hours per month in Trustee and other meetings and in small group/1:1 support; and attend one in-person away day each year.

Preferable but not essential: 

• Experience of a trustee role
• Personal or professional interest in adoption, special guardianship and/or kinship care
• Experience in supporting the growth of a small organisation from its origins to its next stage 

In accordance with our commitment to equal opportunities and improving the diversity of our Board, we 
particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, 
who are currently under-represented in our governance structure.

Click on the 'How to Apply' link for more information, including on how to apply by the deadline of midnight on Sunday 9th November. 

What we're looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people across Northern Ireland to be a Community Fundraising Volunteer. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.

What you'll do

You'll volunteer without regular time commitments, ‘as and when' volunteering! Engage with the public, organisations and local communities – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! You'll be a valued part of one of our Volunteer Community Fundraising Team in Northern Ireland, raising awareness and funds. We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle. You only need to commit to a couple of hours a month, but if you want to do more that would be great.

What you'll get

We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us. It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Enthusiastic and personable
• Strong organisational skills
• Able to think on your feet
• You work well within a team
• Great communication and social skills

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

The role of Preventative Mental Health Project Worker will support the Project Lead in the preparation for, and delivery of, One-Eighty’s preventative mental health projects including Make Me Smile, Kick Start and the Summer Project.  

There is also the opportunity of assisting with the marketing of projects, particularly Make Me Smile and processing of feedback from young people attending the project.

Overseen by One-Eighty’s Project Lead and supported by the Volunteer Coordinator, this role involves:

• preparing the resources to take to project sessions
• creating, maintaining, and developing impact/outcomes data collected pre- and post-sessions,
• supporting the delivery of the sessions to young people themselves - taking a lead role in this is part of the development roles associated with this volunteering opportunity

Skills and qualities needed

o You will be inducted and trained on the service standards for delivery.

o We will also provide training and mentoring to help you understand the administrative and data record-keeping requirements.

o You are required to complete a DBS check.

o You will need to undertake safeguarding and other related training courses prior to this volunteer placement. You will also need to read and agree to safeguarding and service delivery policies prior to the project delivery. One-Eighty holds safeguarding young people as one of its main priorities to enable impactful and high-quality delivery of services.

When and where

Make Me Smile:

We are currently expanding the delivery of this project. Initially, you will be involved in the marketing around this with project delivery opportunities to follow.

 Kick Start:

This project is being delivered on an ongoing basis to a variety of schools so there are opportunities to become involved in project delivery immediately.

We need volunteers who can be available for a 7-week block - approximately 1/2 a day each week over the 7 weeks.

o The schools we work in are located throughout Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. There are potential opportunities for car sharing and you can decline an opportunity if it is not viable for you.

o Attendance at our Oxford office will be required for the preparation of materials depending on the project you are assisting with.

Are you passionate about young people and ensuring everyone has equitable access to opportunities? Do you have a vibrant energy and experience to bring to our families and children? Then we could be looking for you to join our team of volunteers supportung families and young people in the North Kensington community.

As we ease out of lockdown, we are looking for volunteers to help on day trips in and around London to support families in getting back to normality again.

Trips will include anything from horse riding through to the beach, farms and Kew Gardens. This is an opportunity to help families in our community while gaining experience of working with a small, friendly and supportive charity.

Volunteers will help the group leader to accompany groups of parents/guardians and their children on a variety of cultural/fun trips, helping to make them feel welcome. 

Suitable volunteers will be reliable and sociable and enjoy working with children. Volunteers must be available for day trips during school holidays, as this is when most of the trips take place.

Volunteers receive a full induction, and support from the Children and Young People Coordinator. Travel expenses on the outings and any entrance fees are covered, and some further expenses can also be claimed.

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Ride High Children’s Volunteer

Children's team seeking friendly, encouraging, supportive volunteers that are open to working with horses. No experience necessary.

At Ride High MK, our charity helps over 120 children a week. These local children are referred to us for many reasons and could face serious challenges including poverty, mental health issues, and social isolation or be tackling issues such as grief, young carer responsibilities and bullying. With referrals from over 40 local agencies, including CAMHS, schools, and social services, Ride High plays a critical role in Milton Keynes’ social care and wellbeing landscape. We do this through a unique combination of equine-assisted learning and education. 

Every two-hour session for the children consists of one hour riding and horse care and one hour of clubroom work. The instructors at the riding school run the hour on the yard with our volunteers supporting the children and our skilled club leaders run the clubroom sessions. These include various projects and creative activities to work on personal and life skills.

The Children’s volunteer role involves welcoming the children, helping to find their equipment, getting them out into the stable yard for their lesson on time, assisting with riding lessons where appropriate (no experience necessary) and clubroom activities, giving the children refreshments and helping to see that they get their transport home.

We are looking for volunteers, aged 18 or over, who can commit to a regular weekly time to work with the children; helping to build their confidence, encouraging them to participate in sessions. Our greatest need is for volunteers who can help in the yard sessions, donating an hour of their time each week for the first hour of the session to help us keep the children safe and giving reassurance and encouragement so they get the most out of their session with the horses. The volunteers lead our horses while the children hone their skills and help them to understand and process directions from their riding instructors.

Timings: 

Monday to Friday (term-time only). 10:30am - 12:30pm 1:30pm-2:30pm or 2:30pm-3:30pm

We are looking for someone who shares our values to join us as a Trustee and Manager of our Bursary Programme, funding music lessons for children and young people in Surrey who would not otherwise be able to afford them.

Specific Tasks

• To ensure smooth running of the bursary applications process for recipients, delivery partners and the bursary administrator
• To oversee applications where required, approving invoices and tracking budgets
• To monitor and refine the bursaries criteria and process to ensure the Trust is targeting bursaries effectively
• To work with the Bursary Administrator to assist with individual applications, refer approvals to the board where required, check and approve invoices
• To work with the Treasurer to monitor and report spend against budget
• To work with the Music Education Trustee to ensure that the criteria and process for CKTs bursaries maximises CKT’s impact
• To work with the marketing and communications manager to provide details of bursary recipients for newsletters
• To work with the CKT board and delivery partners (Surrey Arts and other music lesson providers) to identify and implement any process changes
• To work with other partner organisations (Future Talent, AYM) to agree and monitor bursaries offered
• To attend and contribute to board meetings
• To perform such other tasks and activities for CKT as skills and time allow

Skills and experience required

• Good organisational skills,
• Attention to detail,
• Ability to methodically follow, apply and improve standard processes
• Good people skills
• Financial diligence