Community development volunteer volunteer roles in brixton, greater london

Role: Welcome volunteer

Team: Tooting Hub – CARAS ESOL (Youth/Adult)

Supervised by: Team Project Coordinator

Location: Tooting Hub site

Activity times: Monday or Wednesday

Time commitment: 2 hour shifts on a rolling basis.

We ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 4 months

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work:

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to join our new Welcome team at Tooting Hub. This is a new role. Welcome volunteers will provide a friendly face to existing community members attending our regular projects. They will also be the important ‘face of CARAS and our welcome at the door’ to people attending projects for the first time, to visitors and to people dropping in unannounced to enquire about CARAS’s service. Volunteers will meet and greet, and ensure all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting. There will be an administrative element to the role (updating registers and emailing enquiries to CARAS staff, for example).

Who will you be?

We work hard to ensure our services feel welcoming and inclusive. It is important that this new team is representative of our diverse local and internal CARAS community. Whether you are new to volunteering with CARAS or are a regular volunteer looking to vary your role or a community member wanting to develop some leadership skills or volunteering experience, this might be the exact project for you.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

· Signing up to a shift/s on the Tooting HUB welcome team rota

· Able to be at Tooting Hub in person to complete agreed shifts

· Welcoming staff, volunteers, existing and potential new community members and visitors

· Ensuring all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting

· Ensuring everyone completes the onsite register on arrival to comply with safeguarding, health and safety and fire evacuation policies

· Taking agreed initial intake information for new / drop in visitors wanting to attend a taster activity

· Conducting induction tours of the building and introductions to facilities, key staff, and partners

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles): 

Essential: 

· A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach

· Happy and confident to meet new people and put them at their ease

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds

· Confidence in using one’s own judgement to follow agreed policy

· Good IT admin skills in using Microsoft office, outlook, Google search, online forms etc

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Punctual and reliable

· To be able to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays for a minimum of four months

Desirable:

· Lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/ or the UK immigration system.

· Personal experience of working with people seeking asylum.

· Proficiency in one or more of the following community languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process.

Benefits to Volunteering:

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team.

· Develop your skills and competencies.

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.

· Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. *

· You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:

• A companion telephone/video caller                                                               

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

• Or a combination of all three.

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat. 

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

About the Community Food Hub

Our Community Food Hub is dedicated to providing nutritious food to those in need while fostering a strong sense of community. We offer a sustainable model that involves food donations, partnerships with local organisations, and volunteer-led initiatives to ensure that food insecurity is addressed effectively and with care.

We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Directors. If you have knowledge of food systems, a strong network, or experience in volunteer recruitment and community development, we would love to hear from you!

Role Overview

As a Board Member, you will play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the food hub. Your contributions will ensure that the hub continues to support the community through partnerships, volunteer recruitment, and maximising food resources for those who need them most.

Key Responsibilities

•Strategic Input: Contribute to the overall strategic vision of the Food Hub and its programs.

•Food Systems Knowledge: Share insights on food sourcing, sustainability, and distribution to ensure the hub operates efficiently and ethically.

•Networking: Leverage your connections within the food industry, local businesses, and community organisations to secure partnerships and support for the Hub’s initiatives.

•Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement: Help recruit, train, and retain volunteers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the hub.

•Community Outreach & Partnerships: Forge relationships with local agencies, schools, and organisations to enhance community engagement and food distribution efforts.

•Fundraising & Awareness: Support fundraising efforts by connecting the hub with donors, sponsors, and funding opportunities to sustain its operations.

•Oversight: Attend board meetings and contribute to decision-making that ensures the hub meets its goals and remains compliant with local regulations.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who have:

•Knowledge of Food Systems (e.g., food sourcing, distribution, nutrition, sustainability).

•Networking Skills: Ability to connect with local businesses, organisations, and individuals who can support the Hub.

•Experience in Partnerships: Proven ability to foster relationships with external stakeholders, including local food banks, schools, and community organisations.

•Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement: Experience in recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers.

•Interest in Community Development: Passion for making a tangible difference in addressing food insecurity and supporting community well-being.

Commitment

•Time Commitment: 6–10 hours per month (flexible)

•Location: Hybrid (Remote and in-person board meetings)

•Term: Minimum one-year commitment (renewable)

•Board meetings occur quarterly, with additional time as required for planning or networking

What You’ll Gain

•The opportunity to be part of a growing initiative that tackles food insecurity in your community.

•Experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and community outreach.

•Access to a wide network of professionals, organisations, and partners in the food and nonprofit sectors.

•Personal satisfaction knowing you’ve helped nourish your community and support those in need.

How to Apply

To express your interest in joining the Board of Directors, please send your CV or a brief letter of interest to:

Subject: Board Member Application

We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Join us in creating a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and a strong, connected community.

Level the Playing Field in Development

Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev) is led by a community of volunteer contributors working towards shifting aid narratives & practices from a decolonial lens.

Systematic and ongoing challenging to harmful narratives and practices in the global development sector.

Addressing deep-rooted colonial structures and advocating for equity, anti-racism, and decolonisation approaches.

Moving beyond discussions to practical solutions

Collective intentionality within the global development community

Providing a safe platform for open and candid discussions

We encourage volunteers to come with openness and no judgement. We love creativity and people who are willing to learn and use the skills they have for change.

Grants & Partnerships

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Research and track grants aligned with our values

Assist with partnership mapping and outreach

Support proposal development and donor communications

Contribute to building a funding strategy rooted in equity and solidarity

Ideal for someone passionate about social justice, decolonisation, and ethical development practice, with a knack for relationship-building and thoughtful writing.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Background

Indigenous peoples and local communities are grappling with the constant threat of displacement from their lands in Tanzania. The Maasai communities in Tanzania's Loliondo and Ngorongoro regions are currently facing significant challenges, primarily due to government-led eviction efforts aimed at designating these areas for conservation and tourism purposes. The violations of human and land rights have left thousands of people vulnerable and in need of urgent assistance. These evictions not only disrupt the livelihoods of the affected populations but also undermine their cultural heritage and traditional ways of life. As these communities are forced from their ancestral lands, many lose access to vital resources such as grazing lands, water, and shelter, leading to severe socio-economic hardships. Not1More is working with a partner organisation, Traditional Ecosystems Survival Tanzania (TEST), in Tanzania to support their essential fundraising, advocacy and community development activities.  

Your Role

We are looking for a volunteer who can dedicate time to this role through to December 2025. You will be a part of a team that works directly with Tanzania’s indigenous Maasai, and help to make a difference in key areas such as protecting ecosystems, preserving Indigenous knowledge, community capacity building and advocating for Indigenous rights.

The main objective is to help TEST diversify and increase their funding sources. This will include connecting with other enthusiastic team members online to develop a fundraising strategy and implementation of a fundraising campaign, including identifying grant funding opportunities, assisting in the preparation and submission of grant funding proposals, and pursuing philanthropic and corporate partnership funding opportunities.

Desirable Skills and Experience

Ideally you are a compassionate, organised, and resilient individual with strong communication and relationship-building skills, along with a passion for the cause. A proactive, positive personality with a can-do attitude, would highly suit this role.

Previous experience with fundraising activities, preferably with an NGO is desirable but not necessary.

Mentoring

Support and mentoring to develop your skills will be available in this role as we aim to help you bring out our talents in this team.

Hours

As this is a volunteer role, time is flexible, but you would be expected to attend a bi-weekly check-in with someone from the Not1More team to ensure we are working in the same direction.

The Open Age reception team builds the personal relationships that make our visitors feel comfortable and relaxed while we inform them of the activities we offer, help them select and book onto those that suit them best, and assist with the practical, ongoing event support that gives people a great customer experience. This is a frontline customer facing role which would suit a confident, approachable person, with good interpersonal skills and an awareness of the importance of providing great customer service to build positive relationships with our local community.

Reception Volunteer Role

· Support and strengthen Open Age reception team to provide a high-quality customer service experience to center visitors, members and potential volunteers.

· Provide relevant, current, information that informs customer choices and helps secure appropriate courses, events and activity bookings.

· Identify any improvable gaps in Open Age reception customer service and make positive suggestions for improvements to the wider staff reception team.

Reception Volunteer Tasks

· Greet members and drop-in visitors warmly, courteously and in a way that settles any anxiety or confusion on arrival at reception.

· Provide information and publications about upcoming activities and events, giving directions to venues and classes where needed.

· Assist staff in setting up rooms and providing refreshments for members when needed.

· Answer telephone and email enquiries in a prompt and courteous manner, and follow up members by phone and email to update them on any course changes and developments.

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

We’re looking for a Director of Professional Development to join YAF’s leadership team for a two year term, starting in June 2025.

As Director of Professional Development, you’ll lead our flagship programme, Evolve, which has been going from strength to strength since 2016. This 10-month professional development scheme matches early-career arts fundraisers with senior fundraisers in the sector and provides peer-to-peer mentoring, workshops, and networking. A key objective of your role will be to build on this success and work with our partners at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising's Cultural Sector Network to secure the programme's future.

What you’ll gain:

• Valuable leadership experience in a respected arts organisation 

• Expanded professional network across the cultural sector

• Opportunity to design our strategy and shape YAF’s future

• Skills in programme management, mentoring, and partnership development

• Chance to make a significant impact on the future of arts fundraising

• Experience working with a passionate team dedicated to transforming professional development in arts fundraising

Ignite Growth and Empower Change: Become Our Volunteer Learning and Development Manager at SUNSHINE!

Are you passionate about creating transformative learning experiences? At SUNSHINE—a vibrant, start-up charity dedicated to fostering connection and combating isolation—we’re looking for a dynamic Learning and Development Manager to design, deliver, and refine training sessions for our core services and volunteer initiatives. If you thrive on empowering others with essential skills like Befriending, Safeguarding, Conflict Resolution, Communication Skills, Confidentiality, and more, this is the role for you.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that knowledge and connection go hand in hand. Our mission is to spark joy and build a community where everyone feels they belong. As we lay the groundwork for our official charity registration and launch, we’re committed to equipping our volunteer teams with the confidence and skills they need to drive lasting change. Your expertise in learning and development will be central to nurturing an informed, compassionate, and effective volunteer community.

Your Role as Learning and Development Manager

As our Volunteer Learning and Development Manager, you’ll take charge of creating engaging, practical, and inspirational training programmes that address the unique needs of our services. You will:

• Design & Deliver Training Sessions: Craft interactive, customised training modules on critical areas such as Befriending, Safeguarding, Conflict Resolution, Communication Skills, and Confidentiality. Develop other learning sessions as needed to support our core services.

• Assess Learning Needs: Conduct assessments to identify the evolving training needs of our volunteers and staff, ensuring our programmes are always relevant and impactful.

• Develop Learning Resources: Create comprehensive guides, online resources, e-learning modules, and instructional materials that are accessible, clear, and engaging.

• Facilitate Workshops & Team-Building Activities: Organise dynamic workshops, seminars, and team-building events, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning culture.

• Monitor & Evaluate Impact: Implement feedback mechanisms and evaluation tools to measure the success of training programmes, fine-tuning content to maximize impact.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with other team leaders to ensure training initiatives align with SUNSHINE’s overall mission and operational goals, helping to lay a strong foundation for our launch.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is driven by innovation in learning and a commitment to social impact. The ideal candidate will have:

• A background in learning and development, training, or educational design, ideally within non-profit or start-up environments.

• Proven experience creating engaging training strategies and materials tailored to diverse audiences.

• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills with the ability to inspire enthusiasm and convey complex concepts in a simple, memorable way.

• A strategic mindset to assess and dynamically adjust training to meet the particular needs of volunteer roles such as Befriending and Safeguarding.

• A passion for community empowerment and a deep commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can grow and make a difference.

Why Join SUNSHINE as Our Learning and Development Manager?

By taking on this role, you’re not just delivering training—you’re crafting the backbone of a transformative charity. With your guidance, our volunteers will be empowered to excel and work confidently in their roles, making an immediate impact on community connection and care.

• Be a Catalyst for Transformation: Directly influence the skills and capabilities of our volunteers, ensuring they’re well-equipped to meet the challenges of social isolation.

• Shape Future Leaders: Contribute to building a learning framework that not only addresses today’s needs but also evolves with the demands of tomorrow.

• Grow with a Purpose-Driven Team: Enhance your professional skills while working in a collaborative, innovative environment dedicated to making a lasting difference.

• Make a Tangible Impact: Experience the deep satisfaction of watching your training sessions translate into improved lives, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all involved.

Ready to Help Transform Lives Through Learning?

If you’re excited to channel your expertise into creating impactful training sessions that empower individuals and galvanise change, join us as our Volunteer Learning and Development Manager. Let’s work together to equip our volunteers with the skills they need to shine and build a future where every connection matters.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where learning lights the path to a more connected and compassionate community!

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
• To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
• To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
• To assist in the delivery of essential services 
• To assist in our soup kitchen projects

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

Level the Playing Field in Development

Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev) is led by a community of volunteer contributors working towards shifting aid narratives & practices from a decolonial lens.

Systematic and ongoing challenging to harmful narratives and practices in the global development sector.

Addressing deep-rooted colonial structures and advocating for equity, anti-racism, and decolonisation approaches.

Moving beyond discussions to practical solutions

Collective intentionality within the global development community

Providing a safe platform for open and candid discussions

We encourage volunteers to come with openness and no judgement. We love creativity and people who are willing to learn and use the skills they have for change.

Research & Writing

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Support with research projects, reports and surveys Contribute and provide support to publications and newsletters Support relevant initiative and campaign information

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 months

Do you want to make a real difference?

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

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

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

Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

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

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

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

What happens next?

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

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Team Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist GNDFuk's permanent instructors in finding and providing creative forms of engagement for both our youth and adult programmes.
• To assist in project and schedule planning including setting and clearing up 30 minutes before and after projects and events
• To assist in ensuring that activities are executed safely
• To assist in coordinating events and activities to encourage the objectives of GNDFuk

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and creative who is committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.