Fundraising And Communications Volunteer Roles in London, Greater London

Could you volunteer to join our Board of Trustees and help to put parents first?

Parents 1st UK is the only charity in the UK specialising entirely in peer-to-peer support during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. 

We would like to expand our Board of Trustees and it is an exciting time to join us as we also welcome our new CEO. We are currently shaping our new 5-year plan to deliver even greater impact to the people and families we support, which you will have a key role in shaping and influencing.

We are interested in hearing from candidates with a background or knowledge in fundraising, finance, strategy, research and programme development. We are also seeking a new Chair. You need to have compassion, empathy and sensitivity to the experiences of the people we support, as well as a willingness and openness to understand the complexity of their circumstances. You can read more about our current vacancies on pages 3 - 12 of our recruitment pack.

Trustees lead the development of our charity. Their skills alongside values and behaviours that mirror those of Parents 1st UK are of paramount importance. This is a truly unique charity, with people who are passionate about what they do. If you believe you have the experience and qualities we’re looking for, then we would love to hear from you.

We are specifically looking for trustees with the following skillsets:

• Fundraising Trustee
• Finance Trustee
• Strategy Trustee
• Research and Program Development Trustee
• Chair of Trustees

Further details:

Please note: This is a voluntary role. For more information about the different roles available, please download the recruitment pack.

This is an exciting time to join the Friends of the Huntley Archives at the LMA Foundation (FHALMA) as a Trustee, as we embark on a period of strategic transformation to turn the Huntley Archives into a national digital asset. 

The Business Planning, Strategy & Fundraising Trustee will:

• Work closely with the Chief Executive on mind-mapping and developing fundraising plans for new, large scale projects 
• Suggest viable resources for bids and funding applications 
• Be a creative, ideas generator
• Enjoy the discipline of business planning 

To be successful in this role you will bring senior professional experience in any of the following areas: 

• Business Development
• Fundraising
• Strategy Development 

Please review the candidate information pack via Reach Volunteering for further details including planned Board meeting dates. 

This is an important time for FHALMA, as we embark on digitisation of our records and develop a more coherent online and offline presence and thereby a more accessible and impactful archive.  To achieve this goal, we will need to work on outreach and partnership development, and secure the funding which will be crucial to both our immediate and long term success.   

We look for the following attributes and experiences in all of our Trustees, in addition to remit-specific professional skills and experiences:  

• Previous (charity) governance experience – you may already have experience as a Trustee/Board member for a charitable organisation or perhaps you have worked in a regulated industry where good governance is key.   Either way, you will have first-hand experience of contributing to good governance, and be willing to actively engage in collective responsibility for the good stewardship of FHALMA.  
• Excellent communication skills including an ability to network effectively, and a willingness to deploy these skills in service of partnership/fundraising efforts for FHALMA  
• Collaborative, participative and collegial style of working  
• A track record of bringing energy and commitment to driving strategy forward  
• Strategic vision and ability to think creatively  
• Good independent judgement to make decisions for the benefit of the organisation  
• The necessary time to be an effective trustee  

We also look for alignment with FHALMA’s values and objectives:  

• A commitment to FHALMA’s objectives around education, activism, anti-racism and social justice  
• A particular interest in the heritage of the African and Caribbean diaspora sector including but not exclusively archives, publishing, community activism, schools and higher education, libraries, museums, and galleries  
• Understanding of working with volunteers and lending support and direction  
• Applies the principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.  

For an informal conversation with our Chief Executive, Beverley ahead of applying, please contact us via Reach Volunteering.

Please submit your application via the Reach Volunteering portal. 

Send us a concise supporting letter and CV specifying the role you are applying for, explaining why you would like to join FHALMA’s Board of Trustees, your interest in our work and how your skills/experience relate to the role advertised. Do also include a note to confirm that there are no reasons, to your knowledge, that would disqualify you from becoming a Trustee.

Volunteer Collection Box Coordinator

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.

Our Purpose is to help people see the world through cats’ eyes

Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

A bit about this role:

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our collection box fundraising volunteers help our volunteer groups raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can you expect to be doing?

● Overseeing the collection and delivery of collection boxes in different locations

● Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters

● Researching local areas for collection box ‘hot spots’

● Sharing fundraising ideas with other volunteers and putting these into practice 

● Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

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 and collect vital funds. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We're looking for someone with:

● Willingness to be part of a team

● Good communication skills

● Confidence in speaking to members of the public

● Confidence in handling money

Time expectation

Our collection box fundraising volunteers usually spend 1 to 2 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

DCF are a family-founded charity, based in South London, focusing on supporting children and young people's wellbeing. We provide youth groups, workshops and 121 support in schools and in the community. 

This is an exciting, key opportunity to develop our income generation, therefore supporting us to reach more young people.  

We are looking for someone to take the lead on planning events and managing donor relations.  There is flexibility in how the role could develop and we would value your expertise in how best to diversify our income and sustainability. 

We currently deliver services in two boroughs (Croydon and Merton) and have a 5 year plan to expand to four boroughs. The role would include: 

Work with the Fundraising Strategic Lead to develop a range of fundraising strategies
Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners to expand our donor base and increase fundraising opportunities.
Plan and execute various fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives.
Collaborate with the team to support creation of compelling fundraising materials, including solicitation letters, email campaigns, and social media posts.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising efforts, tracking key metrics and making necessary adjustments to improve results.
Maintain accurate records of donors, donations, and fundraising activities.

What are we looking for?

Passionate about fundraising and making a difference to the lives of young people.

Committed to our values:

1. Family approach

2. Inclusion & fairness

3. Celebrate difference

4. Support Young People with progression & personal development

5. Provide a platform for Young People to have a voice

Knowledge of a variety of funding types would be an asset e.g. grant applications/cycles of funding, individual donors, crowdfunding, campaign fundraising.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative fundraising ideas and campaigns.
Highly organised with excellent project management skills and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

You need to be based in the UK.

What difference will you make?

Become part of the DCF family: a group of people who are passionate about youth wellbeing and giving back to our communities.
Make a difference to the lives of young people who are finding things a bit tough, whether due to school/friendship stressors, or the loss of a loved one.
Enable DCF to continue to provide support to young people who may be going through a tough time and expand and improve the services we offer.
Gain valuable experience in non-profit fundraising.
Flexible schedule and remote work options available.

We are seeking enthusiastic and experienced fundraisers to work in a brand new team. An exciting opportunity to make a real difference in over 1000 people’s lives. Help to raise vital funds through a range of fundraising initiatives including individual donations, community events and grant applications.

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

The role: 

• Support fundraising initiatives including a communications campaign, individual donations, community fundraising events and grant writing.

• Build good relationships within the community and with actual and potential donors.

• Provide guidance to other teams that support fundraising initiatives e.g. the Events and Projects Team, the Communication Team and Grant Writing Team.

Person specification: 

• Experience working in a fundraising role

• Passion and commitment for the cause 

• Excellent communication skills and ability to create and maintain relationships

Benefits:

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

Are you a proactive fundraiser and looking to support a small charity? We're looking for 2 energetic and enthusiastic fundraiser volunteers to increase the fundraising opportunities for the charity as well as developing corporate partnerships, legacy giving, individual giving and major donors. This role may also include:

• Develop new and imaginative fundraising activities, many of which involve organising events
• Project manage fundraising events, from inception all the way through to evaluation
• Recruit and promote supporters and volunteers for challenge and national events.
• Assisting with researching and approaching corporate entities for event sponsorships, partnerships, Charity of the Year partnerships, and donations from corporate foundations
• Assisting with writing and delivering grant proposals for funding to trusts, foundations and other institutes
• Writing emails and speaking with potential partners about the work of Burning Nights CRPS Support with the aim of securing funds for the organisation
• Helping to maintain the fundraising database, ensuring accuracy and consistency of all records;
• Development in fundraising opportunities
• Keeping in contact with current & past donors and assisting in finding new donors
• Communicating with past fundraisers and encourage them to consider fundraising in the future
• Assist in marketing our events
• Development / Improvement of fundraising support (e.g fundraising packs and materials)
• Create marketing posts for social media & email marketing

Key & Desirable Skills:

• Fully computer literate and fully able with the main Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint as well as the internet and email
• Knowledge of using CRM systems or ability to learn

• Outgoing, friendly and proactive character
• Good initiative and ability to work with little direct supervision but will ask when help is needed
• Be comfortable volunteering within a small team or by yourself
• Good communication skills - Ability to communicate effectively at a number of different levels
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, written correspondence and in person
• Experience of writing funding proposals and working in fundraising would be an advantage
• Strong organisational skills
• Knowledge of corporate fundraising techniques including Charity of the Year, sponsorship, donations, marketing would be an advantage
• An ability to present and engage potential partners/sponsors in a compelling way
• Maintaining strict confidentiality

Practical Considerations:

• Age over 18 only
• Expenses will be given in line with the charity’s expenses policy
• It is an indoor role at one site – your home, but occasionally meetings are held in other offices and in the office of the charity or online
• This role is suitable for people wanting to learn new skills as well as improve previously learnt skills

Not sure if you have the right skills? Then contact us or apply as you may have some great translatable skills that would be applicable for this role!

About the Charity: Burning Nights CRPS Support is a UK wide charity that works to improve life for those living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), their families, loved ones, carers and friends. As a charity we raise awareness about the condition amongst the public, health and legal professionals by providing CRPS awareness sessions so that patients can be diagnosed quicker to enable treatment to start more rapidly.

Application Process:

Apply on Charity Job with CV and covering letter telling us why you would be a good fit for our charity

About Pain Concern

Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.  

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results 

Role purpose

We have various fundraising events throughout the year and we are looking for volunteers to help us to support our amazing fundraisers. This would involve joining us at the fundraising events to cheer them on. This role would suit enthusiastic people who would like to motivate fundraisers to complete their event. We will have at least one cheer point along the route, where we will be showing our dedicated fundraisers how much we support them by cheering and clapping as loud as we can. This will also help to increase awareness of Pain Concern and the support the charity provides.

1 in 4 people in the UK live with long term pain, help us to help others by cheering on our fundraisers!

To find upcoming fundraising events local to you, please visit our website.  Travel and lunch expenses can be reimbursed in line with our Expense Policy. We’d love to have you join us as a Cheer Volunteer why not bring your friends and family along too.

What you would be doing

· Keeping an eye on our website to see which fundraising event(s) you would like to attend

· Working with our Fundraising Team who will be organising the cheer stations

· Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures

· Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner

· Taking pictures at the event for our communications team to use

 Make a lot of noise and most importantly, have fun by cheering along our fundraisers!

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:

·  Friendly, positive and outgoing personality

· A flexible team player

· Interest in chronic pain

· Ability to travel to local events

· Comfortable with being in loud, busy places

Availability and location 

This is an ad hoc role, which will happen where the fundraising event is taking place.

Benefits to you

· Opportunity to meet new people

· Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

· Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community

· You will receive support from a dedicated line manager

· We can reimburse your travel and lunch expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

How do I apply?

 For more information, visit our website

Join the Calendar Team at the International Humanity Foundatiaon (IHF)!

Are you organized, punctual, and passionate about coordination? The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Calendar Team!

 About Us

IHF is a global NGO committed to providing quality education and support to children and communities in need. Our mission is driven by the power of education, volunteerism, and humanitarian efforts.

Role: Calendar Team Member (Volunteer)

Responsibilities:

- Ensure all meeting links are sent out on time to all teams.

- Save important dates and reminders for various events and deadlines.

- Coordinate with different departments to schedule meetings and events.

- Maintain an organized and up-to-date calendar for the organization.

- Assist in managing time-sensitive communications and notifications.

Requirements:

- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

- Proficiency with calendar management tools and software.

- Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude.

- Commitment to IHF’s mission and values.

- Ability to dedicate a few hours per week to this volunteer role.

What We Offer:

- A chance to play a crucial role in the smooth operation of a global NGO.

- Experience in calendar management and coordination within an international organization.

- Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

- A supportive and collaborative team environment.

 

Join us in our mission to ensure seamless coordination and help us make a difference in the world!
 

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Together, we can achieve great things.

We would like to hear from individuals with the skills, experience and time to ensure that the board provides the organisation with effective governance whilst at the same time acting as one of its ambassadors. Networks within Essex, whilst not essential, would be an advantage.

The new chair will be essential to supporting the board and the management team as we create a new organisational structure under new leadership.In this role you will act as an ambassador for Parents 1st UK and as a member of the Board of Trustees you will contribute to all aspects of the organisation’s governance.

Information on the Chair role can be found on pages 11-12 of the recruitment pack. 

About the role
The Chair will:
• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Parents 1st UK achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Chief Executive and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and Parent 1st UK’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and annual strategic away day, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Parents 1st UK.

About the person
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
What we are looking for:
• Experience of being a Trustee is essential, however you do not need to have been a Chair before.
• A keen sense of strategic purpose.
• An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
• Advocate - be able and willing to champion Parent 1st UK’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Be responsive as required - as a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.

Personal skills and qualities
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

This is an exciting time to join the Friends of the Huntley Archives at the LMA Foundation (FHALMA) as a Trustee, as we embark on a period of strategic transformation to turn the Huntley Archives into a national digital asset. 

The Chair of the Board will: 

• Lead the charity in its future developments and help us to set and fulfil ambitious goals 
• Provide active leadership and ensure the board operates within its charitable objectives 
• Draw on their experience of raising income to help us secure a more assured and innovative future 
• Take an active role in governance and ensure all trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities 
• Chair and facilitate board meetings and encourage trustees to engage in sub-committees 
• Protect and be a voice for the Charity
• Work closely with and review and monitor the activities and performance of the Chief Executive 

 To be successful in this role you will bring experience in the following areas: 

• Previous experience as a Chair for a charity or not-for-profit organisation 
• A good fundraising track record 
• Demonstrable interest/involvement with the Black heritage sector 

Please review the candidate information pack via the Reach Volunteering platform for further details including planned Board meeting dates. 

This is an important time for FHALMA, as we embark on digitisation of our records and develop a more coherent online and offline presence and thereby a more accessible and impactful archive.  To achieve this goal, we will need to work on outreach and partnership development, and secure the funding which will be crucial to both our immediate and long term success.   

We look for the following attributes and experiences in all of our Trustees, in addition to remit-specific professional skills and experiences:  

• Previous (charity) governance experience – you may already have experience as a Trustee/Board member for a charitable organisation or perhaps you have worked in a regulated industry where good governance is key.   Either way, you will have first-hand experience of contributing to good governance, and be willing to actively engage in collective responsibility for the good stewardship of FHALMA.  
• Excellent communication skills including an ability to network effectively, and a willingness to deploy these skills in service of partnership/fundraising efforts for FHALMA  
• Collaborative, participative and collegial style of working  
• A track record of bringing energy and commitment to driving strategy forward  
• Strategic vision and ability to think creatively  
• Good independent judgement to make decisions for the benefit of the organisation  
• The necessary time to be an effective trustee  

We also look for alignment with FHALMA’s values and objectives:  

• A commitment to FHALMA’s objectives around education, activism, anti-racism and social justice  
• A particular interest in the heritage of the African and Caribbean diaspora sector including but not exclusively archives, publishing, community activism, schools and higher education, libraries, museums, and galleries  
• Understanding of working with volunteers and lending support and direction  
• Applies the principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.  

For an informal conversation with our Chief Executive, Beverley ahead of applying, please contact us via Reach Volunteering.

Please submit your application via the Reach Volunteering portal. 

Send us a concise supporting letter and CV specifying the role you are applying for, explaining why you would like to join FHALMA’s Board of Trustees, your interest in our work and how your skills/experience relate to the role advertised. Do also include a note to confirm that there are no reasons, to your knowledge, that would disqualify you from becoming a Trustee.

Stoke Newington Music School CIC

Provide music lessons to the 'Forgotten Segments' of society

At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we are deeply committed to addressing the social challenges that many in our community face, particularly those often left behind by traditional music education programs. We focus on three 'Forgotten Segments' of the community:

1) Low-Income Families 2) Neurodiversity (with a specific focus on Special Educational Needs and Physical Disabilties) 3) People Over 65

We believe in the transformative power of music to build communities, enhance mental and physical well-being, and make a lasting social impact. However, in today’s climate, these groups are often overlooked, despite being the ones who could most benefit from access to music education and the emotional support that comes from people who care about them.

At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we are committed to making these benefits accessible to everyone in our community. Through our programs, we aim to combat loneliness, promote social inclusion, and provide affordable music education to those who need it most. We believe that music has the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together, and we are proud to be a part of this journey for so many in our community.

Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Job Description: We are seeking a passionate and driven volunteer to serve as our Sponsorship and Partnerships Coordinator. In this role, you will be instrumental in helping our music school grow by identifying and securing sponsorships and funding opportunities from local businesses, individuals, and organizations.

Your efforts will help us expand our programs, provide scholarships to deserving students, and increase our visibility in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses, corporate sponsors, and individual donors to secure financial support for the school’s programs and events.
• Research and identify potential sponsorship opportunities aligned with our mission and goals.
• Create customized sponsorship proposals and outreach materials tailored to potential sponsors’ interests.
• Actively promote the school’s events, programs, and impact to engage the wider community and attract financial contributions.
• Organize and manage fundraising campaigns, both online and in person, to generate resources for the school.
• Collaborate with the school’s leadership team to ensure sponsorship goals are aligned with strategic priorities.
• Provide regular updates to sponsors about how their contributions are making an impact on the school and its students.

Qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Experience in fundraising, sales and / or marketing.
• Passion for the arts, education, and community engagement.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a willingness to reach out to potential sponsors and partners.
• Ability to work independently.
• Creativity in developing sponsorship packages and promotional strategies.

Why Volunteer with Us?
By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our music school’s growth and sustainability. Your work will help provide access to music education for students of all backgrounds, while also building strong partnerships with the local business community. You’ll also gain valuable experience in fundraising, networking, and community outreach—all while contributing to a cause you’re passionate about.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

We are building a team of enthusiastic and personable community engagement volunteers to help us raise the profile of Mental Health Resource within the local community, strengthen relations with local companies and promote and gain support for the charity.

We need a group of community engagement volunteers to provide an active presence at local community events on an ad hoc basis: talking to people to promote our services and encourage engagement with Mental Health Resource.  The sort of tasks that may be involved in the role are: preparing and serving refreshments; taking donations by cash and card; running activities, distributing leaflets and delivering promotional materials to local companies.

We are looking for volunteers with good interpersonal skills who are prepared to volunteer in a variety of settings, at various times.  We require volunteers to have a personal interest in mental health issues and a commitment to Mental Health Resource’s mission and values.  Please note that this role requires the use of a car to travel to events and transport promotional materials.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

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 Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

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

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent is committed to making later life better for everyone in Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent. We have an active board of Trustees from a range of different backgrounds who continually provide guidance and support to the charity.The Trustee role offers an exciting opportunity to get involved in an engaging, decision making role which contributes to the strategy, financial strategy and day-to-day management of the organisation.

Our existing Board has a diverse range of experience and skills and we are looking to grow and develop these to support the organisation in the future.  We are particuarly interested in hearing from people with experience and/or knowledge of the following areas:

• Financial Management (including investment planning/management accounts) 
• Estate Planning
• Charity Retailing
• Fundraising / Income generation Fundraising

This is not an exclusive list of skills as each new Trustee brings their own valuable skills and experience.  We are keen to develop our Board's diversity and appreciate that the role of a Trustee is new to some people.  If you would like an informal chat about what the role involves please contact us.