One off volunteer opportunity volunteer roles in manchester, greater manchester

Our groups are entirely volunteer run and led. They are in the front line of engagement with local people, with an extensive programme of walks, talks, day trips and indoor meetings for the group and members of the public. We're looking for people who are passionate about connecting people with nature and helping in the smooth running of the group. By becoming part of the group, you'll have the chance to use your existing skills (and learn new ones) to build the group and make it an ever more important aspect of local RSPB connections with people. The roles available will depend on the group and can include:

• Publicity and / or social media
• Website editor
• Helping with organising and running events

Being a community group, you'll also have the opportunity to make new friends, have fun, and know you are enthusing people about the joys of nature. All you need is a willingness and ability to help with one or more of the varied activities of our RSPB groups, and able to give a minimum of a few hours each month. We have groups across the UK (see our map to find your nearest group). Feel free to contact your local group direct or go along to an event or two to find out more. If you can't find a group near you and would like to help set one up, please click on "Ask a question".

Notes: This opportunity is not based on a reserve and may not include practical conservation work. It is also not suitable for work experience. However it can usually be customised to your skills, experience and requirements depending on your situation.

We are committed to better reflecting society within our workforce and are keen to encourage more applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and younger people.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Warrington and District Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is seeking new trustees to help the Board make the most of a transformative stage in its history. HTVF became a registered charity in 2024, and over the last year has undertaken a review of its mission, vision and strategy, with two new Executive Co-Directors.

About us: The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is an independent charity with a mission to promote the prosperity, sustainability and heritage of historic cities, towns and villages for the benefit of all.

We provide support, training and information to organisations (including local authorities, town and parish councils, civic and amenity societies, and consultancies) as well as individual professionals, students, and members of the public engaged in the planning and management of historic cities, towns and villages. We aim to help them conserve the character and significance of historic places, while realising their full social, environmental and economic potential. We do this through events, research projects, publications, and partnerships.

What we’re looking for: We are seeking a minimum of three individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas to join our Board of Trustees:

• Senior professional leadership in a Local Authority
• Placemaking and urban regeneration expertise
• Marketing and fundraising
• Financial management
• Community and political engagement
• Research programme development and management

For these roles we also value:

• Innovative Thinking: HTVF is entering a new phase of development. A creative and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities is sought from our new intake of trustees.  The ability to facilitate the Forum’s engagement with other organisations and groups would be helpful too.
• Geographical Spread: We aim for a wide geographical representation and welcome applications from across the UK, bearing in mind some meetings will be face-to-face in either London or Oxford.
• Inclusivity: We also aim to reflect the diversity of the communities with which we engage, and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds who can bring the skills and experience identified above.

In this round of recruitment, we are looking in particular for an Honorary Treasurer. All new trustees will receive a comprehensive induction to the role and the work of the Charity.

What is involved 

This is considered a full-time volunteer role. The brood will live with you from approximately 14-18 months of age until retirement.

• With guidance support and advice from our breeding team maintain the broods health and welfare, including maintaining a good weight and fitness level along with basic training and general obedience. 

• Be available for and attend training sessions within the working week that will involve:

• home visits 

• virtual online training

• one-to-ones 

• Be available to take the brood for essential veterinary visits as required. 

• The brood will have approximately two seasons per year and will stay at home during her season. Advice on management or any veterinary visits required during the season, will be given by our breeding team. 

• The brood will have one litter per year from the age of two, up to a maximum of four litters. Each litter will be born within the home and the puppies will remain with the brood until they are approximately eight weeks old and ready to go to their puppy parents (plenty of opportunities for puppy cuddles). Full support, guidance and training will be provided by our breeding team throughout the broods’ mating season, pregnancy, whelping and litter. Equipment for the litter is provided. 

• Whilst the brood has a litter – we ask that pet dogs have restricted exercise (full information and guidance is given by the breeding team). This measure is to minimise the risk of infection to the litter. 

• The dog breeding volunteer will have updates throughout each litters training.

What we require from you 

• The primary dog breeding volunteer must be 18 years or over 

• Have a dog friendly secure garden

• Be at home for most of the day and ideally live within one hour of LE12 9SR 

• Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required 

• If you are a dog owner, you cannot have an entire male dog. Maximum of three pet dogs which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis considering the size of pet dogs, along with available space within in the property. Any pet dogs will be assessed as part of the home assessment.

• Time and stamina to provide the brood with a minimum of one hour's exercise per day (this can be completed in one or multiple walks). 

• Time to provide training sessions to maintain basic obedience. 

• Access to own transport to travel the brood on essential journeys such as veterinary appointments and pre-mating tests as required. 

• Have time and stamina to devote to the brood and her litter. The brood cannot be routinely left for more than four hours in a day. 

• Have space within the home for the brood and her litter. 

Support and Training 

• Induction process which includes submitting of application, telephone interview, home visit, training and handling sessions. 

• Each volunteer is allocated a member of the Canine Partners breeding team as their first point of contact. 

• Receive regular training, resources and other important information via your trainer; this may be in the format of physical copies, digital or in person. 

• All equipment for the litter is provided. 

• Our breeding team will offer continued support throughout the pregnancy and litter. 

• Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a pre-mating test 

• Invitation to join Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group 

Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP)
Part-time | Volunteer | Remote | 12 hrs/week | 16-week commitment

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

About Us

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.Our mission is to encourage unity across diverse communities, sharing and celebrating cultural lessons through workshops, training programmes, events and research. We challenge racial and societal stereotypes while delivering practical initiatives such as unconscious bias training in the workplace. We develop and deliver projects that promote inclusion, representation, and social change by partnering with local organisations and stakeholders.

Role Description

Quilombo UK is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Services Sales Executive to join our team through the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). This is a target-driven, client-facing volunteer sales role focused on direct outreach and conversion of potential service users into paying clients. You will be responsible for actively identifying leads, initiating conversations, pitching our services, and closing deals.

The successful candidate will sell Quilombo UK’s key service offerings:

• Workshops (e.g. Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Leadership)

• Training Programmes

• Research Services

• Event & Partnership Opportunities
   

As a member of the Sales & Business Development function, you will be managed by a Director and accountable for results that directly impact the organisation’s financial sustainability and growth. This role provides real-world, high-impact experience that mirrors the standards and performance expectations of a paid sales role.

Main Responsibilities

• Proactively research and identify prospective clients aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and services

• Initiate direct outreach (calls, emails, online meetings) to decision-makers across public and private sectors

• Deliver compelling sales pitches and presentations tailored to each client’s needs

• Handle end-to-end sales processes, from lead generation and qualification through to closing deals

• Secure confirmed bookings or contracts for services, including workshops, training, research, or event partnerships

• Develop and maintain a strong client pipeline, updating CRM or tracking systems regularly

• Consistently meet or exceed weekly/monthly KPIs related to outreach, meetings, and conversions

• Collaborate with the Director to refine messaging and sales strategy for maximum impact

• Maintain a consultative, value-led sales approach while staying aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and ethos

• Provide performance updates and sales reports to the Director and Senior Leadership Team

• Stay updated on industry trends, client needs, and potential growth areas relevant to our services

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in a sales, business development, or account management role

• Proven track record of generating leads and closing deals, preferably in a service-based or social enterprise environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong presentation and negotiation abilities

• Confidence to work independently and take initiative, while collaborating within a remote team

• Passion for social justice, community engagement, and inclusion

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Desirable

• Familiarity with CRM tools and remote communication platforms

• Experience selling services to the public sector or third-sector organisations

• Understanding of social enterprises or community-based businesses

• Ability to work without close supervision and meet deadlines

What We Offer

• Real-world, results-driven sales experience with clear KPIs and performance feedback

• A unique opportunity to influence revenue and impact within a mission-driven organisation

• Coaching and mentoring from experienced directors and leadership

• A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment

• Certificate of completion and reference upon successful programme completion

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID, and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Application Process

Our HR team will contact you upon successful application to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, onboarding documents will be sent. Once completed, you’ll be invited to a 6-hour HR and Systems Induction, followed by a meeting with your assigned Director for your first day.

Job Type: Part-time (Volunteer)
Expected Hours: 12 per week
Location: Remote
Schedule: Monday to Friday | Day Shift | No Weekends

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for people who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

You will demonstrate this through your experience working with marginalised communities (either in a frontline operational role, a policymaking role, or on the Board of another organisation) or personal lived experience as a member of a marginalised community.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit 2- 3 new trustees and have a strong preference for any of the following or a combination of these skills:

• Finance/Accountancy qualification – we have an excellent Treasurer Trustee and are looking for a deputy
• HR
• Fundraising
• IT/Data management
• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are looking for volunteers who can meet with our clients in and around Central London on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis for at least six months, longer if possible. 

Your meetings might involve sitting and chatting in our clients home or going out together, for a walk, a talk in a coffee shop,  for a wonder around the shops, or even visiting places of interest, museums for example.

Our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who are lonely or socially isolated, and would benefit from regular companionship. Our service works across London, currently, we have clients waiting in Islington, Camden, Tulse Hill,  Brockwell, Putney and other areas. 

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events newsletters and more! 

Giving someone who is lonely, socially isolated, or needs someone to venture out with,the simple gift of time and companionship could make the world of difference to their emotional and physical wellbeing,   As one of our Buddies said recently, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:

• Able to hold a good conversation and listen well  
• Friendly, warm, non-judgemental 
• Honest, trustworthy, reliable and committed to helping others
• Empathy and patience
• An understanding of the need to work within the framework of our policies and procedures.

We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and request two references.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Marmalade Connections is a time-limited, one-to-one project covering most of the South West. Based on the enabling/empowering social prescribing model, trained volunteers make weekly calls to project members for up to 15 weeks, focusing on their specific needs and interests.  The project supports those in our community who are the most socially isolated, and who experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely all or most of the time). 

Marmalade Connections is not a 'befriending call project'.​ These conversations lead to volunteers signposting the project members to local social activities and community support, to improve their social connections long term. 

As a Marmalade Companion Volunteer, you will support one or occasionally two of our project members (the people we support) for a period of up to 16 weeks. The role involves phoning a matched member once a week for a friendly call lasting about 30 minutes plus researching potential social connection and activity opportunities. You will receive training on how to build up a trusted telephone relationship with your project member(s) to enable you to support and signpost them to relevant services and activities. The aim of this project is to help reduce social isolation and loneliness and to support your project member(s) to discover lasting connections in their community. 

We are looking for a Director of Events & Operations to join YAF’s leadership team for the next two years starting in June 2025. We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to manage our programme of events and oversee our operational management.

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 events management, leadership, and strategy planning

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

• Experience working with a passionate team dedicated to improving acccessibility in arts fundraising

A strong interest in arts fundraising and the aspiration to develop your career within the cultural sector are essential. It is not essential that you currently work within the arts. 

Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?

What we offer you

Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.

Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.

Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses up to £5.80 for travel and up to £3 for lunch, upon completion of a 4 hour shift. (We can also provide you with lunch if you don't bring your own).

A reference after 2 months with us.

An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives.

As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us and redistribute it to people in need. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming. 

We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for employment, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups.

It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity.

b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.

c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.

d) Wanting to make new friends.

e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.

Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You may also be assisting customers when they pick up their orders.

Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.

Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.

Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.

Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections. 

Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards. 

Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.

Person Specification: 

Must be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.

Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 

Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.

Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.

Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.

Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.

Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us.
This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Patient and Public Involvement Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Patient and Public Involvement Volunteer, to join our project team looking at developing a payment for involvement policy. The MS Society involves people affected by MS in many aspects of work, often this involvement means that we share decision-making power with people affected by MS or we gain insights on living with MS which help shape our work. It is considered best practice across the involvement sector to reimburse people for their time when they contribute to our work in this way. The aim of this project is to establish a policy on how the MS Society should be reimbursing people for time spent on involvement activities.

Your role on the project group will be to represent the needs and opinions of the MS community on this topic. You’ll be asked to attend regular online project meetings (one meeting every 6 weeks). You’ll also be asked for feedback on ideas and the draft policy via email in between meetings. The project is expected to last until autumn 2025.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones.

About You
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to get involved and represent us and our values. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS.

To Apply 
- Read through the role description carefully and apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.