Professional volunteering opportunity volunteer roles in greater london

We know that thousands of people in need of bereavement support are waiting to access ongoing bereavement support. We are now recruiting for additional volunteers, if you would like to know more about volunteering for this popular service, we would love to see you at our UYBO Open Day.

What will you be doing:

• Presenting and facilitating one off online group sessions for bereaved people with fellow volunteers
• Creating a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space to deliver practical bereavement information and guidance
•  Facilitating peer engagement in small discussion groups
• Delivering clear messaging for onward signposting

Skills and experience you’ll need:

• Effective listening and communication skills
• Good IT literacy or an ability to learn (training will be provided)
• Access to a computer
• Comfortable talking about grief and death
• Empathetic and warm
• Confident facilitating discussion in a group setting

Want to find out more? 

Join us for an Open Day on Wednesday 28th May 2025 (2:00pm to 3:30pm or 6:00pm to 7:30pm) to learn more, talk to current UYBO volunteers and find out about our training programme and the support we offer volunteers.

Please note that should you wish to become a UYBO Volunteer after attending the open day, we will be holding informal interviews from Monday 2nd June.

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

PR Volunteer for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research
5 hours a week (hybrid)
Unpaid except expenses

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research is a small independent charity based at the National Spinal Injuries Centre in Buckinghamshire. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury. We fund research throughout the UK into the complications of spinal cord injury (SCI), funding projects tackling issues such as bladder & bowel, neuropathic pain, mental health and upper limb function.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative volunteer to join our small team as a PR Volunteer, ideally with experience of drafting and issuing media releases, sourcing and pitching promotional stories, and dealing with media/journalists. The role would not need to encompass social media which is already dealt with in-house.

This opportunity is perfect for someone passionate about PR, with a good level of skill and ‘know-how’ in how to help spread the word about our work in raising funds to support spinal cord injury research and the SCI community.
Ideally, we would like you to:

• Develop and implement publicity strategies to promote SMSR events, news, campaigns and general fundraising activities
• Be proactive in sourcing PR opportunities, both locally and nationally, as well as online
• Write and distribute press releases promoting our news, events, and campaigns
• Develop and nurture relationships with local media contacts and wider media
• Track and report on any PR/publicity efforts

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in public relations and working in a small, friendly charity team
• Add to your professional portfolio
• Network with media professionals and spinal cord injury influencers
• Be part of a small, yet dynamic, non-profit organisation based at the renowned National Spinal Injuries Unit, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury.

Expenses
This is a volunteer role. Travel expenses will be paid.

For more information, and to apply, please send your CV and a Covering Letter outlining your experience and what you could bring to the role to:
Charlotte Minoprio, Head of Development
Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, National Spinal Injuries Centre, HP21 8AL  @lifeafterpara | Reg Charity No 1183744

Working as a member of the Family Services team, across all areas of the service, you’ll be offering information, guidance and support to families and loved ones of those in prison. Based in the prisons visitor's centre meeting and greeting visitors, you will provide practical and emotional support to families ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect and their voices are heard. As well as supporting in the visitor's centre, you will also be required to support Pact's play and children’s services, including our family days, and potentially with our refreshment service in the prison visits hall.

What you will be doing

• Offer a friendly and welcoming environment within the Family & Visitors’ Centre, where people visiting the prison can spend time before and after their visit
• Assist with booking/checking in of visitors in line with Pact and the prison’s procedures
• Encourage families to access support or signposting them for their needs by interacting with visitors, offering information and advice as appropriate on a confidential basis and ensuring first time visitors are provided with enhanced support and reassurance
• Help maintain an area in the visitors’ centre for children, which may include displays of children’s artwork, relevant posters and information, as well as toys and other materials to engage children before and after a visit
• Liaise with prison staff, including visits and security staff, to ensure close co-operation in the smooth and efficient reception of visitors at the prison
• Promote opportunities for children to engage with their loved one who is in prison in an appropriate way during a visit and family days
• Ensure the play equipment is safe, clean, and able to fulfil its requirements, storing and restocking as required
• Provide an excellent, friendly, and welcoming refreshment service to prisoners and their families in the visitors centre and/or visits hall
• Support the planning and delivery of an agreed number of family/teen days per year and to help Pact deliver high quality facilitated play/activities appropriate for the age ranges attending the family days
• Support the Family Services team with other ad-hoc tasks
• Adhere to policies and practices relevant to this role: Confidentiality; Health & Safety; Child Protection and Safeguarding; Equality and Diversity; and Prison security rules etc
• Report any incidents and concerns related to Health and Safety or Safeguarding to a member of the Pact staff team

The skills you need

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Sociable and friendly
• Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude
• Flexible and willing to do any of the service tasks
• Solution focused and resilient
• Good understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality

What's in it for you

• Feel connected to those you are helping in your local community
• Full training and induction provided with regular ongoing support
• Develop skills and enhance your experience for future volunteering / employment opportunities
• Some out of pocket expenses covered in line with our expenses policy

Disclaimer

This role is subject to the completion of Pact's mandatory training and checks which our staff will be on hand to support you through.

Training

Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Equality and Diversity, Data Security and Health and Safety training is required for this role, as well induction training related to the role. We anticipate the entire training will take between 10-12 hours to complete in total, of which most can be completed in your own time. You will also have access to a range of other training opportunities.

Checks

3 years of employment history or other activities (e.g., studying, travelling) Enhanced DBS check (Disclosure & Barring Service) with child barring Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service.

Because of the recruitment process which can take several weeks, Pact hopes you will commit to volunteering for a minimum of 1 shift a week (approx. 3-4 hours) for at least 6 months from when you your onboarding is complete.

Working as a member of the Family Services team, across all areas of the service, you’ll be offering information, guidance and support to families and loved ones of those in prison. Based in the prisons visitor's centre meeting and greeting visitors, you will provide practical and emotional support to families ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect and their voices are heard. As well as supporting in the visitor's centre, you will also be required to support Pact's play and children’s services, including our family days, and potentially with our refreshment service in the prison visits hall.

What you will be doing

• Offer a friendly and welcoming environment within the Family & Visitors’ Centre, where people visiting the prison can spend time before and after their visit
• Assist with booking/checking in of visitors in line with Pact and the prison’s procedures
• Encourage families to access support or signposting them for their needs by interacting with visitors, offering information and advice as appropriate on a confidential basis and ensuring first time visitors are provided with enhanced support and reassurance
• Help maintain an area in the visitors’ centre for children, which may include displays of children’s artwork, relevant posters and information, as well as toys and other materials to engage children before and after a visit
• Liaise with prison staff, including visits and security staff, to ensure close co-operation in the smooth and efficient reception of visitors at the prison
• Promote opportunities for children to engage with their loved one who is in prison in an appropriate way during a visit and family days
• Ensure the play equipment is safe, clean, and able to fulfil its requirements, storing and restocking as required
• Provide an excellent, friendly, and welcoming refreshment service to prisoners and their families in the visitors centre and/or visits hall
• Support the planning and delivery of an agreed number of family/teen days per year and to help Pact deliver high quality facilitated play/activities appropriate for the age ranges attending the family days
• Support the Family Services team with other ad-hoc tasks
• Adhere to policies and practices relevant to this role: Confidentiality; Health & Safety; Child Protection and Safeguarding; Equality and Diversity; and Prison security rules etc
• Report any incidents and concerns related to Health and Safety or Safeguarding to a member of the Pact staff team

The skills you need

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Sociable and friendly
• Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude
• Flexible and willing to do any of the service tasks
• Solution focused and resilient
• Good understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality

What's in it for you

• Feel connected to those you are helping in your local community
• Full training and induction provided with regular ongoing support
• Develop skills and enhance your experience for future volunteering / employment opportunities
• Some out of pocket expenses covered in line with our expenses policy

Disclaimer

This role is subject to the completion of Pact's mandatory training and checks which our staff will be on hand to support you through.

Training

Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Equality and Diversity, Data Security and Health and Safety training is required for this role, as well induction training related to the role. We anticipate the entire training will take between 10-12 hours to complete in total, of which most can be completed in your own time. You will also have access to a range of other training opportunities.

Checks

3 years of employment history or other activities (e.g., studying, travelling) Enhanced DBS check (Disclosure & Barring Service) with child barring Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service.

Because of the recruitment process which can take several weeks, Pact hopes you will commit to volunteering for a minimum of 1 shift a week (approx. 3-4 hours) for at least 6 months from when you your onboarding is complete.

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 are recruiting passionate and motivated volunteers looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact on the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth.

Outline of service 

Our new Young Carers’ Connect project is designed to support the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth. The aim of the service is to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, connect young people and provide opportunities for fun and respite.

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre supports individuals who are looking after someone who has an illness or disability. By volunteering with us you can help look after the health and wellbeing of Carers and provide them with the opportunity to take a break from their responsibilities and have time out for themselves. 

Outline of Role 

As a Young Carers’ volunteer, you will have the opportunity to support in a wide range of exciting and dynamic activities such as peer support groups, workshops, events, activities and trips. 

Main Responsibilities 

• Building rapport with Young Carers and helping them to feel safe and comfortable 

• Co-facilitating workshops and groups 

• Supporting with the facilitation of trips, events and activities 

• Supporting with setting up and tidying up 

• Supporting with keeping a record of attendance 

• Actively participating in activities, games, events and trips 

• Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns by reporting to them to the responsible member of staff 

• Upholding confidentiality 

• Maintaining good communication with responsible staff member.

Other Duties: May be agreed with the responsible staff member as per the requirements of the group. 

Skills and Experience 

Ability to communicate with Young Carers and their families in a helpful and caring manner 

• Reliable and punctual 
• Ability to work effectively in partnership with Centre staff 
• Empathetic and understanding 
• An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality 
• Awareness of issues affecting Young Carers 
• Commitment to the implementation of our Equality and Inclusion policy and all the Centre’s polices

Code of conduct

As a volunteer, and therefore a representative of the Carers’ Centre, you will be expected to comply with this code of conduct.

• Treat all Carers and the people they care for politely and with respect 

• Ensure that your appearance is clean, neat and tidy at all times 

• Conversations of a personal nature to you should not be had around Carers or the people they Care for 

Benefits To Volunteer 

• Obtain experience of working with a diverse group of young people 

• Reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be covered 

• Provide support to Carers and the people they Care for in Wandsworth 

• References available upon request (after 6 months) 

• Regular support and supervision 

Additional Information: 

DBS required: Yes – Enhanced.

Responsible to: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke

Supervised by: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke 

Hours: Availability after school and/or during school holidays. For peer support groups or regular activities: A minimum commitment of one session a month. 

Expenses: Reasonable expenses (e.g. travel and parking) incurred through carrying out volunteering activities will be reimbursed, upon the production of receipts. 

Supervision: Regular sessions with the appropriate staff member to be arranged mutually 

Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor candidates. 

Bexley SASS (Solace Advocacy and Support Service) offers vital on-going support to survivors, helping them to rebuild their lives through advice, advocacy & support. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team.

Our teams offer support to those affected by domestic and sexual violence in their community. Our teams supply information, advocacy and specialist services to increase service users’ safety and meet a range of needs – these can include ongoing safety concerns, emotional or housing support, reporting to the police, legal options and support through court, help around child contact, benefits and financial advice. As well as providing direct assistance, we also work to build capacity and develop expertise amongst professionals and agencies.

At Bexley we offer 1:1 advocacy, support and safety planning for medium to high risk service users. We support regardless of sexuality or gender and can take referrals internally, externally and in person. 

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our busy Bexley SASS service. We are looking for a reliable and organised volunteer to assist us with our new drop down service. 

You would be required contact recently closed service users who have been referred into the drop down service. Those referred into the service would be contacted up to 3 times, every 2 weeks to check in around any support needed following case closure.

Contacts will be logged in case notes on our case management system and the drop down service spreadsheet.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal volunteer will have.

• Excellent IT Skills
• Excellent organisation skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to be empathic to the Service User’s needs.
• Non-Judgemental and culturally sensitive
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by your supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the organisation.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Enable service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse.
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Work as part of a feminist organisation

We also offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Communications Board Member

YAF’s Communications Team underpin all of the organisation's outputs by managing our communication channels and brand identity. They are instrumental in providing a voice for our Board, our members and our industry peers. 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work as part of a creative and proactive team, with the autonomy to devise innovative content plans and company-wide messaging. It’s a great opportunity to develop a combined fundraising, marketing and digital skill-set, offering tangible and versatile professional experience. 

What you’ll gain:

• Fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and experience outside of your work and boost your CV

• Chance to work with a friendly team and like-minded people that are passionate about transforming the landscape of voluntary professional development in arts fundraising

• Develop your network with leaders in arts fundraising and in the cultural sector

• Attend all YAF’s events and networking opportunities

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. 

Volunteer Fundraising team leader

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role:

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

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

We're looking for someone with:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four 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.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Business Development Volunteer to help us expand our client base, secure partnerships, and identify new opportunities for growth. We believe that this is an exciting opportunity for someone with extensive experience in business development and who is eager to contribute to delivering meaningful social change within a professional business environment.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

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 Wandsworth 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

Joining our amazing team of volunteers is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.

About the role 

You will be volunteering alongside our Community Engagement team, where activities will change and adapt based on client feedback and their evolving needs. Volunteers will help to facilitate activities and events across the borough, including but not limited to our digital inclusion drop-in sessions, coffee mornings, LGBTQ+ group and future activities which will include a gardening club and walking group. Most of our activities run for an hour or two, and we require volunteers to commit to attending at least one session a month. 

About the service 

Various opportunities are available based on our event schedule, which runs weekdays between the hours of 9am-4pm for 1–2 hours..

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Friendly
• Patient
• Great listening skills