Advice / Information Volunteer Roles

Are you a good listener?  Do you live in the South West? We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others from this region.  You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.

*Ability to listen 

*Effective listening skills 

*Good communication skills

*This role requires 2 references

Are you a good listener?  We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others.  You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.

We are particularly looking for volunteers to support in the following;

*Craft group – someone with an active interest in any sort of craft e.g. knitting, crochet, embroidery, card making etc

*South Wales Valleys group – someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area

*Powys - someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team...

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 in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with:

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

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.

St John Ambulance are looking for new Youth Leaders in North Yorkshire to help continue our efforts in teaching First Aid to young people across the region.

Youth Team Volunteers teach young people, of all different backgrounds, vital and life-changing first aid skills. We have two programmes – our Badgers (aged 5 – 10 years old) and our Cadets (aged 10 – 17 years old).

We are currently on the lookout for both Youth Helpers and Youth Leaders. By volunteering a minimum three hours per week you could make a massive difference to these cadets now and have a real impact on your community.

But it's not all about what you'll give - you will learn a lot too!

You’ll gain communication, listening and presentation skills and grow in confidence.

You’ll also have the chance to learn First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Adventure skills and take on more advanced leadership roles with training, all while being fully supported by the rest of your team.

Under your watch, cadets will develop their potential, they will learn vital first aid skills that they can deliver at events and activities across North Yorkshire and Teesside. They will gain confidence, make friends, and engage in community and social change.

If you’d like to know more or would like to try a taster experience of what it’s like as a volunteer in our Youth Teams or would like to chat to someone who does, please get in touch.

Are you passionate about empowering young people and making a real difference in your community? Join us as a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance and embark on a rewarding journey where you’ll inspire, guide, and support the next generation! 

What will you do? 

As a Youth Helper, you’ll be a key part of our dynamic volunteer youth teams, working with children aged 5-10 (Badgers) and 10-17 (Cadets) across the district. Here’s how you’ll make an impact: 

· Engage and Educate: Deliver fun, interactive sessions teaching first aid and life skills, boosting young people's confidence, teamwork, and self-discipline. 

· Support and Supervise: Help coordinate activities and sessions, ensuring all participants are safe and supervised. 

· Administrative Assistance: Support the Unit Manager with admin tasks, resource collection, and logistics. 

· Foster Inclusion: Encourage active participation and a safe environment, fostering a sense of belonging and community among young people. 

What are we looking for? 

We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who are dedicated to the vision and mission of St. John Ambulance. Ideal candidates will have: 

· A passion for engaging with young people and helping them develop life skills. 

· Enthusiasm for St. John Ambulance’s values and a commitment to our Youth Voice principles (Support, Empower, Inspire). 

· Teamwork and communication skills. 

· A flexible and positive attitude. 

· Previous experience working with youth is a plus but not essential—what matters most is your dedication and willingness to learn! 

What can you gain from this volunteering role? 

· Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to your community by helping young people grow and thrive. 

· Training and Development: Gain valuable skills through our comprehensive training programs, including the opportunity to learn first aid and progress into leadership roles. 

· Community: Become part of the St. John family, making new friends and building lasting connections with like-minded volunteers. 

Join us in creating a vibrant, supportive environment where young people can flourish. Together, we’ll make a difference, one life-saving skill at a time. 

Ready to inspire the next generation? Apply now to become a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance! 

Are you passionate about empowering young people and making a real difference in your community? Join us as a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance and embark on a rewarding journey where you’ll inspire, guide, and support the next generation! 

What will you do? 

As a Youth Helper, you’ll be a key part of our dynamic volunteer youth teams, working with children aged 5-10 (Badgers) and 10-17 (Cadets) across the district. Here’s how you’ll make an impact: 

· Engage and Educate: Deliver fun, interactive sessions teaching first aid and life skills, boosting young people's confidence, teamwork, and self-discipline. 

· Support and Supervise: Help coordinate activities and sessions, ensuring all participants are safe and supervised. 

· Administrative Assistance: Support the Unit Manager with admin tasks, resource collection, and logistics. 

· Foster Inclusion: Encourage active participation and a safe environment, fostering a sense of belonging and community among young people. 

What are we looking for? 

We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who are dedicated to the vision and mission of St. John Ambulance. Ideal candidates will have: 

· A passion for engaging with young people and helping them develop life skills. 

· Enthusiasm for St. John Ambulance’s values and a commitment to our Youth Voice principles (Support, Empower, Inspire). 

· Teamwork and communication skills. 

· A flexible and positive attitude. 

· Previous experience working with youth is a plus but not essential—what matters most is your dedication and willingness to learn! 

What can you gain from this volunteering role? 

· Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to your community by helping young people grow and thrive. 

· Training and Development: Gain valuable skills through our comprehensive training programs, including the opportunity to learn first aid and progress into leadership roles. 

· Community: Become part of the St. John family, making new friends and building lasting connections with like-minded volunteers. 

Join us in creating a vibrant, supportive environment where young people can flourish. Together, we’ll make a difference, one life-saving skill at a time. 

Ready to inspire the next generation? Apply now to become a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance! 

Volunteering as part of our Cycle Hire addition to Ickworth's Visitor Experience, this role is to shape and develop the cycling culture at Ickworth and support with customer service as well as hiring out bikes.

By getting involved you could:

• Join an enthusiastic and varied team and form new friendships 
• Volunteer at this beautiful and inspiring property 
• Enjoy new experiences and learn something new every day 
• Let your personality shine, and build connections with our visitors and wider property team 
• Know you have made a difference to someone’s day out

What's involved:

To support the Cycle Hire Supervisor in the day to day running of the cycle hire hub 

• Meeting and greeting visitors and understanding their requirements
• Following the protocols for hiring and returning bikes 
• Sizing bikes for visitors and supporting with trailer and balance bike hire 
• Helping visitors navigate and plan their cycle route across the estate 
• Basic bike repairs (if you can, training can be provided) 
• Supporting housekeeping, cleanings equipment and facilities for use 
• Developing a cycling culture across the Ickworth Team
• Being part of the ideas team for what else Ickworth can offer as part of our cycling offer 

*As part of this role you will have the opportunity to learn basic cycle maintenance, but it is your choice if you opt in to taking on this training and no one should attempt to fix an Ickworth bike without having this training signed off*

This role will suit you if you:

• Are friendly, cheerful and have a positive outlook to welcome everyone and inspire others 
• Enjoy providing exceptional service 
• Are able to adapt their skills and knowledge to suit different situations and people 
• Have a passion for the outdoors and for helping people access Ickworth and the National Trust

Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent. Volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us - Big Buddies and Family Befriending. 

Our Big Buddies support young people, in the boroughs above, aged 10-18 for a few hours weekly or fortnightly over a period of 6 or 12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Young people have an equal voice in deciding how they wish to spend their time

Activities might include:.

• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!

Essential Criteria:

• Level of commitment mentioned above
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

The Vice Chairs’ role is to support the Chair in executing their duties. The Vice Chair continues to fulfil all those duties assumed when he/she became a trustee as outlined in the document The Trustee Board, Role and Responsibilities. The Vice Chair will assume the role of Chair in the absence of the chair. To this end, their duties are similar in that the Vice Chair will be expected to provide leadership in giving firm strategic direction to the charity and will be responsible for ensuring that the board meets regularly, keeps transparent records, agrees priorities, and ensures that the charity’s income sources, and expenditure allow it to meet its charitable aims. This includes:

• Ensuring the Chair has all information he/she requires in order to carry out their role to the best of their ability.
•  The Vice Chair will discuss and offer his/her advice to the Chair based on her understandingof the charity’s’ vision, values, mission, strategy and policy when the documents are due to be reviewed. 
• The Vice Chair may be, on occasion expected to represent the Chair at external functions and events. The Vice Chair must always act in the best interest of the charity.
• The Vice Chair will act as a point of contact for the trustees and others between formal meetings when the chair is unavailable. 
• The Vice Chair will ensure that regular meetings are held between the Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to discuss any managerial issues and strategy. 
• The Vice Chair must remain abreast of the laws and regulations relating to the charity’s’ activities. 
• The Vice Chair will support the Chair in monitoring the financial stability of the charity. 

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent.  Volunteers offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Family Befriending. 

Our Family Befrienders support parents and families; volunteers will aim to help families/single parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their family weekly or fortnightly for a period of 6 to 12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping family members build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• Level of commitment mentioned above
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

Why we want you

Can you inspire and bring a team together? We need leaders to bring together the Parkinson’s UK community locally in line with the charity's values. Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends.

As a forward thinking and dynamic Branch Chair you'll provide leadership to the group, from liasing with the wider charity to bringing out the best in the lead volunteer team. You’ll be the driving force in ensuring your local team of volunteers has the greatest possible impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area.

What you will be doing

• Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s - engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your local community, to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area
• Staying up to date with news and developments of Parkinson's UK, actively sharing them with the group and supporting them to operate within Parkinson's UK guidelines
• Making the best use of the skills and strengths of other volunteers, delegating where necessary and working as a team to meet the needs of local people affected by Parkinson's
• Be responsible for keeping up with training, leading by example to encourage others to do the same and carrying out your role in line with the Parkinson’s UK Volunteering Agreement and Parkinson’s UK values

The skills you need

• Enthusiasm; for Parkinson's UK and as an ambassador for your local group
• Strong leadership, organisational, delegation and communication skills
• The ability to lead meetings and the group in an open and inclusive way, making decisions that take into account and respond effectively to multiple viewpoints
• Can-do attitude to making things happen in your local community, taking on board the feedback of those affected by Parkinson's in your area and responding in innovative ways
• Confident and willing to learn / use a computer, email and other digital tools

A bit about this role

Our education speaker volunteers have the important and exciting role of raising awareness of Cats Protection. They deliver pre-prepared talks, help spread messages around feline welfare and act as the voice of cats in their local communities. They also deliver talks to both adults and children in a variety of settings. Interacting with children is especially important, as they are the cat owners of the future, and by building their understanding and knowledge we can make the world a better place for cats.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Being part of a passionate team of other volunteers and employees
• Delivering pre-prepared talks to schools and community groups
• Hosting information sessions
• Proving feedback on talks where necessary
• Taking part in promotional events such as careers days at schools and colleges
• Delivering education craft sessions at community talks and workshops

A bit more information about this role and the team

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Confidence in public speaking
• The ability to use own initiative 
• A passion for feline welfare
• Knowledge of local community networks
• Transport is essential for this role as you will be required to travel to talk venues such as schools and community centres within a reasonable distance of your home address. Therefore a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle or excellent public transport links are essential

Time expectation 

The hours are flexible to fit around your other commitments. Each talk can last between 30 minutes and an hour, not including travel time. Availability of talks vary by location and season and some audiences may request more than one talk. Talks are given during the day and in the evening - during the week and on occasional weekends.

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.

A bit about this role

Unfortunately our feline friends can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats. 

What can you expect to be doing?

• Responding to enquiries from the public about lost and found cats
• Keeping up to date records of lost and founds cats
• Matching cats that are reported lost with those reported found
• Advertising lost and found cats
• Providing help and information to owners about their lost cats

A bit more information about this role and the team

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 reunite lost cats with their owners. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Record keeping and administration skills
• Good IT skills
• Patience and the ability to deal with sensitive situations
• Willingness to be part of a team 

Time expectation 

Our lost and found volunteers usually spend between 2 to 3 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.

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team

Looking for Fosterers mainly in the Deeside area although would consider applicants from the Kincardine area that have a suitable indoor space although we would consider those with a suitable outdoor space in the right location. 

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 in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

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.