Volunteer volunteer roles in South east

Use your expertise and experience to help the Froebel Trust reach, inspire and engage those working with young children.

The Froebel Trust is looking for two volunteers with a background in digital communications to join its Communications and Public Engagement Committee and help shape its work.

No previous committee experience is needed. You'll be supported to learn from others and to access training that suits your needs. You will need to commit around ten hours per year of voluntary time per year.

The Trust’s Communications and Public Engagement Committee members provide expertise in education, PR, marketing and communications. The committee advises the Trust’s Executive team on strategy and policy for the Froebel Trust's communication and public engagement activities. The committee reports to the Council of Trustees via the Communications and Public Engagement Committee Chair. 

Who we're looking for:

• An experienced communicator who can bring knowledge of digital communications tools and tactics, such as experience of using social media (Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn), websites, podcast and films to engage audiences.
• Ideally they will have a thoughtful approach to, and experience of AI tools
• Insight into the challenges and opportunities for communications in today’s rapidly changing digital world
• Interest in or experience of early childhood education
• Available to attend at least two 1.5 hour long meetings per year on Zoom, typically in March and October, with flexibility for an additional hour-long workshop style meeting. We also hold an annual training session for all Froebel Trust staff and volunteers, attendance is encouraged but optional.
• Experience of working in education and / or the charity sector, and knowledge of Froebelian principles is desirable but by no means essential.
• You will need to share our commitment to improving early years education.
• The Froebel Trust strives to be an inclusive organisation and therefore would particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups and people who can bring new perspectives and experiences to our team.

What you'll do

• Attend at least two meetings per year to help shape the strategic direction of the charity’s communications activities with particular emphasis on digital communications.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to develop and deliver a new communications strategy in line with the Trust’s new strategy for 2027-2030.

How it works

• The Trust’s Communications and Public Engagement Committee has at least three members at any one time. We are seeking to replace two members whose terms of office expire this year. The committee is chaired by a trustee.
• The Communications and Public Engagement Committee meets at least twice per year on Zoom.
• Most meetings are on Tuesdays or Wednesdays 12pm-1.30pm, typically in March and October, with flexibility for an additional session.
• Committee members are also invited to attend annual Froebel Trust whole team training for around two hours on Zoom. This is optional but attendance is encouraged.

Terms

• The role is voluntary and unpaid but out-of-pocket expenses are covered, if applicable.
• Members of the Committee are generally appointed for a three-year term, with renewal subject to Council agreement up to a maximum of six years. In exceptional circumstances and where there is a clear benefit to the Trust, a member’s term of office may be extended beyond the maximum of six years, subject to Council approval.

Questions

We’re always happy to answer questions - please email us.

For more information about the Froebel Trust and to find out more about the role, visit our website.

Activities Volunteer

Location: Woodcock Court, Gillingham

Timings: 8 Hours per week

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

Reach Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Dorset. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for adults and young people wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as supporting family members and running campaigns and events that raise awareness of addiction and celebrate recovery in the community.

Reach is delivered in partnership between Waythrough, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and Essential Drug and Alcohol Services. This role is based with the adults service.

Activities form part of the holistic recovery offer at Reach, offering the people we support time to connect with each other, with nature and to be more .

The role:

Activity Support Volunteers will support with the running of a weekly allotment group and different projects within the North Dorset team. This is an active volunteer role that will include a range of gardening related tasks but may also include creative activities and group co-facilitation across the North Team within REACH. You will be a friendly, welcoming face to people who join the activities.

Tasks may include:

• Help with setting up and packing away before and after each session
• Providing support and guidance on all things allotment and gardening related; including what to plant when and how to look after the growing plants
• Suggesting how to cook the produce and sharing potential recipes
• Producing charts or information leaflets as required to educate and guide people we support about organic growing from soil to plate.
• (co)Facilitate the sessions, ensuring activities are safe and risk assessed as appropriate
• Report any concerns, including safeguarding related, that may arise in the group
• Support people attending the group to develop their own skills and interests
• Promote the activities on offer with the people we support, through posters, presentations and conversations

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Conduct basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and dependable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Volunteers need to live near Bicester
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

By volunteering with SeeAbility, you can help create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.

About the Role

As a Maintenance Volunteer, you will help maintain and improve the homes and environments of people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities. Your support will help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces where people can thrive.

This role involves practical tasks such as painting, decorating, gardening, and general DIY. Please note that electrical, plumbing, and gas work are not included in this volunteer role.

The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help to:

• Improve the appearance and comfort of people's homes.
• Create safe and welcoming environments.
• Support people to feel proud of where they live.
• Enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.

What You Will Do

• Assist with painting and decorating projects.
• Conduct basic DIY tasks and minor repairs.
• Help with gardening and outdoor maintenance.
• Support with assembling furniture and equipment.
• Follow health and safety guidance at all times.
• Report any maintenance concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Practical and dependable.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Happy to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Previous DIY or maintenance experience is essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Live close to Aylesbury
• Complete volunteer induction and training.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and health and safety procedures.

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

By volunteering with SeeAbility, you can help create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.

At One Degree, our mentors, ambassadors, and teachers are more than just volunteers—they’re lifelines for students often overlooked in their schools and communities. By offering direction, encouragement, and a sense of possibility, our volunteers transform lives while experiencing the profound reward of making a real, tangible impact.

Most of our mentors are young professionals, bringing passion, patience, and empathy to help GCSE/Year 11 students (ages 15–16) navigate their challenges. These volunteers serve as role models, guiding students who might otherwise feel left behind toward brighter futures.

To foster meaningful connections and provide continuity, we ask volunteers to commit to at least three in-person or online sessions per year. This ensures students build trust and form bonds with the people dedicated to helping them succeed.

Join us and be the difference that changes a life.

What time commitments are required?

Preparation

1. Mentor registration (2 minutes)
2. Online mentor training course (30 minutes)
3. Online safeguarding course (30 minutes)
4. Online DBS/CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check (15 minutes)
5. Online personalised 1-on-1 mentor training (2 x 30 minutes)

Total time needed to become a mentor – approximately 2.5 hours

Mentoring

1. Choose availability that fits your schedule – whether it’s 5 hours a week or just 30 minutes a month.
2. Mentor online from anywhere in the world.
3. Adjust your availability as your circumstances change.
4. Focus on mentoring subjects you’re confident in.
5. Access support from our experienced teachers and tutors.

Total time needed to be a mentor – flexible

What it takes

Anyone who meets the following criteria is welcome to apply:

• Able to volunteer a minimum of three sessions per programme
• Patient, empathetic and considerate
• Willing to participate in group activities and sports

Important Note! You do NOT need exceptional skills in Maths or English, or previous mentoring or teaching experience to be a One Degree mentor.

What’s in it for you

Our innovative online version of our in-person programme combines group and 1-on-1 support via our custom-built online network.

We now offer 7-day-a-week mentoring for our GCSE students and programme alumni:

1. This is flexible – with no set days and times, you can make yourself available based on YOUR schedule and you can update availability with our new integrated calendar system (training required here)
2. This is innovative – during our 1-on-1 training we will run through this new addition to our custom-built online mentoring platform where you can a) connect your personal and work calendars b) select provisional availability and c) be booked by One Degree students based on their availability, your availability or by mentor speciality. This also now extends to supporting One Degree alumni.

Do you want to make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals in your community?

We are looking for Client Support Volunteers to assist in the Garden alongside our horticulturists in the supervision of our adult clients and teenagers with a variety of disabilities.

Our volunteers work in the garden with clients, helping them with various tasks such as planting, harvesting, pruning and mowing to name a few, under the guidance of our team of horticulturists. 

As well as general gardening work you will be assisting our clients, both children and adults with the opportunity to achieve a qualification in horticulture.

Other tasks our volunteers help with include general garden maintenance, DIY tasks or craft/cookery activities.

No gardening experience is required, just the ability to get along with others and muck in! This can be a great stepping stone to further education or work opportunities.

At present, we are looking for Volunteers who can offer a regular weekly commitment.

Join our friendly team, working alongside our horticulturists supporting adults and teenagers with a range of challenges or disabilities.

Remote Volunteer Technical Support Role 

Job description 

This is a volunteer role (approx. 4 hours per week) based remotely. The Volunteer Technical Support is responsible for the oversight of the NGO’s digital infrastructure, maintaining security protocols, and responding to critical technical emergencies. They will report directly to the CEO and work to formalize IT procedures to ensure long-term organizational continuity. This role is a fixed one-year term and includes a one-month handover period for their successor. 

Role specification 

Infrastructure and Security Management: 

• Act as the primary administrator for the Microsoft 365 environment

• Perform regular security audits to manage permissions, remove dormant accounts, and ensure the principle of "least privilege" across the team. 

• Help with offboarding protocol to ensure all digital keys and account ownership are transferred back to the NGO when staff or volunteers depart. 

• Consult with the team to ensure all technical systems adhere to organizational safeguarding policies, specifically regarding data privacy and the protection of member information. 

• Maintain a secure digital environment for staff and members by identifying operational risks and reporting potential vulnerabilities or breaches immediately to the CEO. 

Critical Support and Strategy: 

• Act as the on-call point of contact for critical system failures (e.g., total email loss, or security breaches). 

• Utilize a structured ticketing or request system to streamline technical support

• Advise the CEO on technical "vetting" and trust markers for future IT volunteers to safeguard the organization’s power and data. 

Knowledge Transfer and Communication: 

• Act as a technical mentor to the staff, explaining the logic behind security policies (the "why") rather than just issuing instructions. 

• Help foster an empathetic security culture where technical guardrails are seen as tools for mission success rather than roadblocks. 

• Lead a 1-month handover period at the end of the term to train the incoming volunteer, ensuring a seamless transition of power and knowledge. 

We are looking for a film maker who will be able to join us at our food and music events, film and create short highlight clips to share on social media (see our instagram page for ideas).

What will you be doing?

• Filming videos on-site with your equipment.
• Conducting short interviews with guests and the team to create content.
• Contribute new ideas and creativity welcome to showcase and promote Plateful Cafe.

Requirements:

• Basic video editing ability
• A decent camera/phone

We are looking for someone to assist us to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow.

What will you be doing?

• Leading on one of our social media channels (currently Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn)
• Producing occasional blog posts (minimum one per quarter except LinkedIn lead who will do one per month) on topics related to Plateful Café including research and interviews.
• Recording social media analytics on a weekly basis
• Identifying potential content and opportunities
• Adding ideas to the content planner
• Postings and scheduling content
• Attendance at team catch-ups virtually/phone
• Ad-hoc attendance at events and markets
• Other duties in line with the role description

Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English
• Has 3+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)lls and experience as a Social Media Officer and Blogger? We are looking for a new volunteer to help us at Plateful Cafe.
• Able to create interesting and engaging content
• Good computer skills
• Good time management skills
• Engaging and friendly
• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills
• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe
• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience
• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

We are looking for a dedicated and well-organised press volunteer who can assist our team with various communication tasks!

Main duties will include:

• Publishing news and reports about developments at Plateful Cafe, which is due to open in May
• Announcing and promoting events organised by our team through local press, radio, Lewisham Council and other organisations
• Writing stories for the website, funding applications and reports
• Creating content for our social media accounts

Requirements:

• A good writer and storyteller
• Contacts with the press
• Prior experience in communication

We are currently recruiting for a Social Media Volunteer. The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other ethnic minorities in south-east London. Our commitment is to ensure we reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. 

Videos are a powerful medium to engage with our supporters and also the wider public. You will play a great role to promote our brand and build our presence online.

As Volunteer Company Secretary, you will be the "conscience of the charity," ensuring that our Trustee and Executive Team operates within its legal and regulatory framework to ensure our beneficiaries receive the highest standard of care and support. 

This is a vital role at the heart of the charity’s operations and offers the opportunity to help shape the governance of a high-impact charity. 

You will provide the bridge between the Board and the executive team, contributing directly to the Trust’s mission by underpinning strong governance and accountability at Board level. By ensuring compliance, transparency, and well-run meetings, you will support the Trustee and executive team to make informed strategic decisions that enhance opportunities, independence, and wellbeing for adults with neuro-disabilities. 

You will:  

• Manage our core administration, ensuring governance and compliance documents, records and processes are kept up to date; including managing filings with Companies House and the Charity Commission, and managing the conflicts of interest register.
• Support the Board and CEO with meeting management; helping to prepare agendas, minutes, board packs and maintain a robust rolling action log.
• Ensure good governance, keeping us aligned with legal and regulatory requirements; always advising best practice and updating the board on the Charity Governance Code.
• Support the Trustee onboarding process, helping us to stay structured and efficient. 
• Be the organisational backbone, helping Minstead Trust to stay steady, safe and well run.

What are we looking for?  

• Commitment to our Mission: an understanding of, or interest in, the challenges faced by those living with neuro-disabilities and a willingness to lead according to our values.  
• Detail-Oriented: a "right first time" approach to legal documentation.  
• Discretion: the ability to handle sensitive clinical or financial information with absolute confidentiality.  
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement. 

About you: 

• You’re someone who loves order, clarity and good organisation. 
• You’re reliable, detail focused and calm under pressure. 
• You have prior experience as a Company Secretary, Governance Officer, or Senior Administrator, ideally within the UK charity or public sector. (Essential) 
• You have a high level of digital literacy (e.g., Board portals, MS Teams/Zoom, SharePoint).  
• You have exceptional minute-taking skills and the ability to synthesize complex discussions into concise, professional records.  
• You care deeply about people and want to use your skills to make a real difference. 
• You’re an effective team player. 
• You’re simply brilliant at keeping things running smoothly!

This role is voluntary, but you will be supported by a professional team across Finance, People & Culture and Administration to ensure you are able to operate effectively.  Reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. 

About us: 

Our Vision at Minstead Trust is to live in a society where people with neuro-disabilities enjoy fulfilling lives of their own choosing.

Our Mission is to support them to fully develop their individual potential by providing opportunities, enhancing life skills, ensuring informed choice, and influencing society 

We encourage all our volunteers to uphold our values and to embrace who we are:  

We appreciate each person. Everyone is different – we respect and celebrate this.

We’re always learning. We all have something to offer and more to learn.

We’re always improving. Striving to give our best and to have more impact.

We push for change. We will challenge society to be fully inclusive.

We find the joy in everyday life. We have the freedom to be ourselves and enjoy what we do. 

Volunteer Graphic Designer – Foundation of Lys

Location: Remote

Commitment: Very Flexible, few hours 

About Us

The Foundation of Lys is the cultural arm of the Principality of Lys, dedicated to Classical Arts, French Renaissance architecture, Humanities, and Enlightenment values. We support artistic excellence, heritage preservation, and creative education through charitable programmes that uplift communities and celebrate beauty, knowledge, and human flourishing.

The Role

We are seeking a talented Volunteer Graphic Designer to help bring the visual identity of the Foundation of Lys to life. This role is ideal for someone who loves classical aesthetics, elegant design, and meaningful creative work. You will help shape the visual voice of the Foundation across digital and print platforms.

What You’ll Create

• Logos and emblem designs for the Foundation and its programmes

• Social media graphics, banners, and campaign visuals

• Brochures, posters, and promotional materials

• Iconography, motifs, and brand assets inspired by classical and renaissance styles

• Occasional layout or typography work for publications and announcements

What We’re Looking For

• A creative individual with a passion for design and visual storytelling

• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Affinity Designer)

• Ability to interpret and express classical, renaissance, and humanistic themes

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high‑quality work

• Someone who enjoys collaborating with a visionary, worldbuilding‑driven organisation

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to contribute to a unique cultural charity with a refined artistic mission

• Portfolio‑worthy projects with creative freedom

• Experience shaping a brand rooted in heritage, beauty, and enlightenment

• A supportive environment that values creativity, elegance, and thoughtful design

Join Us

If you’re inspired by classical art, cultural heritage, and meaningful creative work, we would love to welcome you to the Foundation of Lys. Your talent can help illuminate our mission and bring our cultural vision to life.

Volunteer - Project Manager – SUNSHINE Charity

Lead the set‑up and launch of a small start‑up charity bringing joy, connection and belonging across London

About SUNSHINE Charity

Loneliness is one of the quietest but most painful challenges facing people across London. It affects confidence, wellbeing, mental health and the simple feeling of belonging.

SUNSHINE Charity is a tiny start‑up with a huge mission: to bring human connection, joy, community and ‘sunshine’ into people’s lives.

We are at the very beginning. No funding yet. No big team. Just heart, hope, and a vision to build a charity that lights up London — and later, beyond.

If you’ve ever wanted to help build something meaningful from the ground up, this is your chance.

The Role: Volunteer Project Manager

This role is about building the charity itself — shaping the foundations, organising the launch, and turning a heartfelt idea into a fully functioning organisation.

As our Volunteer Project Manager, you will:

• Lead the full project management of SUNSHINE Charity’s set‑up and launch.

• Create timelines, milestones and clear delivery plans.

• Coordinate early volunteers and partners.

• Help develop our first programmes to reduce loneliness.

• Build simple systems, processes and structures.

• Support early fundraising efforts — including the possibility of fundraising for your own future paid role.

• Bring organisation, creativity and heart to every step of the journey.

This is a role for someone who loves making things happen, thrives in start‑up environments, and wants to help build a charity that will change lives.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Passionate about tackling loneliness and social isolation.

• Organised, proactive and energised by building something from scratch.

• Excited by the challenge of launching a charity with no current funding.

• A natural planner who loves turning ideas into action.

• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.

• Motivated by impact, purpose and human connection.

• Ready to bring sunshine into people’s lives.

You don’t need charity experience — just heart, drive, and the ability to make things happen.

Why This Role Matters

• Because loneliness is everywhere.
• Because people deserve to feel connected, valued and seen.
• Because joy is powerful.
• Because community changes lives.
• Because you could help build a charity that becomes a beacon of hope across London.

This is your chance to:

• Lead the launch of a brand‑new charity.

• Build programmes that genuinely transform lives.

• Create systems and structures that will support long‑term impact.

• Shape a movement rooted in kindness, connection and belonging.

• Be part of something human, heartfelt and extraordinary.

Ready to Build Something Beautiful?

If your heart is pulling you toward this role — we’d love to hear from you.

Join us, and help bring sunshine into the lives of people who need it most.