Youth Children Volunteer Roles

Mimbre are now looking for new Trustees from all walks of life to join our Board. 

Mimbre are a female-led producing company, creating delicate, breathtaking and highly-skilled acrobatic theatre for audiences in outdoor and unusual settings, touring nationally and internationally, with a strong digital presence. We collaborate across the Creative Industries, as consultants and creators. We run a vibrant local youth programme and an Artist Development Programme for physical performers. 

We are a charity and are led by a brilliant group of volunteer Trustees. 

The Board meets four times a year in east or central London and over Zoom, and in addition the Trustees are asked to offer some specific advice, networking or help in their areas of expertise outside of these meetings. You will join our enthusiastic Board of experts within the fields of theatre, fundraising, academic research, literature and technology. 

We’re especially interested in new Trustees with experience in: 

• Outdoor Arts, 
• circus or 
• producing and touring. 

In addition, as our board members rotate regularly, we are continually looking for new people, so if you have other skills and experience that you’d like to contribute to our company we’d love to hear from you now as well. 

Mimbre strongly believes in diversity and to make our board more representative we would really like to encourage applications from people who are disabled, people from the global majority (black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds) and people who are working class. 

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!

We are Tŷ Hafan. We provide comfort, care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their loved ones.

This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.

Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 16+

Commitment:  Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.

Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.

Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.

Activities include:

• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Helping customers to locate items they are looking for;
• Serving customers at the till;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community..

Benefits of Volunteering for Tŷ Hafan

​• Volunteer discount in our charity shops
• Professional reference after 3 months
• TempoTime Credits
• Value in the Vale credits (for Vale of Glamorgan)
• Meet new people and make new friends
• Develop professional skills
• Most importantly, have fun and know you are making a difference.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers.

Tender aims to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence by educating children and young people about the issues through creative projects. Our programmes are safe, enjoyable, and age-appropriate which allow people to engage with sensitive topics and “rehearse” for real-life scenarios. Participants are encouraged to learn through script-work, role-play and creative media such as films and art. Throughout, we enable young people to explore their choices, rights and expectations in relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse. 

Our Trustees are vital to us, setting the strategy for the organisation, ensuring its financial stability and offering insights that help us to ask and answer questions. The Board of Trustees lead and control Tender and are responsible for its governance, policy and affairs. Trustees have responsibilities under charity and company law, and also under Tender’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, for directing the affairs of the organisation, ensuring that it is solvent, well run and delivers Tender’s objects. The day-to-day running of the charity is delegated to the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team.

All trustees are expected to:

• Safeguard and promote the reputation, vision, mission and values of Tender
• Ensure the charity complies with its governing documents, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
• Determine the overall strategic direction and development of Tender, by agreeing organisational polices, budgets and objectives, and to ensure targets are set and performance is measured against those targets
• Contribute any specific skills, knowledge, and experience which they may have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of Tender and its financial stability
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
• As requested by the Chair, represent the Chair of the Board at functions and events, and lead or be a member of committees/panels/groups
• Collectively own and hold the Board to account for its decisions and activities, ensuring the avoidance of any personal conflict of interest
• Provide support and challenge to Tender’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs
• Engage with volunteers, Patrons and other beneficiaries to keep informed about the organisation's activities and wider issues that affect Tender's work
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions

What we are looking for

We look for the following qualities in all trustees:

• An interest in and commitment to the mission, values and vision of Tender
• The ability to think and act strategically
• Leadership, communication and influencing skills
• Sound independent judgement and integrity
• An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, or a willingness to learn (we will provide training and guidance on charity governance if you do not have previous experience)
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• The ability to inspire trust and confidence in people
• A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend board and committee meetings, including remaining in the role for a minimum term of two years

For trustees with communications experience, we are also looking for:

• Experience in developing or implementing communications strategies
• Experience of building communications capacity within a growing organisation
• Knowledge of crisis communications management
• An ability to use communications to aid the diversification of our fundraising

For trustees with policy and influencing experience, we are looking for:

• Knowledge of UK politics and parliamentary processes
• Knowledge of policy areas and governmental departments relevant to Tender, in particular Education, Health and Home Office
• Experience of developing and promoting policy and campaign strategies for an organisation, and creating effective public affairs influencing strategies
• Experience of engaging with stakeholder at different levels of government (Parliament, civil service, local authority) to influence policy decisions

Chair of the Board - Lewisham Toy Library (Volunteer)

Inspire Play, Lead Change.

Lewisham Toy Library, a vital community resource since 1972, seeks a passionate Chair of the Board to lead our next phase of growth. We provide affordable access to toys and resources, fostering early childhood development and community connection.

About Us:

• Based in Lewisham Shopping Centre, serving families across the borough.
• Committed to inclusivity and accessibility so all children have access to play, offering reduced-cost memberships.
• Run by a dedicated Board of Trustees and two part-time paid Toy Librarians.

The Role:

• Provide strategic leadership and governance.
• Chair monthly Board meetings.
• Act as an ambassador, representing the Toy Library at events.
• Line manage the Toy Library Manager and oversee performance.
• Guide the charity towards our vision to larger premises and increased outreach in the community to reach even families that need us.

Time Commitment: 1-4 hours per week (remote, but monthly visits to the Toy Library in Lewisham preferred).

We're Looking For:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
• Governance experience and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication and community engagement skills.
• Commitment to our mission and values.
• Experience of the voluntary sector is desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real impact on children and families.
• Lead a dedicated and passionate team.
• Shape the future of a beloved community charity
• Flexible - all trustees are parents.

Lewisham Toy Library is committed to diversity and inclusion.

We’re looking for belly-laughers, double-checkers, logical-thinkers, forward-planners and calm-reassurers. Our Lead Volunteers don’t do big drama. They’ve the life experience and know how to share advice on solving a problem over a mug of tea and biscuits.

Central to everything we do, Lead Volunteers are our inspirational facilitators, supporting our teams in making sure everything at Scouts is fun, safe and inclusive.

We’re talking about people who understand how to create a positive environment, support their team, keep across projects and find new talent. They’ll lead their team of volunteers by offering support and helping them every step of the way. Know nothing about tents? Don’t worry, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know! Can you lead by example and give others the space to shine? If the answer is ‘Yes’, you sound like a Lead Volunteer to us!

1st Hertford is a thriving Scout Group located next to the River Lee in Hertford; we provide creative and exciting activities for our Beaver Colony, 2 Cub Packs, Scout and Sea Scout Troops. The Group has over 100 young people attending every week, with an amazing team of adults leading and supporting each section. Chris, our Lead Volunteer for the past 10 years, is looking for someone new to take on this role. The way in which Scouts is run is going through a period of transition and, as we are changing structure, this can be a role for one person, or a shared role.

The sussessful candidate will be required to complete Safety, Safeguarding, Inclusion, GDPR and other basic learning. You will be required to complete a DBS check.

Are you passionate about young people and ensuring everyone has equitable access to opportunities? Do you have a vibrant energy and experience to bring to our families and children? Then we could be looking for you to join our team of volunteers supportung families and young people in the North Kensington community.

As we ease out of lockdown, we are looking for volunteers to help on day trips in and around London to support families in getting back to normality again.

Trips will include anything from horse riding through to the beach, farms and Kew Gardens. This is an opportunity to help families in our community while gaining experience of working with a small, friendly and supportive charity.

Volunteers will help the group leader to accompany groups of parents/guardians and their children on a variety of cultural/fun trips, helping to make them feel welcome. 

Suitable volunteers will be reliable and sociable and enjoy working with children. Volunteers must be available for day trips during school holidays, as this is when most of the trips take place.

Volunteers receive a full induction, and support from the Children and Young People Coordinator. Travel expenses on the outings and any entrance fees are covered, and some further expenses can also be claimed.

We are looking for new Trustees who represent the rich diversity of Peckham’s communities. Ideal candidates will bring lived experiences that align with our co-created programmes, which highlight socially engaged artists from Global Majority backgrounds, working-class communities, and those with intersecting characteristics such as age, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Further knowledge, skills, and experience areas are outlined in the role description.

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in guiding our mission, strengthening our impact, and ensuring we create meaningful, transformational opportunities for people locally and nationally.

With the launch of our new venue on Peckham Square, we are entering an exciting phase of growth. Our expanded cultural home, co-created with young people and communities, will double participation opportunities, host new gallery and learning spaces, and provide a dedicated Social Art Resource to safeguard vital public spaces.

Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team, working with young people and the local community at Skelton Grange Environment Centre. You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and Volunteer Officers.

Typical activities for a Volunteer Officer include:
- Running environmental education, play and engagement activities for groups of children and young people on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Leading or assisting groups of volunteers on practical conservation tasks, including preparing and organising activities, supporting and training volunteers (including some with additional support needs), looking after tools, refreshments and group welfare.
- Assisting with public events and related activities.
- Working to develop and maintain the wildlife area as an exciting and inspiring location for visitors to get a hands on experience with nature. This will include both development work and routine maintenance.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project.

Benefits to you:
We will aim to train Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.
- Leading a range of practical tasks and events with volunteers on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Practical development and maintenance of the wildlife area at Skelton Grange - including habitat management, practical conservation and surveying skills.
-Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside.

The role will give you real responsibility in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
As well as valuable practical experience with an organisation recognised for its quality by employers in the environmental field, we will provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references. It's also a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector, or you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time.

The Organisation
The Caldecott Foundation, based in Kent and Nottinghamshire, is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people who have faced challenging beginnings. With over a century of experience, we provide therapeutic residential care, foster families, and tailored education through our purpose-built schools, which support pupils with identified educational needs. Our schools offer a nurturing environment, with personalised learning, home tutoring, and weekly boarding options to help children thrive.At the heart of our approach is the ‘Caldecott Relational Model’, which fosters secure, reparative relationships, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Our highly trained professionals, including therapists and educators, deliver therapeutic care and bespoke education, creating pathways to mainstream schooling where possible.

To find out more about the work The Caldecott Foundation do, visit the website.

The Role:
The Chair of the Board plays a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership and ensuring effective governance for the Foundation. The primary purpose of the role is to guide the Board in making impactful decisions that align with the Foundation’s charitable objectives, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. You will foster a collaborative and high-performing Board culture, support trustee development, and ensure strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders and partners. Acting as the Foundation’s ambassador, you will advocate for vulnerable children and young people, ensuring their needs remain central to the Foundation’s mission and operations.

Person Specification:
Essential Skills & Experience: 

• Proven experience in a senior Board role, with strong governance and strategic leadership skills. 
• Expertise in managing the interface between executive and non-executive teams.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, stakeholder management skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong integrity, independent judgement, and commitment to charitable values. 

Desirable Skills & Experience: 

• Background in charity governance, business leadership, or professional services.

Further Information
For comprehensive information about The Caldecott Foundation, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply
If you are passionate about joining The Caldecott Foundation and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.

Closing date for applications: Friday 25th April 2025 
Interviews with The Caldecott Foundation: w/c 19th May 2025 (dates tbc)

Join Candlelighters as a Fundraising & Events Office Volunteer!

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer? We invite you to be part of our team!

As a Fundraising & Events Volunteer, you will support the team during an exciting phase as we aim to increase income and enhance our services for families. You will support corporate fundraising efforts, ensuring local businesses have an excellent experience supporting Candlelighters.

You will also play a key role in organising our Business Collaboration Events—fun, networking-focused gatherings that bring together current and potential supporters to foster collaboration.

Location: 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD

Time commitment: 1 day per week (flexible)

Key Activities

General Fundraising

• Research potential new business partnerships.
• Approach businesses to explore partnerships with Candlelighters.
• Support the team in managing our business club.
• Thank supporters through letters or emails.
• Respond to supporter inquiries via telephone and email.
• Update the supporter database.
• Approach businesses to secure raffle and auction prizes.

Business Collaboration Project Event

• Book venues and negotiate with suppliers to secure free support wherever possible.
• Secure sponsorships for the event.
• Manage event invitations, including design and distribution.
• Organise the event itinerary, including speakers, games, and networking activities.
• Communicate with guests in the lead-up to the event.
• Liaise with the Marketing team to develop promotional materials.
• Perform other administrative tasks to support the fundraising team.

We are looking for volunteers who are: 

• Confident, friendly, and organised.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Reliable, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Experience organising events is desirable.

This role is subject to a basic criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from this role. We assess each application on a case-by-case basis.

Support and Benefits 

It’s vital that our volunteers feel rewarded for their amazing efforts so we want to match your goals, aspirations, availability and everything else with the right opportunity for you. Here are a few examples of what you will receive as a volunteer:

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Fundraising and HR teams 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists in 2023 and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

Stand with autistic children and young people. Join TreeHouse School as Vice Chair/Chair Designate and play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of autistic young people.

Applications close: Monday 14th April 2025.
Location: London, N10 3JA
 

About TreeHouse School (Ambitious about Autism)

TreeHouse School was founded in 1997 by a group of parents of autistic children. It is an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’, non-maintained special school for 104 autistic children and young people aged 4 to 19 years who come from approximately 22 local authorities.

Our children are supported by a multi-disciplinary team to access a personalised curriculum that improves their quality of life, helps them achieve individual goals and meets our vision to ‘make the ordinary possible’.

We are committed to providing high-quality, specialist teaching, learning, and support to improve the life chances of those we work with — we advocate that the views and choices of children and young people should shape our services. We know that effective education has the power to transform their lives, help them reach their potential, and raise expectations for their future.

We recognise the vital role that parents and carers play in supporting young people to make decisions about their future lives and are therefore committed to ensuring that we work closely with autistic young people and their families.

About the role

You will join the Governing Body and work closely with the current Chair to gain insight and experience. You will ensure a smooth transition of leadership once the current Chair formally hands over responsibility later this year, at which point the Designate will assume the full duties and responsibilities of the Chair role.

The new Vice Chair/Chair Designate will guide our strategic direction, ensuring the Governing Body contributes effectively to our mission and meets all educational responsibilities in line with Ambitious about Autism’s strategy.

You will play a key role in Ambitious about Autism’s Education and Care Committee, influencing decisions that ultimately shape the future of TreeHouse School. While financial and property management falls outside the Governing Body’s remit, you will be instrumental in navigating educational, regulatory, and sector challenges.

You will work closely with governors, Ambitious about Autism’s Education and Care Committee, our current Chair of the Governing body, our Head of School and Executive Head, providing leadership during a time of significant growth, development, change and opportunity.

Who we are looking for

The landscape of SEND funding presents unique challenges. With local authorities continuing to experience increasing financial pressures, this impacts SEND provision. A Vice Chair/Chair Designate with an understanding of the wider SEND sector is essential; this could be from a leadership, governance or policy role.

We are looking for an experienced leader committed to supporting autistic young people. Our new Vice Chair/Chair Designate will have experience of being on a Governing Body or Trustee Board.

This voluntary role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of autistic young people, and we are looking for someone who is inclusive and who engages effectively and sensitively.

Ambitious about Autism and TreeHouse School is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity, and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age.

All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 14th April 2025.

About you:
Are you passionate about supporting young people and families? Do you have a desire to see people flourish and empower change in your community? Have you experienced the care of a friend in difficulties or overcome some hardships and want to give back? If so, being a Family Friend could be the next adventure you embark on this year.

Volunteering activities and commitment:
Our Family Friend volunteers work directly with families by coming alongside parents and children when they need it most, making sure they feel less isolated. This can involve sharing a hot drink to hear about their day; helping a single dad or mum to get out of their home to a local park; or doing an activity with their children that would brighten up their day.

Every family support is unique to you and the family to help them achieve their goals, and always with your agreement. Practically speaking, being a Family Friend is a flexible role that can be fitted in with your other commitments and doesn't have to take up much of your time. 

You will be trained and supported by a local Engagement and Support Coordinator and Family Support Manager who will support you throughout your volunteer recruitment journey and whilst you are volunteering.

Our vision:
Safe Families believes that no one should feel alone. We work with local councils to come alongside isolated and overwhelmed families to create relationship and connection because everyone deserves to belong.

As a Christian Charity, we also believe in the power of the Church community. Does your church have a passion to support, love and welcome newcomers? If so, you can help to be a bridge between your church community and the people you volunteer with. We know this is especially needed at a time when loneliness is an endemic in the UK. 27%
of adults report feeling lonely ‘always, often, or sometimes’, and this can be as impacting on a person’s life as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  Loneliness steals joy, destroys self-confidence, and limits potential. The cure is community and a sense of belonging. Being a Family Friend is a great way to showcase care and compassion to others.

We look forward to welcoming you as our new Family Friend and celebrating and honouring the milestones in your journey.
 

Drivers deliver food to our Community Food Members which is vital to ensuring the food gets to people who need it.

What will I be doing?

• Safely driving vans to deliver and collect food
• Loading and unloading food orders, planning routes and completing paperwork
• Responsibly driving the van, cleaning the van, reporting any issues or accidents
• Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner and accompanied by a Volunteer Driver’s Assistant.

What you need to be:

• Hold a full driving licence with low point
• Over 21 with 3 years driving experience
• Confidence to drive a medium-sized van
• Ability to perform physical manual handling tasks safely including loading/unloading food from the van
• Ability to complete paperwork and follow directions via Sat Nav system/map
• Adaptable and flexible. Managing surplus food is unpredictable and tasks vary
• Positive, friendly and personable
• Work well in a team and on your own
• Follow health and safety policies & procedures

Why volunteer as a Driver?

• Gain skills such as route planning, manual handling, organisation, teamwork and communication skills
• Meet new people, be part of a team and socialise with volunteers and Community Food Members
• Be physically active, keep fit and help vulnerable people in your community

This is an ongoing opportunity, available all year round.

Little Ann Street warehouse, St Jude's, Bristol, BS2 9EB:

Volunteers needed weekdays, 9am - 4pm (latest - sometimes it's a 2pm finish depending on driving route).

Vale Lane warehouse, Bristol, BS3 5RU:

Volunteers needed weekdays 8:30am - 4pm (latest - sometimes it's a 2pm finish depending on driving route).