Youth Children Volunteer Roles

We are looking for volunteers interested in working with young asylum seekers and refugees to support our weekly youth club in Croydon, ‘Merhaba’. Merhaba Youth Club is a safe space where 18-25 year old refugees and asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation can come to socialise with their peers, develop friendships, build a better understanding of their rights and entitlements, gain new skills and access 1:1 support.

The club runs on Tuesdays, 2.30-5.30pm, and we ask that you come to Merhaba at least three times each month and attend the whole session. The role involves supporting staff to set up and deliver activities – including 1:1 English and games – as well as administrative support.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.
 

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 are looking to recruit people to one of the following four roles within our youth programme, for a minimum commitment of 10 weeks, and whilst these should guide applications, imagination and flexibility is encouraged when applying.  Currently, the youth programme works with young refugees and asylum seekers across two sites, providing them with a sense of community and experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise receive!

There are some specific applicant requirements, however the most important is to have a strong desire to work with refugees and a commitment to improve the situation for them here in Greece.  Second Tree works in a transparent way in a challenging and changeable situation on the field; therefore, an ability to learn quickly and be open to feedback is vital.

We are looking to recruit people to one of the following four roles within our youth programme, and whilst these should guide applications, imagination and flexibility is encouraged when applying. 

The roles are:

• Children’s ESL teacher: responsible for the delivery of the programme’s English classes across two sites.  Classes focus on low level English learning and must be fun and engaging. TEFL/equivalent experience is required.
• Scout/excursion leader: responsible for leading the weekend excursions for both camps, a highlight of the programme for participants! Excursions are based generally on the Scout model and require an organised, methodical planner who is confident leading groups of children.
• Arts and crafts specialist: responsible for using knowledge of art, music and practical skills to plan creative workshops within the existing curriculum. Assist the programme lead and scout leader when organising and partaking in excursions.
• Science/maths specialist: responsible for using knowledge of science and maths to plan creative and engaging workshops within the existing curriculum. Assist the programme lead and scout leader when organising and partaking in excursions.

Skills:

You are able to. . .

• Oversee the delivery of program activities and the completion of vital administrative and logistical tasks
• Be accountable and efficient, making sure that tasks that you take up are completed in the agreed timeframe
• Be honest and transparent, being able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way
• Have a strong sense of humor, being able to make fun of yourself is key
• Care for people, the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern
• Instil the values above in the people that work with you
• Prioritise and delegate tasks effectively, ensuring all deadlines are met
• Manage individuals effectively to create a positive team environment in which shared problem solving is encouraged
• Communicate in English, both written and orally
• Learn quickly, managing a wide-ranging and intense workload

Skills Desired:

• Experience with teenagers in educational and leisure activities
• Experience working as a Scout leader or in other leadership roles
• Knowledge of pedagogical tools and programs suitable for children/vulnerable people.

We offer:

•  Accommodation in a shared house.
•  Transportation to/from work.
•  After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the volunteer houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the volunteer houses are full, this would allow us to offer a volunteering opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

NOTE: If you require a visa to stay in Greece for the minimum ten-week commitment, please know that as a Greek NGO, we are unable to sponsor your visa.

Blue Smile's mission is to improve the mental wellbeing and prospects of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies. Blue Smile's office team supply essential management and administrative support to this clinical work. We are looking for a volunteer who wants to use their time, skills, and experience to help make a difference in the lives of local children. 

Main Purpose 

• To support various office teams in the efficient and effective running of the office
• To use and develop your particular skills and areas of expertise, for example, organisation, supporting events, data entry, or wherever is more mutually useful
• To gain good insight into the work of a local children's charity

Please see attached role description for more information. 

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).

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The PR is responsible for the preparation of a press kit and outreach communications to send to journalist and media companies to publish our news on their blogs, sites, socials etc.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will create a pool of contacts on excel spreadsheet to use for press releases and media outreach on behalf of the organisation

Creating stories for several projects that are of clear benefit to the organisation including our films, music productions, acting for film workshops, artist development workshops for young people from different boroughs in West London. This role will work closely with project stakeholders, including young people organisations, funders and partners, probation officers, as well as collaborate with our Research and Performance and Collective Action departments to learn from our work and embed best practice.

This role will work closely with the Managing Director and project manager colleagues to lead our delivery portfolio through your story creations.

You will also promote our projects, recruit volunteers to support our promos and promote our programmes through the online platform such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The PRO  will be responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating the success of online promotional programmes. They will work closely with a portfolio of partners to design meaningful online interventions for our beneficiaries, as well as leading on the recruitment of volunteers to promote programmes and the evaluation of programmes using the One Place vision of change.

KEY SKILLS

Understanding and experience of marketing and online promotion of projects such as films and music with experience of promoting effective projects on a regional scale preferred but not essential, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and a passion for making a difference to the lives of young people and organisations purpose. We are looking for someone who is proactive, inclusive, inspiring, highly organised and uses their initiative to find creative solutions and manage multiple priorities.