Youth Children Volunteer Roles

Unfold is an organisation running mentoring programmes for young people aged 10-25yrs old. Our mentoring supports people to identify and achieve their goals, boost confidence and connect with the wider community to meet their needs for lasting change. Mentoring runs for 1-2 hrs a week, across 12-24 sessions, where sessions can take place in person, online or over the phone.

This year in collaboration with Westminster & Kensington and Chelsea council, Unfold will be co-designing and delivering a mentoring programme for young people who has experience in care. To better meet the needs of the young people who has experience in care, we’re looking for people with and without lived experience to support in co-designing the programme.

Co-design opportunity:

We’re looking for mentors aged 18+, most of whom have lived experience of the care system, to support us in reviewing our training, resources and become mentors on the programme. For individuals who may not have lived experience of being in care, we are particularly interested if you have a background in or currently studying psychology, social work or therapy/counselling.

You’ll help revise our Mentor Training so that we can tailor it for the specific requirements of a programme for people with experience in care. To do this, you’ll complete our existing Training package and participate in 2 workshops running in October.

1) You’ll complete our online Ascend training (3 hours)

2) Complete our live training (5 hours)

3) Attend 2 workshops, each around 2 hours, to give your feedback on our online and live training modules. The workshops will be held online or in our beautiful office space in Victoria, London.

The proposed dates for the workshops are below but not yet confirmed:

• Wednesday 2nd October 5.30-7.30pm – Ascend workshop
• Saturday 5th October 10am-4.30pm – Live training & workshop

You’ll also complete our full onboarding processes for volunteers including an interview, references and enhanced DBS check.

Mentoring:

From October 2024, you will be matched with young person between aged 10-25yrs, and hold weekly Mentoring sessions for 1 hour a week. Ideally we are looking for mentors who can meet in person in Westminster, Kensington or Chelsea, but there is the possibility of holding some sessions online or over the phone. 

Throughout the mentoring journey, you will attend our online monthly Mentor Supervisions to share your experiences, learnings and connect with other mentors and services – you’ll become part of an incredible community and continuously learn!

What you’ll get:  

• Build transferable skills, such as empathetic leadership and programme development 
• Compensated for your time during the co-design process (London Living Wage)​, plus travel.
• Opportunity to widen your network and give back to the community
• Work with an incredible team and build an understanding of how organisations like us work and play an important co-designing a programme!

To apply:

Applicants should complete the referral form linked on this page. Please refer to the ‘CEYP project’ in your notes under 'Please tell us why you are interested in becoming a mentor'

Please let us know if there are any other barriers to you applying for the opportunity, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Projects Coordinator

Working to support disadvantaged young people or trekking the Inca Trail? Why not do both?! 

Get the best of both worlds for a volunteering opportunity where you give your skills, rather than your money. 

Are you looking for a break from 9-5? Or are you looking to do a year abroad as part of your studies, or even before you start your studies, in an exciting and challenging environment? When volunteering with LAFF your skills will be put to good use. You will have the opportunity to work directly with beneficiaries and gain valuable field experience and an increased awareness of international development issues. Based in beautiful Peru, on the doorstep of Machu Picchu, this is also a great chance to improve your Spanish fluency.

Location: Cusco
Employment Type: Full-time unpaid volunteering positions of minimum 7 hours per day are preferable, though applications for part time roles are also considered.

Leave: 2 days per month
Duration: 3 months
Application Deadline: Ongoing 

Given that LAFF is a small volunteer-led charity, the Internal Projects Coordinator provides support to the Programme Manager in all aspects of LAFF’s internal operations programme planning, reporting, budgeting and delivery. This is a diverse role that encompasses all facets of NGO management. 

Objectives of this Role

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Projects Coordinator will be expected to carry out the following tasks: 

• Collaborate with the Programme Manager to ensure that LAFF’s strategic and annual work plan are being implemented 

• Provide administrative and logistical support 

• Maintain and update LAFF’s recruitment platforms and database

• Organise, schedule and take part in meetings, interviews and events when necessary

• Draft documents, contracts, agreements and reports

• Ensure that all data and policies are consistent, thorough and accessible

• Identify partners/beneficiaries needs and provide technical support when relevant

• Provide support in the monitoring of LAFF’s internal programmes

• Represent LAFF when necessary and expand its local network in Cusco

• Visit projects to follow up progress on capacity building projects

• Contribute towards the internal development of LAFF

• Provide support carrying out tasks of other volunteer roles when they are not filled

Skills and Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related field (Communications, Languages, International Relations) or experience working in a communications role. 

• 6 months of volunteering experience and/or work experience in the NGO sector highly desirable. 

• Proficiency in written and spoken English required, intermediate level Spanish desired. 

• A strong passion to develop skills related to the not-profit sector. 

• Solid report-writing skills. 

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. 

• Interest in acquiring communications and International Development experience. 

• Highly organized, flexible, independent, culturally sensitive and detail oriented with the ability to multitask. 

• Extensive knowledge of MS Office. 

Personal Qualities

We are looking for a motivated individual who is able to work individually and as part of a team. The Projects Coordinator position requires a proactive attitude and attention to detail to ensure LAFF functions smoothly and reaches its full potential. The Projects Coordinator must be ready to take on a wide range of tasks and responsibilities in order to support LAFF’s activities.

About Latin American Foundation for the Future
The Latin American foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a UK-based charity supporting marginalised children and young people in Peru. We work through local partner organisations in Cusco and support activities and projects in the areas of formal education; vocational skills and personal development; sustainability, including income generation, cost reduction and capacity building. We strive to empower our beneficiaries enabling them to become independent and sustainable. 

To apply: 

Complete and submit a response to our volunteer application form and highlight ‘Projects Coordinator’ as your area under the ‘Coordinator Positions’ section.

Please note this position is unpaid. Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an online interview.

Trustees | Homefield College via Peridot Partners 

Join the Board of Homefield College and use your expertise to support this specialist further education college as they provide learning and living experiences that empower the Homefield community to recognise their potential, as active citizens.

Location: East Midlands, Leicestershire and Warwickshire

Time commitment: 5 hours per month

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 25th October

Who we are.

Homefield College, founded in 1987, is a registered charity and a community-based independent specialist college that offers education, training, independent living skills, care and support to young people between the ages of 16-25 with learning and communication difficulties. Set in the East Midlands, Homefield College has 3 campuses across Leicester and one in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

The College provides specialist education to 180 learners, all of which have an education health and care plan (EHCP).  All of our learners have a learning disability and/or difficulty, and we have a particular focus on the Autistic Spectrum and those with communication difficulties. Our education pathways focus on the outcomes of improving personal care skills, learning how to live independently and finding a place in the world of work.

About the role.

At Homefield College, the Trustees of the Board are there to lead on the strategy, ensure the Charity is well-run and prioritise student outcomes, well-being and safety across all decision making. Having a strategic mindset is critical in the success of a trustee and the continued success of the college. Trustees of Homefield College are proactive individuals with a passion for education and have a genuine care for the staff and students of Homefield.

The Board comes together five times a year and there is an additional two sub-committees: Finance and General Purposes and teaching, learning and assessment.

Who we are looking for.

Given the varied and specialist nature of our provision, we welcome applications from individuals with experience from a range of professional backgrounds.

Having completed an assessment of the skills and attributes of our current Board, we are now seeking to appoint new Trustees to join our Board with a different area of expertise. The appointed candidates will be able to discuss their expertise and interests with the Board to identify the committee that they would prefer to sit on.

As a Trustee of Homefield College you will be an ambitious individual with a passion for education and be able to use your successful strategic leadership experience within your field to support the College. You will be able to scrutinize, challenge and support the board to think strategically and produce the most effective outcomes.

We welcome new Trustees to our Board to increase the diversity in areas of experience and expertise through the following areas:

• Digital
• Sustainability
• Senior Strategic leadership
• Education
• Finance

This role is a fantastic opportunity to join a caring and passionate trustee board and have a genuine impact on the future success of the college, students, staff and community.

We welcome interest and applications from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that our Board reflects the communities we serve.

No previous board experience is required for this Trustee role.

Peridot Partners and Homefield College are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

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 at 9 a.m. Friday 25th October. 

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class). 

English classes are currently held on Mondays and Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:15. 

Maths and Science classes are currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 16:15 and 19:45.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

Outline: Organise a team of volunteers to plan and deliver the Squirrels Programme. Empowering young people to learn new skills, make new friends and learn to stand on their own two feet. No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.

Responsible to: Group Scout Leader

Responsible for: Young Leaders whilst they are working in the Section

Main Contacts: Young people and their Parents/Carers, Drey team members, Group Scout Leader, Beaver Leaders, Assistant District Commissioner (Squirrels), Group Treasurer

Appointment Requirements:

• Complete the appointment process (including acceptable personal enquiries and acceptance of the Scout Association's policies).
• It's expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity and require a disclosure check to be completed.
• Within five months of starting the role, complete applicable Getting Started training modules, which cover Essential Information, Safety, Safeguarding and GDPR.
• Continue the Scout training programme to achieve the Wood Badge within three years.
• Renew safeguarding and safety training
• Take part in ongoing learning opportunities.
• It's expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity and require a disclosure check to be completed.

Main Tasks:

Planning and delivering a great Programme

• Deliver a fun, inclusive and age-appropriate programme
• Make sure activities are safe in accordance with Scouts POR (Policy, Organisation and Rules)
• Encourage Squirrels to participate in activities and guide them towards receiving their badges 
• Involve Squirrels with programme planning in an age-appropriate way
• Gather regular feedback from Squirrels about the programme
• Working with the Squirrels and members of the team, deliver a Community Impact project
• Work with Beaver leaders to help Squirrels move-on to the Beaver Colony 

Running the section (Squirrel, Beaver Cubs or Scouts section)

• Encourage parents, carers and other adults to help run the section
• Welcome and guide new members 
• Recruit and support at least one Young Leader to help run the section
• Share and allocate tasks and agree responsibilities with team members. 
• Check in with members of the team regularly to see how things are going
• Keep records of section in accordance with UK Data protection act 2018.
• Maintain good communications with parents/carers of section
• Make sure the section reflects the diversity of the local community

Be a part of the Scout Group

• Attend and contribute to Scout Group leader meetings.
• With support from the Group Treasurer and Group Scout Leader, make sure all financial procedures are followed. 
• On behalf of the section team, attend meetings with other section leaders organised by the Scout District.

Family Thing Dance is a small but growing charity that provides inclusive dance classes for people with learning differences and diverse abilities. We are looking for Trustees to join our Board to offer governance and support to grow the charity. 

The dance base is commercial dance and hip-hop. Family Thing's mission is to provide opportunities for empowerment, support and a sense of belonging using dance as a vehicle to reach these aims. 

Family Thing is passionate about providing these dance opportunities for everyone.  There are many reasons why. Mencap lists the main benefits of taking part in leisure activities as improving physical and mental health, personal social skills, self-worth and confidence, and social attitudes (Mencap, 2019). Yet despite these widely understood benefits, only 16.8% of people with a learning disability take part in a sport or physical activities at least once a week, compared with 39.9% of the general population (Sport England, 2018). Additionally, there is a great deal of evidence that inactivity is a major contributing factor of ill health in people with learning disabilities. Only 9% of participants in a 2016 review met the minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity (Dairo et al, 2016).

We know that organisations like Family Thing play a role in the well-being of people with learning disabilities by providing activities that promote good physical health as well as positive psychological and social stimulation, and offers a way to overcome situations such as loneliness and anxiety. We know that a positive impact of Family Thing is the increase in social engagement and improvements in physical and mental well-being for those who participate in our classes.

Activities: Family Thing offers free or subsidised, supportive, fun and creative dance classes to diverse groups of children, young people and adults. During each session, dancers are invited to create their own ‘dance hero persona’, and have opportunities to express themselves as individuals with the support of the group. There is a focus on strengthening their sense of community through the concept of “supporting your crew”. As defined by those who attend the groups, the overall aim is to create a “big family” that’ll dance altogether basically!

What are we looking for?

At this particular time we are keen to find people with a financial services background and someone who may be willing to take on the role of Treasurer in due course and/or someone with marketing skills, including digital marketing.

Experience

• Experience of the dance community (desirable but not essential)
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a desire to support those with learning differences and diverse abilities
• Leadership experience (desirable but not essential)
• Experience of delivering strategic organisational change (desirable but not essential)

It is not necessary to have previous board experience as training and support can be given

Skills

• A commitment to the Family Thing
• A willingness to devote half a day a month to this work and be able to attend the bi-monthly board meetings
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak your mind and communicate well
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• An understanding of safeguarding practices
• Some experience of charity finance and fundraising is desirable, but not essential (and candidates do not need prior experience as a charity trustee)
• Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising activities relevant to voluntary and community organisations (desirable but not essential)  

Attitude

• Honest, open and trustworthy with an understanding of the duty of candour
• Respectful of confidentiality procedures

Special Conditions

The post requires the ability to attend online meetings and occasional face to face events.  All expenses will be reimbursed.

What difference will you make?

We are interested in potential Trustees who can bring experience across of range of areas. At this particular time we are keen to find people with a financial services background and someone who may be willing to take on the role of Treasurer in due course and/or someone with marketing skills, including digital marketing.

We are also keen to hear from people who can bring experience in any of these areas:

• working with charitable organisations
• developing strategy;
• project management;
• fundraising and grants management;

Bringing skills in any of these areas will make a huge difference to the work Family Thing is able to provide. 

About Us

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is the county's leading conservation charity run by local people for the benefit of local wildlife and communities. We are a part of a UK network of 46 local Wildlife Trusts working to protect and restore nature. Since 1963 we have been championing the views of people who care passionately about our county’s wild places and with your support we can do even more. Our Mission is to protect Nottinghamshire’s wildlife, restore biodiversity and inspire people to act for nature and climate.

East Midlands Environmental Consultants, trading as EMEC Ecology, is a subsidiary of the Trust, providing a one stop shop for ecology, biodiversity, project management and land management services.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Trading Limited is also a subsidiary, running cafes, retail shops, conferencing, and a range of events at our Attenborough and Idle Valley flagship nature reserves – plus online retail sales.

All Profit with Purpose from these subsidiaries flows into supporting our charitable work across the county, creating a wilder future for Nottinghamshire.

It is anticipated that the Chair (Designate) will work alongside the current chair for a period of induction and familiarisation before assuming full responsibility for the role.

About the Role:

Chair of Trustees – Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

We are looking to appoint a visionary Chair, who can help drive forward our ambitious strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to join us in our battle to restore wildlife and create a wilder future for Nottinghamshire. Working alongside our CEO, Paul Wilkinson, the chair will help us continue to grow stronger and increase our impact further.

The new Chair will have exceptional leadership and governance skills necessary to drive the Trust’s mission forward, along with a proven ability to guide a Board of Trustees in fulfilling their fiduciary duties and responsibilities. You will be a strong and collaborative partner to the CEO, providing both support and constructive challenge to ensure the Trust’s strategic direction and operational effectiveness.

We are looking for candidates with a solid understanding of good governance practices and expertise in:

• Providing constructive feedback as a “critical friend”
• Championing inclusive policies
• Track record of organisational management and leadership

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust meetings:

1. Council – 4 meetings per year (in person preferred, online offered where required)
2. Sustainability Committee – 4 meetings per year
3. Other standing committees as need arises – attend each committee at least once per year
4. Local Group gatherings – encouraged to attend (2 per year) 5. Regular meetings with CEO arranged at mutual convenience to include formal annual appraisal and 6 monthly review meetings

For further information, please view the candidate pack attached.

If you have a passion to join us in our fight for nature, then we’d love to hear from you! If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you’ll enquire and learn more.

Recruitment Timetable:

Closing date: 7th October

Interviews: 10, 15 or 16 October

AGM Date: November 6th

How to apply: Applications should be by CV and covering letter to Katherine Wilson, Chair of NWTTL via the apply button.

Fundraising Coordinator

Working to support disadvantaged young people or trekking the Inca Trail? Why not do both?! 

Get the best of both worlds for a volunteering opportunity where you give your skills, rather than your money. 

Are you looking for a break from 9-5? Or are you looking to do a year abroad as part of your studies, or even before you start your studies, in an exciting and challenging environment? When volunteering with LAFF your skills will be put to good use and you will have the opportunity to work directly with beneficiaries, gain valuable field experience and increase awareness of international development issues. Based in beautiful Peru, on the doorstep of Machu Picchu, this is also a great chance to improve your Spanish fluency.

Location: Cusco
Employment Type: Full-time unpaid volunteering positions of minimum 7 hours per day are preferable, though applications for part time roles are also considered.

Leave: 2 days per month
Duration: 3 months
Application Deadline: Ongoing 

LAFF sees fundraising as a way to create long term relationships with donors; as the fundraising coordinator, you will play a vital part in this, working with the communications team to consider the full donor-cycle, from first approach to long term updates about LAFF’s work and our beneficiaries.

You will focus on increasing funds from Trusts and Foundations, companies, schools and universities in order to financially support LAFF’s programs. The fundraising strategy consists of identifying fundraising opportunities; applying to grants, writing proposals to trusts, foundations and businesses; and engaging with different audiences e.g. schools and universities.

Your independent research skills and innovation will find new opportunities to build LAFF’s corporate partner network and your understanding of LAFF’s individual donor audience will develop our strategy for increasing regular monthly donors. Your success in this position  will rely on your understanding of the socio-economic problems in Peru that affect LAFF’s beneficiaries and your ability to effectively communicate the importance of LAFF’s work and progress.

Objectives of this Role

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Fundraising Coordinator will be expected to carry out the following tasks: 

• Plan, develop and carry out LAFF’s fundraising activities including grant writing

• Research potential funding opportunities and draft proposals with the participation of other LAFF team members depending on the program area

• Work with the communications team to ensure that all current donors are recognized for their support and well-informed of progress on the ground through timely and relevant reports/updates

• Support the Events and Campaigns Coordinator to launch campaigns encouraging fundraising activities for LAFF’s supporters

• Maintain and update LAFF’s fundraising strategy

• Ensure that fundraising practices reflect the priorities, mission and vision of LAFF

• Network and forge links with relevant stakeholders and organizations (including current and potential donors, companies, trusts, foundations, universities, schools and other supporters) to ensure continued support for existing and new initiatives and the engagement of our supporters in all fundraising activities

Skills and Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related field (Communications, Languages, International Relations) or currently enrolled

• 6 months volunteer or work experience in fundraising is highly desirable 

• Proficiency in written and spoken English required

• Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills desirable

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

• Interest in acquiring  international development and fundraising strategy experience

• Highly organized, flexible, independent, culturally sensitive and detail oriented with the ability to multitask

• Good knowledge of MS Office 

• Experience with CRM software is highly desirable 

Personal Qualities

We are looking for a motivated individual who is able to work individually and as part of a team. Fundraising at LAFF is at an exciting moment, in which we are developing our network of supporters with corporations and individuals. The right candidate will be organized and professional, working with the support of an experienced team. We are looking for someone who believes in LAFF’s mission and will use their personal drive to further our existing fundraising efforts and help to strategize and deliver new ones.

About Latin American Foundation for the Future
The Latin American foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a UK-based charity supporting marginalised children and young people in Peru. We work through local partner organisations in Cusco and support activities and projects in the areas of formal education; vocational skills and personal development; sustainability, including income generation, cost reduction and capacity building. We strive to empower our beneficiaries enabling them to become independent and sustainable. 

To apply: 

Complete and submit a response to our volunteer application form and highlight ‘Fundraising’ as your area under the ‘Coordinator Positions’ section.

Please note this position is unpaid. Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an online interview.

A fantastic opportunity to join this grant making charity based in Fulham which helps people and organisations in Fulham.  The charity has been in existance for over 400 years old and we are looking for two new Trustes to join the board.  We are looking for people who either have a lived experience of living with need in Fulham or they work closely with people in the Fulham community who are living with need, through either a paid or voluntary capacity.  It doesn't matter if you haven't been a Trustee before, because we will provide support and training if you need it.

We give our grants to individuals and organisations and we need people who can help make these decisions, so as a new Trustee you will also be invited to either join the Relief in Committee or the Development Committe. 

Full details about the charity can be found in the pack and details on how to apply.  Please do also get in touch if you want to have a initial chat and our CEO will be very happy to tell you more about the role and the charity. 

We are looking for volunteers who can commit for a minimum of 10 weeks, with adaptable profiles and who have the enthusiasm and energy we need to provide support in various areas across the organisation.

In this generalist role, you will find yourself responsible for a variety of tasks; helping to ensure that both our programme activities and day-to-day operations run smoothly. Second Tree works in a transparent way, in a challenging and changeable situation in the field; therefore, an ability to learn quickly and be open to feedback is vital.

The possible tasks included below are not exhaustive or rigidly defined; an exact role profile is dependent on the skill set of individual applicants. An average day might see you talking to students in a camp to tell them about a new class, or supporting in the writing of a grant proposal. Tasks could loosely fall within 4 key areas:

Programmes:

• Supporting programme coordinators in maintaining the day to day running of their activities with the Youth Wellbeing or Adult Education Programmes
• Supporting our children’s teachers or workshop facilitators in the planning or delivery of classes or excursions outside of camps
• Communicating key messages about our programmes to our students in camps or urban areas

Admin, Finance & Logistics:

• Supporting the management in liaising with external partners
• Maintaining organisation wide financial processes
• Coordinating the arrival and housing of incoming volunteer

Fundraising:

• Supporting the planning and implementation of Second Tree’s fundraising initiatives, such as campaigns
• Organising and maintaining regular communications with Second Tree’s donors (newsletters, thank you letters)
• Supporting in the identification of relevant grants
• Supporting in grant writing activities

 Digital communication:

• Contributing to the written/visual content of Second Tree’s social media output
• Developing social media strategies to expand our reach and impact
• Producing regular reports on performance
• Website maintenance

 Skills desired: 

While there are no experience or skill-specific applicant requirements for this position, candidates must:

• Be accountable and efficient, making sure that tasks that you take up are completed on the agreed timeframe
• Be honest and transparent, being able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way possible
• Have a strong sense of humour, 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
• Have keen problem-solving abilities, and a good understanding of what questions to ask, and when
• Communicate in English, both written and orally
• Learn quickly, managing a wide-ranging and intense workload

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.

At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.

As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.

Once you have completed your 6 session training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.

Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.

You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.

Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.

Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:

• Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
• Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
• Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
• School readiness
• Family bereavement
• Disability/complex needs or ill health
• New baby/multiple births
• Difficulty with home management/routine
• Budgeting

All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)

What does Koala NW expect from you?

• You have parenting experience
• You have a non-judgemental attitude
• You are flexible and are able to commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
• You are able to attend a 6 session training course. Training is held in Chester and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 9.30am and 2.30pm
• You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.

We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.

Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.

Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.

Full training will be provided and paid travel expenses.

Job Type: Volunteer

Work Location: In person

At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.

As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.

Once you have completed your 6 session training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.

Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.

You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.

Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.

Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:

• Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
• Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
• Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
• School readiness
• Disability/complex needs or ill health
• New baby/multiple births
• Difficulty with home management/routine
• Budgeting

All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)

What does Koala NW expect from you?

• You have parenting experience
• You have a non-judgemental attitude
• You are flexible and can commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
• You are able to attend a 6 session training course. Training is held locally and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 10am and 1.30pm
• You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.

We are proud that 52% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.

Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.

Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.

Communications Coordinator

Working to support disadvantaged young people or trekking the Inca Trail? Why not do both?! 

Get the best of both worlds for a volunteering opportunity where you give your skills, rather than your money. 

Are you looking for a break from 9-5? Or are you looking to do a year abroad as part of your studies, or even before you start your studies, in an exciting and challenging environment? When volunteering with LAFF your skills will be put to good use and you will have the opportunity to work directly with beneficiaries, gain valuable field experience and increase awareness of international development issues. Based in beautiful Peru, on the doorstep of Machu Picchu, this is also a great chance to improve your Spanish fluency.

Location: Cusco
Employment Type: Full-time unpaid volunteering positions of minimum 7 hours per day are preferable, though applications for part time roles are also considered.

Leave: 2 days per month
Duration: 3 months
Application Deadline: Ongoing 

Communications is an essential part of LAFF’s work as a means of creating long term relationships with supporters. As the Communications Coordinator, you will play a key role in fostering new relationships and maintaining existing ones. 

You will focus on informing our communities of relevant news from LAFF, our partners, and Peru. Your independent research skills and innovation will see you collaborate with all of LAFF’s team to collect and present information. You will also work closely with Fundraising to develop campaigns and tailor communications to specific audiences.

LAFF’s mission of supporting access to education through partnership with local organisations means that you will work closely with partners to get updates and new material. LAFF believes in celebrating progress and raising awareness, and not exploiting vulnerable personal circumstances in our communications. You will ensure that all visual and written media complies with our Brand Guidelines and does not engage with ‘poverty porn’. Your success in this position will rely on your understanding of the socio-economic problems in Peru that affect LAFF’s beneficiaries, and your ability to effectively communicate the importance of LAFF’s work and progress.

Objectives of this Role

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Communications Coordinator will be expected to carry out the following tasks: 

1. Manage all of LAFF’s communications 

2. Produce and disseminate high quality electronic communication regarding LAFF’s activities.

3. Provide semi-monthly and monthly reports on social media performance

4. Collaborate with LAFF’s Fundraising Coordinator to build relationships with donors, identify new funding opportunities and launch effective online campaigns

5. Maximize and update LAFF’s communications strategy

6. Maintain and strengthen LAFF’s online presence

7. Write and publish articles to raise awareness of thematic issues central to the aims of LAFF

8. Support the marketing efforts of our partners’ social enterprises

9. Ensure that communication practices reflect LAFF’s priorities, mission and vision

10. Network and strengthen the social media strategy to link LAFF with other stakeholders and organizations (including NGOs, donors, companies, universities and other supporters) to ensure continued support for existing and new initiatives

Skills and Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related field (Communications, Languages, International Relations) or experience working in a communications role

• Volunteering experience and/or work experience in Communications, PR, Journalism, Education and International Development highly desirable

• Intermediate or advanced Spanish skills

• Experience with/good knowledge of different social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter)

• Proficient in graphic design and formatting tools such as Canva and Adobe InDesign

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

• Interest in acquiring communications and International Development experience

• Highly organized, flexible, independent, culturally sensitive and detail oriented with the ability to multitask

• Good knowledge of GSuite

Personal Qualities

We are looking for a motivated individual who is able to work individually and as part of a team. The Communications Coordinator position requires a proactive attitude and attention to detail to collect relevant information across the full team to update donors and LAFF’s online community. Time management is key so that deadlines are met in time for feedback to be incorporated before publishing communications. A creative mindset will engage LAFF’s community with new and interesting communications, whilst analytical thinking is also important for maintaining a consistency in external communications and social media posts. The right candidate will understand LAFF’s mission and reflect this in the voice and message they use when designing content.

About Latin American Foundation for the Future
The Latin American foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a UK-based charity supporting marginalised children and young people in Peru. We work through local partner organisations in Cusco and support activities and projects in the areas of formal education; vocational skills and personal development; sustainability, including income generation, cost reduction and capacity building. We strive to empower our beneficiaries enabling them to become independent and sustainable. 

To apply:

Complete and submit a response to our volunteer application form and highlight ‘Communications’ as your area under the ‘Coordinator Positions’ section.

Please note this position is unpaid. Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an online interview.

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Café Assistants to support our John Hall Wellness Gardens in Leek. You will be based at our new Café and, ideally, you will be able to commit 4 hours per week to volunteering.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

About the service

John Hall Gardens is a Community Education Garden & Café green space for the community of Leek, local schools, colleges, and social enterprises. With the aim of enabling the local community to work/learn and socialise with people with mental and physical health support needs. This includes adults of all ages and children and young people.

Assisting the Café Supervisor and your fellow volunteers, you will play an integral part of John Hall Wellness Garden’s future, by helping to deliver a café experience for the general public, Friends of the Garden, and guests.  If you think you can make a difference and commit some time on a regular on-going basis, we would love to hear from you!

This is a great opportunity to develop your current existing skills, learn new skills and network with other volunteers. We welcome anyone wishing to gain experience or have an interest in going into the hospitality sector.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Café​ Assistant

You will have the opportunity to assist with food preparation, presentation, cleaning and serving/selling high quality food and beverages.

Under the guidance of the Café Supervisor, you, together with other volunteers will ensure that the Café is compliant with all relevant health and safety legislation and pursuing an outstanding performance and food hygiene rating.

In addition, there will be further opportunities to support activity groups in the café, special events and input into event and menu planning.

The main tasks volunteer café assistants will support with are:

• Support Café staff, other volunteers and trainees in the smooth day to day running of the Café.
• Carry out basic catering tasks including food preparation, cleaning and serving food to customers.
• Operate the coffee machine (full training will be provided).
• Handle cash or card transactions and operate the till.
• Work with the Café Supervisor to ensure relevant paperwork is completed and checks are carried out ensuring compliance against relevant food safety and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure kitchen area and Café are clean and tidy (including equipment, walls, floors, tables, work surfaces), and waste is discarded safely.
• Provide good customer service, dealing with visitors and customers in a friendly and polite manner.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Eagerness to learn and train in all aspects of the café catering operation
• Cheerful nature, good interpersonal skills, can communicate confidently with a range of people of all ages
• Good customer care service skills

Although this is not essential - you may also have:

• Basic food safety knowledge or HACCP. Further training, will be provided including allergens
• Experience in food handling and basic preparation of foods

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.