Volunteering Opportunities
April 2012
This bulletin contains a selection of key volunteering opportunities that we are urgently looking to fill. Browse through the list or use the links below to go straight to:
Please contact us if any of them is of interest, quoting the reference number. If not, please also get in touch as we have hundreds more opportunities to suit your interests, skills experience and time availability.
You can register online here, quoting opportunity reference number, or drop in to the centre or contact us directly.
Volunteers with expertise required for key roles
Volunteer Centre Westminster (VCW) is actively looking for volunteers to support key areas of its operations.
These roles can be taken on either as short term (1-3 month attachments) or on a longer term basis.
Please click here to learn about current roles available.
Just in!
Befriending and buddying (25)
Ref. 2753
Due to extended funding from the NHS, we are now recruiting volunteers who can spend1 or 2 hours per week, (more if possible) to visit isolated older people within their own homes. If you would like to visit more than one person this can be arranged.
Volunteers provide much needed friendship and where possible support older people toengage in the local community, attend health appointments, read letters or simply have a conversation over a cup of tea. You will need to maintain ongoing contact with the project coordinator throughout the duration and attend volunteer group meetings wherever possible and commit until end of October at least. Training for your role will begin at the end of April/Early May. This can be an extremely rewarding opportunity with lots of training and support available and you will join our existing team of happy committed volunteers. Travel and lunch expenses can also be reimbursed. To request an application form please contact Louise Davies on 020 7402 8129, email louise@volunteer.co.uk or write to us at Volunteer Centre Westminster.
Play and toy loan session volunteer (2)
Ref. 3143
53% of children in the Churchill Ward, South Westminster are living in poverty and we are looking for two volunteers who would encourage the children to learn through play.
Use your skills and experience to help children to learn through play so that they can enter Nursery and School as confident, independent individuals.
Volunteer play worker (10)
Ref. 3046
We are looking for volunteers to assist in the smooth running of the playroom. You will participate in all aspects of play, arts and crafts, imaginative and creative play, and ensuring the safety of all children who use the facility. You will also provide a positive visiting experience.
We run a playroom session for children visiting a relative or friend. We offer a positive experience for children in what can be a difficult situation. There are arts and crafts activities and games. No experience necessary, training will be given. All you need is a desire to work with children. Age range from 1 year-16 years.
Volunteer at the London Marathon (200)
Ref. 3284 - Ends 22/04/2012
Two major cancer charities in the UK are holding London Marathon on the 22nd of April 2012.
We are looking for volunteers to heal us by cheering runners along the route at our supporter points, photographing runners along the course, congratulating runners at the end of the race and directing them to the post race party.
Hospital volunteers - Help patients provide feedback (40)
Ref. 2015 - Ends 30/04/2012
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (covering St Mary’s, Western Eye, Charing Cross and Hammersmith Hospitals) has introduced a new system for patients, carers and relatives to give us their views on the service they have received from the Trust.
The ‘I-Track’ project provides real time electronic handheld devices which enable our patients to quickly and easily complete the survey about their experiences. To help support the patients in using these devices we now want to recruit around 200 volunteers; to come into wards and outpatient clinics and explain to patients about the feedback system and how their views can help improve the services and patient experience across the trust.
The information we gather will help the Trust identify areas for improvement and also areas which are providing an excellent patient experience.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Please read before applying.
* Applications can take up to several weeks to process (in some cases longer)
* You must be able to commit to at least 2 hours a week for at least 6 months.
 Moonwalk London event volunteer
Ref. 3197 - Ends 11/05/2012
On the night of the 12th of May, 17000 people will power walk this unique marathon event in their fantastically decorated bras, raising millions of pounds for vital breast cancer causes.
Our volunteer activities include marshalling, cycle marshalling, driving, running water stations, distributing food, water and blankets, registering and equipping volunteers, organising baggage tents, awarding medals at the finish line and much, much more!
Whether you want to donate your time to a great cause, or you simply fancy an amazing weekend, you'll find we have a rewarding volunteer opportunity for you.
Lead volunteer (5)
Ref. 3300 - Ends 11/05/2012
From the moment a patient or their loved ones arrive at the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, we want them to feel reassured, comfortable and supported. As the first person they meet, our welcomers and guiders will make all the difference. By greeting people and helping them to use the new check-in system to register for their appointments, their role is the key to this. Welcomers and guides will support visitors in understanding the services available in the Cancer Centre, how to access them and, where needed, will guide them around the centre; take them on tours or to their appointments. In quieter periods, they might sit with patients whilst they are waiting, providing a listening ear and helping to ensure their comfort and well-being. As a lead volunteer, you will be responsible for inducting and leading 3-4 other welcomers and guides during a particular shift. You will provide them with support and feedback and be their first point of contact.
Events volunteer for Thames Bridges Bike Ride (10)
Ref. 3170 - Ends 13/05/2012
The Thames Bridges Bike Ride is our flagship event and is a brilliant day out - not just for the cyclists, but for our hundreds of volunteers too!
Be part of something incredible!
We are looking for volunteers to fill a number of roles on event day including start and finish team, route marshal, roving marshals and pit stop crew. These roles are vital in ensuring cyclists follow the designated route and most importantly to motivate and encourage them as they complete their cycling challenge!
Charity shop volunteers (5)
Ref. 2878 - Ends 17/05/2012
We are looking for reliable, committed volunteers to work with the shop manager and help keep this vital South Westminster community resource running. It is a busy, friendly place visited by locals and provides books, clothes and other items to people who come to the Centre for help.
We are looking for:
1. An interest in the shop, and an enthusiasm for raising money through its work.
2. Good spoken English needed - at least Entry Level 3
3. The ability to work as part of a team and get on with other volunteers in the shop.
4. Able to provide a friendly, high quality service to customers.
5. A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect.
6. A willingness to help with a range of tasks in the shop and to undertake tasks as requested.
7. Reliability
8. Able to lift bags and boxes
9. To be confident handling money
10. To engage customers in the work of the centre and its services.
International citizen service: Global volunteering opportunity (36)
Ref: 2894 - Ends 27/05/2012
36 more opportunities to take part in the International Citizen Service (ICS), a global volunteering experience which supports young people from all backgrounds to make a real difference to some of the world's poorest people.
This initiative funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), will give thousands of 18-22 year olds across the UK the chance to join in the fight against global poverty. Please note that the opportunities listed here take place in Peru, El Salvador and Malawi.
Fundraising and PR coordinator (2)
Ref: 2906 - Ends 14/06/2012
A small national charity needs 2 volunteers to help with some new fundraising projects.
You will be liaising with supporters and fundraisers in London and round the country and providing them with information, resources and general help. There is inevitably some admin, almost all computer based. The work is mainly office based but from time to time they would like help with London events such as early evening talks. This is a small friendly office of seven people.
Volunteers should be good organisers with outgoing personalities who are able to speak persuasively on the telephone and in person. Fundraising and marketing skills, and IT literacy, would be useful.
Ongoing
Blog writers (15)
Ref. 3041
We're looking for writers to blog about issues pertaining to education and culture, society and technology with a focus on the African continent.
We're looking for writers with a distinctive voice, an ability to look at things insightfully and communicate them in an engaging manner to a wide audience. This opportunity will give a young and upcoming writer the chance to develop their network and have their words read across the continent.
Youth activity volunteer (30)
Ref. 2621
We provide opportunities for women and girls to focus on their education and personal development. We are always looking for volunteers to help with our activities for girls.
We need female motivated volunteers to help with girls aged 8 - 13 in After School Club activities such as Art, Cookery, Maths, Science, Comprehension & Literacy, Music & Street dance.
We are also looking for volunteers to help in our Reading Club on Friday afternoons with girls aged 6 - 7. It’s really good fun and you are really making a difference to a little girl's life by helping her to read and have confidence.
Refugee mentor (8)
Ref. 2731
We are planning to run a well being mentoring project meant to assist refugee women in their attempts to deal with everyday problems.
The project starts by matching mentors - our volunteers - and mentees - refugee women. The mentors will accompany the mentees to housing, employment services, medical practice etc.
They go out together for coffee, museums, helping them in improving the refugee women's communication skills. The mentors will take 2 days of training on active listening skills, boundaries, ethics and other issues.
Females only please.
Mondays to Friday 9 AM - 4 PM
Welcoming and guiding volunteer (10)
Ref: 2914
A London hospital needs volunteers to help direct and guide patients and members of the public around the various buildings and departments, and assist them in booking in for their out-patient appointments. The role would suit friendly and helpful people who understand the needs of patients and their visitors in an unfamiliar setting. They will also need some understanding of IT, and the physical ability to stand and walk for a shift of 3 hours.
Tele befriending friends of the elderly (20)
Ref: 415
Are you friendly and patient? Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy talking on the telephone?
Our Service creates befriending relationships on the phone between volunteers and isolated older people.
You will phone older people in England or Wales, to reduce their feelings of isolation and loneliness and enhance their contact with the outside world. You will call on a regular basis and build up firm friendships over time, on the phone. You will call an older person at least twice a month for up to half an hour.
Befriender for a person with mental health issues
Ref. 3134
Befriending opportunities for enthusiastic volunteers!
Our clients have experienced mental health issues and homelessness and currently live in mental health hostels. We have 6 clients across two projects that require befrienders. You could work with one or two clients. We would meet you informally to discuss the position, and then set up a meeting with your befriendee to ensure a good match. Befriending will be anything from 1 hour to a full day depending on your / the clients requirements. Volunteers could take a client out for walks, for a coffee or for day trips. We would provide full training/ CRB checks through our volunteer service. We also would provide expenses.
Family befriender (20)
Ref. 104
Know the difficulties that young parents face? Would you like to help other parents create a secure childhood for their children? Then this could be the organisation for you. We support children under the age of 5 and their families by carefully matching them with volunteers who can help make their lives a little easier and less isolated. As a family befriender you will build a relationship with the family you have been matched with. Spending a couple of hours a week with them to help support their needs whatever they maybe could mean helping with the shopping, playing with the children, taking them to the park or simply listening to a parent. We put a high priority on the induction and training of the volunteers. You will be given a 5 week training course which will lead to an accreditation in home visiting. You will also receive regular support either individually or as a group. There are many other activities you can get involved in, such as Family Groups, day trips and a Volunteers' Forum.
Business advisor (12)
Ref: 2939
Our Business Advisors volunteers will work with a group of students (15-19 year old) once a fortnight, helping them to set up their own business. Students set up and run their own company over the course of one year, raise share capital and market and finance a product or service of their own choice. We are looking for people like you to spend an hour each week visiting a local group of young people who are setting up their own business through the Young Enterprise Company Programme. Full training and support will be provided.
Education programme VCW (4)
Ref: 2998
We are a small museum and educational facility and we are seeking a number of volunteers to assist us in running our educational activities with school groups on Tuesdays. Working with our Education intern, our volunteers help to supervise the children's activities in our Student Science Centre and assist in the Young Person's Historical Experience.
Helpline volunteer
Ref. 3246
Helpline volunteers provide calm words when they are needed most by anyone considering issues around their sexuality. This is an exciting opportunity for LGBT volunteers to help their community. After training you will be dealing with calls on many varied topics. Volunteers should be good listeners who can provide support without being directive.
Westminster schools FA
Ref: 2949
WSFA runs inter-school football competitions for young people in Westminster and surrounding areas. We aim to create a learning environment, both on and off the pitch, which will support our players to develop mentally, physically and socially, assisting them to grow to full maturity and as members of the society. We are looking to set up a dynamic and skilled events fundraising team to help us add value to our football club. We need team members from a variety of backgrounds: including web design, graphic design, events and PR, marketing, media and any other skills you think would be valuable. We need creative people who are motivated to make a difference to young people's lives. The team will be brand new so there is scope to develop the team in different ways. We envisage the team to meet fortnightly for 2 hours to begin with, before dropping to monthly thereafter. Time of meetings is flexible and will depend on the majority. Be part of a skilled team of volunteers helping to create events to add value to the work of Westminster FA. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals with knowledge in the following areas: 1) Web Design 2) Graphic Design 3) Events 4) Public Relations
Information assistant
Ref. 3147
We provide a much needed advice service to the local community. We deal with queries covering a wide range of issues such as welfare benefits, employment, housing, immigration and debt. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the service and we are currently looking to recruit new people to volunteer with us either as Gateway Assessors or Information Assistants. You will deal with people over the telephone and in person to identify what are the next steps for helping them. You will receive training and support to fulfil this role and the opportunity to progress into other roles in future.
Sunwalk London event volunteer
Ref. 3196
On the 1st of July 2012, thousands of people will power walk this unique marathon event in their fantastically decorated bras, raising millions of pounds for vital breast cancer causes. Our volunteer activities include marshalling, cycle marshalling, driving, running water stations, distributing food, water and blankets, registering and equipping volunteers, organising baggage tents, awarding medals at the finish line and much, much more! Whether you want to donate your time to a great cause, or you simply fancy an amazing weekend, you'll find we have a rewarding volunteer opportunity for you.
Telephone group facilitator
Ref. 3140
Help reduce social isolation among older people over the age of 65 and make a difference as a telephone group facilitator.
You will improve older people's health and social well-being by ensure telephone groups for up to an hour a week run well. You will be trained over the telephone for four sessions which empower you with the skills to actively listen and support a telephone group. There is no cost and no telephone bills - everything is free and can be accessed from the comfort of your own personal space. No need to travel - simply have access to a telephone!
Homeless Open Mic volunteer
Ref. 3247
Award-winning charity will be presenting an Open Mic Showcase at the Royal Opera House during the London 2012 Festival to platform the skills of 200 performers who have experienced homelessness. Obviously such a large scale event involves the input of a significant number of people and we can't put on an event of this size without the help of volunteers.
Volunteering is a great way to develop your skills, meet new people and work as part of an enthusiastic team. We are a dynamic, friendly organisation and volunteering for us is interesting, rewarding and great fun.
Community box volunteers (100)
Ref. 2093
Volunteers required to take collection boxes in their own community. Staff will provide you with all the necessary paperwork. This opportunity requires volunteers to place collection boxes in local pubs/shops/cafes etc, and then be on hand to swap them (and any existing boxes) for empty boxes when they are full. We would ask that volunteers place 6 boxes a month and collect any full boxes within a week of being notified of them.
Volunteers would be asked to place 6 boxes a month and be able to pick up full boxes within a week of being notified.
Details of how the money is to be banked can be negotiated.
Join the search group (100)
Ref. 3061
We offer a lifeline for the 250,000 people who run away and go missing each year. For those left behind we provide specialised support to ease the heartache and confusion, and help search for their missing loved ones.
We want you and your friends to work together to 'join the search' and fundraise for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
You will work in a team with your friends, guided by your Local Coordinator. This might involve organizing an event, getting sponsored to do something challenging or wacky together or anything else your imagination come up with!
Dependent on your group's skills and experience activities may include:
* Organising and supporting a local event that raises money and awareness for us;
* Organising ongoing activities that raise money and awareness for our charity;
* Recruiting new volunteers and working with the existing volunteer team;
* Supporting your Local Coordinator as requested to help increase support us.
Befriending volunteer (100)
Ref. 3296
We are looking for volunteers to establish and maintain appropriate and professional boundaries in the befriending relationship, to provide input, acknowledging a person's right to make decisions for themselves,which is non-judgmental and supports the individual to achieve their goals. We hope you recognise that the relationship with the client may be challenging due to the needs and circumstances of the client and being realistic about what can be achieved in your relationship with them. The tasks undertaken by a volunteer will vary depending upon the needs of the individual they are supporting but will at all times be governed by the policies and procedures operated by the Project.
The volunteer will ideally be reliable & committed, have good communication skills and can speak a south Asian language such as Hindi,Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati or Bengali.You will have a good understanding of the Asian community in Britain and have a mature attitude and empathy for clients, be able to maintain confidentiality and use a non-judgmental, honest and tactful approach. We expect our volunteers be able to commit to 2-3 hours per week for a minimum of six month.
Breakfast cook (5)
Ref. 495
We are looking for a breakfast cook for an over 50's breakfast club every Friday between 9:30 and 12 in the Victoria area. Training will be provided but preferably you will have some qualification. The position is a subject to 3 months trial period, and candidates should have Food and Hygiene Certificate.
Breakfast volunteer (5)
Ref. 430
People are needed for this great opportunity to help with a breakfast club. Duties will include practicalities, such as, washing up, cleaning tables, and general kitchen duties. There will also be an opportunity to chat to local elderly people. If volunteers can commit to helping out for at least 6 months there is the opportunity to do some training and go on a food hygiene course. After you have attained a food hygiene course you will be able to cook the meals.
Over 50’s dinner volunteer (5)
Ref. 1470
Volunteers required for over 50's dinner in Victoria/Pimlico The volunteers are needed once a month a Saturday serving dinners, washing pots, making tea and coffee and chatting to elderly older people. This is a good way to meet elderly people in a great atmosphere.
Over 50’s dinner volunteer (5)
Ref. 1470
Volunteer required for over 50's dinner (11am -3pm) in Vauxhall which take place on the first Wednesday of every month. Your tasks will include serving dinners, washing pots, making tea and coffee and chatting to elderly older people. This opportunity is a good way to meet elderly people in a great atmosphere.
Volunteer for our London hubs and community cafes
Ref. 3177
Volunteers play a crucial role in helping us address the issues of food waste and food poverty, whilst gaining valuable skills and experience. Our projects are tackling real problems in the local community; the idea is simple but the effects are great… and we have a lot of fun too! There are many different roles and ways to volunteer within our charity. Each Hub is run by a team of volunteers, providing a weekly community meal and arranging a lot of fundraising events to get involved in too. There is no better way to spend a little of your spare time... doing food pick-ups, cooking, serving and chatting to local residents. You can sign up for the whole shift or a few hours, and can come along as little or as often as you want! For those that want to take on more responsibility, we also look for Hub leaders, who take on roles including: treasurer, volunteer coordinator, fundraiser, events and promotion. Get in touch to learn more about these roles!
Sexual health peer educator (200)
Ref. 3172
The Seriously Sexy project is part of our charity. We are currently recruiting volunteers for our sex and relationship education programme. This is a youth led project for young people aged 16+. You will attend and complete an accredited 10 week course which covers 'peer pressure, STI's, Contraception and classroom skills and then use these skills to deliver sex and relationships education to young people in schools, hostels and youth and community settings. Locations in Kilburn, Hillingdon and Kensington but covers all of London.
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