We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!  

Who are Literacy Pirates?   

Through our term-long after-school programmes, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.  

Children join us on our Virtual Ship once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance.  

What does a Volunteer do?  

As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.  

Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means your time is solely focused on supporting the children in breakout rooms.  

You will:  

• Receive full training.  

• Gain experience working with children and leading small groups online.  

• Develop your communication, leadership, problem-solving and digital skills.  

• Take part in games and have fun. 

• Be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.  

We offer:  

• Employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us. 

• Work placements for students.  

What are we looking for?  

We ask volunteers to give just four afternoons per school term, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!  

Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.  

All we ask is that you:  

• Are aged 16+ 

• Must be a UK resident  

• Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this)  

• Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role) 

Apply via our website and start your training! https://literacypirates.org/volunteer/.  

If you have any questions or wish to discuss completing your work placement with us, please email volunteering@literacypirates.org.  

We are looking for a volunteer to visit our various Share and Repair projects to capture the magic that happens across our shop, community cafes and other external events. The time commitment is variable and timings can be flexible, the shop is open in the week and on Saturdays, our cafes are all on Saturdays. Ideally we would find someone who was happy to pop by to one of our different cafes or our shop every week or every other week for approximately half an hour to do some quick interviews and take photos and videos of the activities going on.

Don’t forget that alongside being great for your wellbeing, we can also provide work experience for your CV and a great reference!

As an Events and Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll reflect these values and help inspire others to support our cause.

Additional Information

We aim to keep volunteering as flexible and enjoyable as possible, adapting tasks to suit individual needs. While there’s no minimum time commitment, we ask all volunteers to represent GWAAC positively and uphold our reputation.

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity actively promotes and upholds a culture of safeguarding across all aspects of its work. Volunteers will be expected to follow safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved.

Volunteer tutor

Action Tutoring is a national education charity that offers free maths and English tutoring to pupils facing disadvantage. 

By volunteering as a tutor at a local school or online, you'll be supporting children to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future.

What will I be doing?

• Tutoring 1-3 pupils in Year 5 or 6, or Year 7, 10 or 11.

• Commit to one hour a week, for up to 20 weeks. You choose the day and time to sign up to.

• Use our tutor workbooks to guide your pupils through activities that will boost their confidence and grades.

What you'll gain:

• Receive induction training, tutor workbooks and ongoing support.

• Develop skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Meet like-minded people in our volunteer community.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

This volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.

• Seek valuable experience working with children and are eager to hone essential skills such as communication, mentorship, and leadership – all highly valued in any career path.

• Have a busy schedule but are keen to contribute to your community, as this flexible role requires just one hour a week, either in-person or conveniently online.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes, so if your qualifications differ from those mentioned - we still encourage you to apply! Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: this is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

The network is free to join, and it is a fun and friendly space for autistic young people aged 13-25 to be themselves and take part in opportunities to advocate for autistic young people. No diagnosis is required.

By joining, you can volunteer your time to:

• Complete surveys to share your voice on improving services for autistic young people
• Take part in research to help improve support for autistic young people
• Take part in workshops and focus groups with external organisations looking to make their content more accessible. In the past we have worked with Vodafone, Natwest, Tellmi, Schuh, Vanish and more.
• Help improve the services and community platform at Ambitious about Autism

You can sign up and take part in opportunities here -  https://ambitious-youth-network.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/

Hours of Commitment: Half day / Full day session per week

Times & Locations: Bath - Monday 10am to 2pm  |  Keynsham - Tuesday 10am to 2pm  |  Midsomer Norton - Thursday 10am to 2pm

What is a Social Group Volunteer

A Social Group Volunteer supports older people in a community- based setting, helping them connect with others, enjoy social activities, and improve their wellbeing.

What does a Social Group Volunteer do?

Volunteers assist with activities like escorting group members, preparing meals, helping with mobility, and supporting social interactions. They also contribute ideas for activities and ensure safety and hygiene standards are met.

What skills or qualities do you need?

Good listening and communication skills Patience, empathy, and friendliness

How to apply: 

If you would like to apply for this volunteering role, please fill out this application form: https://ageuk.my.site.com/volunteers/s/apply-now

We look forward to hearing from you! 

What does a Befriender do?

As a Befriender you will visit or telephone an older person on a regular basis, offering a friendly chat for those facing loneliness. Matches are based on shared interests and proximity.

What skills or qualities do you need?

Good listening and communication skills Patience, empathy, and friendliness

What is an Information & Advice Volunteer?

An I&A volunteer is someone who supports older people by providing clear, accurate, and helpful information and signposting to help them navigate challenges as they age. They are part of a team that offers guidance and support on a wide range of issues.

What does an Information & Advice Volunteer do?

Information & Advice Volunteers provide guidance and signposting on topics such as healthcare, home support, benefits, legal matters, and loneliness. Support is offered through office sessions, home visits, or remotely via phone or email.

What skills or qualities do you need?

Empathetic, patient, reliable, with a desire to help.
Bonus – Experience in social care is helpful but not essential.

What is a Memory Group Volunteer

As a Memory Group Volunteer, you will help individuals with dementia engage in meaningful activities that support memory and mental function, through Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

What does a Memory Group Volunteer do?

Volunteers assist with activities, listen and talk with group members, help prepare and clear tea, and may contribute to activity creation.

What skills or qualities do you need?

Great communication and a good sense of humour. Friendly, patient, reliable and able to work independently

Please apply direct through the BHF website: View Opportunity > British Heart Foundation 

Typical tasks include:

• Engaging with customers and serving them in a helpful and friendly way
• Answering questions from customer, donors and supporters
• Communicating with fellow volunteers about what has sold and needs re-stocking
• Honing your retail and cashier skills behind the till and taking payments
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and sales campaigns

Volunteering with British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too… 

• A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops
• Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust
• Access to training and development 
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed 
• Refreshments available  
• Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided  
• Access to discounts with other retailers