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Volunteering Opportunities in June

It’s the 1st June and that means it’s time for your latest monthly instalment of volunteering opportunities!

If you want a browse, keep scrolling or click In-Person, Remote or Micro, to take you to the relevant section.

This month, everything is much easier to find, using our tagging system. If you take your philanthropy IRL, online or even micro, hit ‘CTRL+F’ on your keyboard (or CMD+F for those on Mac) and enter one of our handy tags to show you the listings you’re actually interested in.

TAGS: abuse; age; animals; arts; children and youth; disabilities; education; environment; faith; health; homelessness; LGBTQ+; mental health; poverty; rescue services; violence.

And, as ever, if you have a volunteering opportunity to advertise, feel free to get in touch by emailing [email protected].

In-Person Volunteering

Action Tutoring – Action Tutoring is an education charity helping young people who face disadvantages, to improve their academic knowledge, grades and confidence. They are looking for in-person and online tutors – in-school opportunities are available in Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Sussex. You will need to be available for one hour per week at the same time, for around 10-20 weeks, to help your student keep up with their studies. 

To apply, visit the Action Tutoring website and fill out the online form. You will then be contacted for training and a DBS check.

TAGS: education; children and youth

Age UKAge UK helps older people when they need it the most. They have a bunch of in-person volunteering roles, including retail opportunities in Age UK shops across the UK, and directly supporting local Age UK charity sites.

To find out more about Age UK’s shops and how you can help, visit this link to their website. To find out more about volunteering with your local Age UK community, follow this link to the Age UK website. If you’re interested in volunteering with Age UK remotely, scroll down to the remote section of this page.

TAGS: age

Alzheimer’s Research UK Alzheimer’s Research UK is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles all across the country! From cheer squads (complete with pom-poms!) and event volunteers to community speakers and office volunteers, there really is a role for everyone.

If you are interested in applying for roles with Alzheimer’s Research UK, you can do so through their website.

TAGS: health; age

Aurora Metro Arts and MediaAurora Metro Arts and Media are a charity based in Richmond-upon-Thames that champions diversity and equality through arts and educational projects. They are currently looking for volunteers for reading scripts, archive and cataloguing material donated to their new MetroArchives project, video editors for a range of projects – social media, archives, interviews etc. and general admin and bookkeeping. Some, though not all, of these roles can be filled remotely.

To apply for any of these roles, please email your CV to [email protected].

TAGS: arts

Battersea – Battersea is looking for volunteers to become foster carers for dogs and cats who are currently living in their facilities, and help them to find a new, permanent home. Battersea is looking for applicants that live near one of its three centres in Battersea (London), Old Windsor (Berkshire) and Brands Hatch (Kent), or one of its Community locations in Basingstoke, Guildford and Ashford.

Adult foster cats can be left for a working day. For kittens, no more than four hours daily. Time alone for foster dogs needs to be kept to a minimum. At the beginning of the foster period, dogs cannot be left at all, and the maximum daily leave time once settled is no more than four hours.

To apply to become a foster carer, or for another in-person role, visit the Battersea website.

TAGS: animals

BookmarkBookmark is a children’s literacy charity with one aim: they want every child to read. Volunteers spend an hour a week reading stories and playing games with a child aged between 5 and 10 years old, on a secure online platform or face-to-face (for volunteers based in London). The programme involves two 30-minute sessions a week with the same child, for six weeks.

If you’re interested in applying for this role, you can do so on the Bookmark website. You’ll need to complete the online application form and provide two references, before being invited to an interview. After this, you will receive training and be matched with a child!

TAGS: children and youth; education

Carib EatsCarib Eats is a social enterprise that delivers Caribbean food to people in need across Hackney. Many of their recipients are lonely or isolated, so they also provide a regular friendly face and stop to talk and get to know those they work with. They are looking for people who can deliver food, as well as those who are happy to get stuck in with the cooking!

To apply for volunteer roles with Carib Eats, fill out this Google form and wait for a response.

TAGS: poverty

Cats ProtectionCats Protection are looking for a number of different volunteers, though mainly they are in need of foster carers for the cats currently living in their centres. Cats Protection will pay for everything – all you need is room for a furry friend and some love to give! Other than that, they are looking for volunteers in their shops, in branches and centres and across the UK.

Plus, they’re looking for people to go into schools and the local community to educate people about cats and their needs. 

To apply for any roles with Cats Protection, visit this link to their volunteer page.

TAGS: animals

Casualties Union – a charity dedicated to simulating casualty situations to provide emergency services and other organisations with the training they need, is looking for volunteers! If you’re into the arts, love acting, or just want to try on some gnarly stage makeup, this unique and, frankly, pretty fun volunteering opportunity is for you. 

There is no minimum requirement in terms of time commitment, though there are regular training sessions for volunteers that are helpful to attend.

To apply, you can email [email protected] or visit the Casualties Union website and use the contact form there.

TAGS: arts; rescue services

Chickenshed – This inclusive theatre charity based in North London is looking for a myriad of volunteer roles, including front-of-house staff, admin roles, assisting with sewing and other duties in wardrobe and so much more! Additionally, during the lead-up to the Christmas season, they will be looking for more volunteers backstage to help with the large Christmas show.

To apply for any of these roles, download the application form from the volunteer section on the Chickenshed website and send the completed application to [email protected].

TAGS: arts

Child Bereavement UK – Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child is grieving or passes away. The charity is looking for volunteers who can give four hours of their time to scan entry tickets, sell wristbands and sell raffle tickets in aid of Child Bereavement UK at one of a number of music festivals and events for which they are nominated charity. In return, volunteers get to enjoy the rest of the event for free. The charity also has other volunteering opportunities including for cheer point members and donation tin collectors. 

If you’re interesting in volunteering, you can find out more here on the Child Bereavement UK website.

TAGS: children and youth; mental health

Christian AidChristian Aid is an international development charity, that seeks to eradicate extreme poverty by tackling its root causes. They are looking for volunteers to help out at the Greenbelt Festival in Kettering; a festival where artistry meets activism. Christian Aid is a partner with the Greenbelt Festival, and are looking for volunteers to help out over the August Bank Holiday weekend. There are a massive number of volunteer roles, with plenty of different skillsets – and the best part is that, if you volunteer, you’ll also receive a weekend festival pass, food vouchers for some meals, and a contribution towards your travel expenses. 

If you’re interested in applying for volunteer roles with Christian Aid at the Greenbelt Festival, you can do so on the Christian Aid Website.

TAGS: faith; poverty

Dementia Carers CountDCC is a charity that helps to support dementia carers across the UK, providing them with education and resources. They are currently looking for people to fundraise, deliver leaflets, share their stories with groups and the media, and campaign in person and online. The roles are varied, but all go towards supporting the charity.

To apply for any of these roles, go to this link on the Dementia Carers Count website and fill out the form.

TAGS: health; age

EmmausEmmaus are looking for a large number of in-person volunteers, as those who can donate their time remotely. From trustees to retail volunteers, and gardeners to community cooks, there really is a role that applies to everyone’s skillset. So, if Emmaus is a charity you feel passionately about, take a look at their website and see which roles suit you most.

To apply for a role with Emmaus, visit this link to the volunteer page on their website.

TAGS: homelessness

Farm Africa Farm Africa is a charity reducing poverty by helping farmers in eastern Africa to grow more, sell more and sell for more. They are currently looking to fill a whole host of volunteer positions that all go towards their incredible cause!

To apply, visit the Farm Africa website at this link and fill out the form.

TAGS: poverty

Guide Dogs UK – Guide Dogs UK is looking for foster carers for the guide dogs of the future! If you’re a dog lover but don’t have the free time for a pet, fostering a guide dog on evenings and weekends could be perfect for you. Plus, Guide Dogs UK will pay for everything from food to vet bills – so you don’t have to spend a penny! If you can’t foster a dog, there are plenty of other volunteering roles available too.

To apply for the role, visit the Guide Dogs UK website.

TAGS: animals

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air AmbulanceHampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is a charity that delivers an advanced Critical Care Team to sick and injured people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Volunteer roles they are advertising include Community Events Volunteer, who will help out at a variety of events, and Collection Pot Coordinators, to place and change collection pots within your local area.

If you’re interested in either of these roles, you can apply by emailing [email protected]. If you are looking to support HIOWAA, but can’t commit to a regular role, scroll down to the micro-volunteering section of this page!

TAGS: rescue services; health

HftHft is a charity that aims to create a world where anyone with a learning disability can live happily and independently within their community. They are currently looking for a variety of in-person volunteers, including for student placements and work experience opportunities. Roles include mentor/befriender, support work, gardener, driver and more.

If you are interested in applying for roles with Hft, you can fill out a short form online, or call 07824 598285. If you want to support Hft remotely, scroll down to the remote section of this page to see what they need.

TAGS: disabilities

International Medical CorpsInternational Medical Corps is a global first responder that delivers emergency medical and related services. They are currently searching to fill medical, and non-medical roles that vary based on the response needed. They have domestic and international roles, to help provide emergency responses wherever needed. Typically, the role lasts 2-4 weeks.

If you’re interested in applying to the International Medical Corps as a volunteer, you can do so on their website.

TAGS: rescue services; health

Ignite Imaginations – Ignite Imaginations is a community arts charity based in Sheffield that is looking for volunteers for their Sheffield Community Makers project. They have a huge variety of roles up for grabs, from working social media to craft volunteering or working with young people! The charity is based in Sheffield, but the roles are a mix of remote and in-person.

To browse and apply for roles, please follow this link, which will guide you to an application form. If you have any questions, or can’t find a role that suits you, please contact Tammy at [email protected] or call 07727 638 973.

TAGS: arts, children and youth

Integrate UKIntegrate UK is a Bristol-based youth charity that tackles many issues on gender and racism in schools and universities through workshops, talks, conferences and music videos/short films. They are currently looking for fundraising volunteers, both in person and online, to find people who are interested in donating to their charity.

To find out more about fundraising for Integrate UK, email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 117 907 2998.

TAGS: children and youth

London LGBTQ Centre – The London LGBTQ Centre is looking for an Information and Resources Volunteer to do research, connect with groups and build a bank of relevant resources for the LGBTQ+ community. This can be done from home, or in person at the London LGBTQ Centre, and has no fixed hours, but is completely flexible based on the workload and needs of each volunteer.

To apply, visit this link on the London LGBTQ Centre website and fill out the form. If you have any questions, email them at [email protected].

TAGS: LGBTQ+

The Lewis Foundation – The Lewis Foundation is a charity that sources, packages and hand delivers gift packs for free to adult cancer patients. They are currently looking for a number of roles including an Event Photographer, a Graphic Designer and a Video Producer. The Graphic Design role can also be done remotely, while the others are only in person.

To apply, visit the Lewis Foundation website and fill out this form.

TAGS: health; mental health

National Autistic SocietyThe National Autistic Society is a charity that transforms lives, changes attitudes and creates a society that works for autistic people. They are looking for volunteers of all kinds to run support, information and social activities for autistic adults, children and their families in their local area, as well as fundraisers and more!

If you’re interested in applying for roles with the National Autistic Society, you can do so on their website.

TAGS: disabilities

National Trust National Trust is looking for a huge variety of volunteers at properties across the country. There really is something for everyone with the National Trust, whether you want to get your hands dirty and work outside, you’re looking for retail experience, or you want to help bring history to life for visitors.

If you’re interested in applying for a role with the National Trust, you can do so on their website. If you want to support the National Trust in a remote role, scroll down to the remote section of this page.

TAGS: environment

Nottinghamshire Hospice – Nottinghamshire Hospice is a charity hospice looking to fill a number of volunteering roles. These are all in-person roles, and they are looking for a gardener, a retail assistant, and a trustee, as well as a whole load of other interesting roles!

To apply for any of these roles, visit the Nottinghamshire Hospice website, phone 0115 910 1008 and select option 4 or email [email protected]. To apply for the trustee role, email [email protected].

TAGS: health; age

PRIME Cymru for those based in Wales, this one is for you! PRIME Cymru is recruiting Volunteer Mentors across Wales to support people aged 50+ in the world of work. They are looking for volunteers who can use their own professional knowledge and experience to support others in employment or self-employment.

To apply for a mentor role, email [email protected] or telephone 01550 721813.

TAGS: age; poverty

PDSAPDSA is a veterinary charity that helps people in receipt of benefits to take care of their sick animals. They are looking for people to volunteer in their shops all over the country, to help raise funds for PDSA veterinary hospitals, so that they can keep supporting families and their furry friends. You can donate as much or as little time as you want, and you’ll also have access to wellbeing services, including emotional and financial support, legal guidance, and a range of retail discounts to help with the cost of living.

If you’re interested in volunteering with PDSA, you can find a shop near your home or workplace using their handy online map.

TAGS: animals; poverty

Royal National Lifeboat InstitutionThe RNLI have an enormous variety of volunteering roles available through their organisation as they are in need of helpers and fundraisers. They are looking for lead roles, team roles, retail roles and finance roles – so whatever your skillset there’s something you can do to help! Plus, these roles are based all over the country, so it doesn’t matter where you’re from.

If you want to apply to any of these roles, you can do so on the RNLI website.

TAGS: rescue services; health 

Rural Mental Health MattersRMHM is looking for a number of online and in-person volunteers, including fundraisers, bookkeepers, researchers and more! The roles have a lot of flexibility, with many only needing around an hour per week of work, or just helping out at irregular events.

To apply for any roles with Rural Mental Health Matters contact Melanie at [email protected].

TAGS: mental health

Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army supports some of the most vulnerable people in society and offers support through a multitude of different services, including supporting survivors of Modern Slavery. They have a multitude of different volunteering roles available, but the three main ones are First Responder Volunteer, to conduct referral interviews with potential survivors, Transport Volunteer, to transport survivors from a place of safety to one of our contracted safe houses, either as a driver or chaperone and a Mentoring Volunteer, to support survivors.

If you want to apply to any of these roles, you can do so by visiting the Salvation Army volunteer webpage, or if you want more information before applying you can email [email protected]. If you want to volunteer with the Salvation Army remotely, scroll down to the remote section of this page.

TAGS: faith; poverty

The Sheffield Cats Centre – one of the oldest surviving animal charities in the UK, the Sheffield Cats Centre is currently looking for volunteers for their at Ecclesall Road and Hillsborough Barracks. They are also looking for events and fundraising volunteers to represent the charity at events across the city.

To apply for any of these roles, send an email to [email protected].

TAGS: animals

Stitched UpStitched Up is a not-for-profit based in Manchester that aims to inspire action on sustainability – particularly surrounding fashion. If you’re someone who cares about reducing waste and you want to get involved then look no further! Stitched Up is looking for people to volunteer time in a bunch of different sectors. 

If you want to volunteer generally, through admin and other assisting roles, fill out the form on this page of the Stitched Up website. If you want to volunteer for their repair cafe, fill out this Google form. If you have any questions about volunteering, please email [email protected].

TAGS: environment; arts

Sue RyderSue Ryder offers support to people through some of the most difficult times, including at hospices, palliative care hubs and via online services. Right now, they are looking for volunteers for their retail stores, as well as to support its care services, whether that’s in a gardening or maintenance role at their local hospice or neurological care centre, befriending patients or working in a reception and admin position.

To apply to either of these roles, visit the Sue Ryder website, or email [email protected] to apply or if you have any questions.

TAGS: health; mental health

WORTH – Based in Derbyshire, WORTH is a domestic abuse support charity providing long-term well-being and therapeutic support for women and their children. Though they are looking for a few other roles, they are mainly looking for ‘befrienders’ – someone who walks alongside a woman on her healing journey. Full in-house training will be provided for this.

To apply for any roles with WORTH, visit their website for more details, and then send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected].

TAGS: violence

Young V&A The Young V&A, formerly the Museum of Childhood, is set to reopen on 1st July 2023 and they are looking for volunteers to help out! They have four exciting new roles on offer; Playmaker, to have fun with kids and encourage engagement with the exhibits, Storymaker, to encourage kids to tell stories and let their imaginations run free, Changemaker, to get crafty and help kids be innovative, and Host, to welcome visitors and help guide them on their journey. 

If you’re interested, register for the Young V&A volunteer mailing list to be sent a direct link to sign up for a Training and Selection day.

TAGS: arts; children and youth

Young Lives vs Cancer – YLVC is currently looking for a number of in-person volunteers. From volunteering in their charity shops or lending your support at fundraising events, to helping at their Homes from Home where cancer patients and their families stay during treatment, there is so much you can do to support this wonderful charity!

To apply for any of these roles, visit the Young Lives vs Cancer website, or email [email protected].

TAGS: health; children and youth

Remote Volunteering

Action Tutoring – Action Tutoring is an education charity helping young people facing disadvantages to improve their academic knowledge, grades, and confidence. They are currently looking for online and in-person tutors. You will need to be available for one hour per week at the same time for around 10-20 weeks, to help your student keep up with their studies. 

To apply, visit the Action Tutoring website and fill out the online form. You will then be contacted for training and a DBS check.

TAGS: education; children and youth

A Good Thing – A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill and more to a good cause. They’re looking for a community champion, to use their communications skills to drive more businesses and charities to sign up.

You’ll be using social media, as well as your own connections, to help encourage charities and businesses to sign up to A Good Thing, helping charities and the environment.

To apply, visit this link and fill out the form.

TAGS: environment

Age UKAge UK exists to help older people when they need it the most. They have a bunch of remote volunteering opportunities, including signing up as a Telephone Befriender to provide elderly people with regular, friendly conversation, and The Silver Line Helpline, Age UK’s free and confidential 24-hour helpline for people over the age of 55 who feel lonely and isolated.

To volunteer as a Telephone Befriender, follow this link to the Age UK website. To volunteer as part of The Silver Line Helpline, follow this link or email [email protected]. If you’re interested in volunteering with Age UK in person, scroll up to the in-person section of this page.

TAGS: age

Alzheimer ScotlandAlzheimer Scotland, a charity that helps support those whose lives are affected by dementia, is looking for volunteers to help run its 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline. This is a volunteer job that can be done from anywhere with a phone and an internet connection, so that you can help support people who have questions and need emotional support. This is a flexible volunteering role, though they do ask that you provide at least four hours of assistance per week. Full training is provided.

If you’re interested in applying for this role, you can do so by filling out this form on the Alzheimer Scotland website.

TAGS: health; age

Birth Trauma AssociationThe Birth Trauma Association is a charity which specifically offers 

support to parents who have a traumatic burning experience. They are looking for people to take on the very important role of Peer Supporters. If anyone has recovered from the experience of a traumatic birth and would like to help others recover emotionally, the Birth Trauma Association would love to have your experience to help support people for 2-3 hours per week.

To apply for a Peer Support role, or find out about more ways you can help the Birth Trauma Association, email [email protected]

TAGS: health; mental health

EmmausEmmaus are looking for a large number of remote volunteers, as well as standard in person roles. They are currently looking for online retail volunteers – think eBay style! – as well as online support, both of which can be done remotely.

To apply for a role with Emmaus, visit this link to the volunteer page on their website.

TAGS: homelessness

HftHft is a charity that aims to create a world where anyone with a learning disability can live happily and independently within their community. They are currently looking for a variety of remote volunteers when working alongside central support services – like Marketing, IT and Communications.

If you are interested in applying for roles with Hft, you can fill out a short form online, or call 07824 598285. If you want to support Hft in person, scroll up to the in-person section of this page to see what they need.

TAGS: health; adults

Ignite Imaginations – Ignite Imaginations is a community arts charity based in Sheffield that is looking for volunteers for their Sheffield Community Makers project. They have a huge variety of roles up for grabs, from working social media to craft volunteering or working with young people! The charity is based in Sheffield, but the roles are a mix of remote and in person.

To browse and apply for roles, please follow this link, which will guide you to an application form. If you have any questions, or can’t find a role that suits you, please contact Tammy at [email protected] or call 07727 638 973.

TAGS: arts; children and youth

Integrate UKIntegrate UK are a Bristol-based youth charity that tackles many issues on gender and racism in schools and universities through workshops, talks, conferences and music videos/short films. They are currently looking for fundraising volunteers, both in person and online, to find people who are interested in donating to their charity.

To find out more about fundraising for Integrate UK, email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 117 907 2998.

TAGS: children and youth

London LGBTQ Centre – The London LGBTQ centre is looking for an Online Events Volunteer to help organise and run online groups and events based on their skills and interests. This can be done from home or remotely. The workload is flexible based on the needs of each volunteer, though they ask that you do a minimum of 2 hours per month.

To apply, visit this link on the London LGBTQ Centre website and fill out the form. If you have any questions, email them at [email protected]

TAGS: LGBTQ+

The Lewis Foundation – The Lewis Foundation is a charity that sources, packages and hand deliver gift packs for free to adult cancer patients. They are currently looking for a number of roles including a remote Graphic Designer.

To apply, visit the Lewis Foundation website and fill out this form.

TAGS: health; mental health

National Trust National Trust is looking for a huge variety of volunteers at properties across the country. There really is something for everyone with the National Trust, even if you want to work remotely, as they are always looking for people to fill research roles.

If you’re interested in applying for a role with the National Trust, you can do so on their website. If you want to support the National Trust in an in-person role, scroll up to the in-person section of this page.

TAGS: environment

Rural Mental Health MattersRMHM is looking for a number of online and in-person volunteers, including fundraisers, bookkeepers, researchers and more! The roles have a lot of flexibility, with many only needing around an hour per week of work, or just helping out at irregular events.

To apply for any roles with Rural Mental Health Matters contact Melanie at [email protected].

TAGS: mental health

Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army supports some of the most vulnerable people in society and offers support through a multitude of different services, including supporting survivors of Modern Slavery. Their First Responder Volunteer role can be completed remotely, by conducting interviews with potential survivors online.

If you want to apply for a role, you can do so by visiting the Salvation Army volunteer webpage, or if you want more information before applying you can email [email protected]. If you want to volunteer with the Salvation Army in person, scroll up to the in-person section of this page.

TAGS: faith; poverty

See Around BritainSee Around Britain is a nationwide, fully inclusive and interactive multilingual photographic app helping everyone to decide if a venue is suitable for their needs. They are in need of remote volunteers around the country to take pictures of venues and their access facilities so that people can decide if the venue is suitable to visit. They also need people to write venue descriptions, and volunteer their time for online and editorial support, as well as on social media.

If you’re interested in helping See Around Britain, visit their website at this link to apply for any of the roles.

TAGS: disabilities

Sense – Sense is looking for Virtual Buddies; volunteers who can meet online with disabled people once a week to chat and help combat loneliness. This is a completely remote position you can do from anywhere, as long as you can make a meeting once a week. Once you apply, Sense will match you with someone who has similar interests and give you some training.

To apply to be a Virtual Buddy visit the page on the Sense website or email [email protected]. This role requires an internet connection and one hour of your time per week.

TAGS: disabilities

Young Lives vs Cancer – there are plenty of remote opportunities with Young Lives vs Cancer available right now. They are looking for a Fundraising Researcher, to help create partnerships between YLvC and other organisations, a Digital Challenge Champion, and so much more!

To apply for any of these roles, visit the Young Lives vs Cancer website, or email [email protected]

TAGS: health; children and youth

Micro Volunteering

FreeRiceThis one is cheating a little, but that’s okay because it’s all for a good cause! FreeRice is a website associated with UNWFP that has an online English vocabulary test that you can take. For every question you get right, ten grains of rice are donated to those who are going hungry!

To test your vocab skills, and give back at the same time, visit the FreeRice website.

TAGS: poverty; health

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air AmbulanceHampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is a charity that delivers an advanced Critical Care Team to sick and injured people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. They are looking for Event Support Team members to help out at events – either as a one-off or just whenever you have the time. There is no time commitment with this – just show up and help out when you can!

If you’re interested in this role, you can apply by emailing [email protected]. If you are looking to support HIOWAA in a more regular role you can do so by going to the in-person section of this page.

TAGS: rescue services; health

PostPalsPostPals is a charity that delivers letters, postcards and gifts to sick children and their siblings, and they are always looking for more people to get involved! It doesn’t take long to write a letter or draw a picture for a child, and the gesture goes a long way.

To get involved with PostPals, email them at [email protected]

TAGS: health; children and youth

Rural Mental Health MattersRMHM is looking for a number of online and in-person volunteers, including fundraisers, bookkeepers, researchers and more! The roles have a lot of flexibility, with many only needing around an hour per week of work, or just helping out at irregular events.

To apply for any roles with Rural Mental Health Matters contact Melanie at [email protected].  

TAGS: health 

Young Lives vs Cancer – Young Lives vs Cancer is also looking for volunteers to do smaller roles that can fit better into busy lives – for example, they currently need a Collection Tin Coordinator to make and use connections in their area and help find new places for collection tins.

To apply for any of these roles, visit the Young Lives vs Cancer website, or email [email protected]

TAGS: health; children and youth

Categories
Uncategorized

Providing opportunities to developing countries

Something that not many people think about with developing countries – and the people in it – is financial opportunities.

If, for example, someone wants to buy a house, the bank may deny loans thus limiting the opportunity for people to grow and improve their financial security. 

Kola Global wanted to fill in that gap. They help turn investors’ money into opportunities for people in developing countries, practicing what they call ‘business-centric philanthropy’.

“In the entire continent of Africa, all 54 countries, home financing is simply not available at any measurable level,” Ameet Dhillon, a co-founder of Kola Global, tells Smiley News.

Without a home financing option, he explains, buying a home can be near impossible, especially in developing countries where resources can come and go. Kola Global helps provide secure options for people wanting to buy a home. 

“We’re essentially trying to jumpstart or create that environment within at least certain countries, and our ambition is to go across the entire continent so that you can actually have that kind of economic growth,” Ameet says.

“Because if you have housing activity, well, what do you get with that from a social and economic perspective?”

Find out more.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Partners of the Goals.

Categories
Equality Uncategorized Wellbeing

11-year-old helps give gifts to foster children

The holidays are a time for giving, love, and sharing. No matter what you celebrate the entire season is a time for togetherness and joy, but some people don’t have the resources or opportunities to celebrate the holidays usually as the result of financial constraints. 

Some people see that happening and want to help. This particular person was just 11 years old. 

Jonathan or ‘J.J.’ Werner is 11 years old and a Scout and was inspired to help kids in foster care in his area. Through popcorn sales with the Scouts, he raised money to buy hundreds of gifts for kids in foster care. 

To see his vision through he sold $46,194 worth of popcorn, $5,800 of which he could use to buy presents for the kids in need. 

Jonathan was inspired by his dad’s upbringing in foster care, hoping to provide something to kids that it sounded like his dad didn’t have.

“My dad spent 14 years in foster care and based upon stories that he had being in foster care, it doesn’t really sound like they had much of a Christmas,” he said.

His mother helped him see the vision through, helping him shop for and wrap the presents as well as using her van to deliver the presents in Kanabec County and Isanti County. All in all, he helped provide presents for 120 kids. 

“I adopted all the foster care kids in Kanabec County and Isanti County for Christmas,” Jonathan said.

This article aligns with the UN SDG No Poverty.

Categories
Uncategorized Wellbeing

Airport has largest therapy animal program in the world

The airport can be an incredibly stressful place. Trying to keep pace with your takeoff time, making sure you’re prepared for your travels, and maybe wrangling in young children overwhelmed by everything happening around them. 

To alleviate that stress, some airports have taken to having therapy animal units roam the halls of the airport to provide flyers some reprieve. The Denver International Airport just happens to hold the record for the largest airport therapy animal program in the world called the CATS (Canine Airport Therapy Squad) ironically. 

“Animals reduce stress, that’s been proven by studies over the years,” Karla Grahn, the Denver Airport Volunteer manager tells Smiley News.

“Airports are pretty stressful places. People are traveling for hundreds of reasons. It could be happy, it could be sad. And we all know that sometimes getting from the terminal to the concourse can be stressful. So providing that surprise and delight and those therapy animals to just expand that experience and make it really welcoming out in the concourses is kind of the goal, what we shoot for.”

According to OAG, a travel analytics organization, the Denver Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the world, with about 3.7 million people coming through the airport each year. Known for endless conspiracies around the art displayed or how and why the airport was built, the place is full of intrigue and interest, leading directly into such a large therapy animal program. 

To add to the appeal, each of the airport’s 87 animals (86 dogs and one cat) has personalized trading cards with a professional headshot, what year they join, social media, and some facts about them. According to Karla, the cards end up being incredibly collectible among the staff of the airport.

Even though they already hold the record for their animal program, the airport is still far short of its peak, which was cut when Covid-19 hit its peak. 

“At our height, we had 120,” Karla says. “During the pandemic, we lost a lot because we had to suspend our program for about 15 months. 

“But we continue to grow we continue to ask for more teams onboard more teams, or almost a 24/7 365-day operation and three concourses and a terminal, and we only have 86 teams and most people are like ‘oh we’ve never seen them.’” 

With that in mind, they’re always taking in new volunteers, with the goal of having a minimum of three animals each for a few hours a day. 

As far as the visits are concerned it’s up to the volunteers handling the animals to decide the plan of action and travel. The visit is announced on Twitter, and depending on the reaction of the people in the airport the dog may not make it more than 20 feet before being swarmed with love and affection from passersby. 

Now, as they continue to expand their own program, other airports have reached out for advice on how to start their own programs. 

“There are over 50 airports in the nation that currently host therapy and meal programs,” Karla says. “We get contacted quite frequently by airports looking to start this type of a program.”

This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.

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Crisis searches for Christmas helpers

Homelessness charity Crisis has put a call out for volunteers this Christmas.

Tell me more.

Crisis at Christmas has become a fixture of not only Crisis, but of the festive season in the UK. This year, Crisis estimates they will be providing hotel accommodation to more than 400 people in London alone who would be otherwise sleeping rough.

What else do they offer?

Crisis also runs day centres for people in temporary accommodation which provide everything from health checks to hot food and drink to friendship. But all these things wouldn’t be possible without the thousands of people who volunteer their time every year.

What does Crisis need from us?

Crisis are looking for volunteers to assist at hotels, to cook meals, and give advice. People in certain professions who would be willing to volunteer their skills, for example hairdressers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, opticians, podiatrists, are also sorely needed.

Sign up to volunteer with Crisis at Christmas this year.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnership for the Goals.

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A brief history of Loving Day

June is marked by a lot of things in the United States. Some of the first things that come to mind are school coming to an end, summer beginning, Pride Month, and Juneteenth. Other things that happen in June are Father’s Day, Flag Day, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, as well as a handful of observances. 

One of the most impactful days though is Loving Day.

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Loving Day is named for Richard and Mildred Loving, who in June 1958 awoke to policemen in their bedroom who were there to arrest them.

“They asked Richard who was that woman he was sleeping with? I say, I’m his wife, and the sheriff said, not here you’re not. And they said, come on, let’s go,” Mildred Loving recalled that night in the HBO documentary The Loving Story.

The police were at their home because Mildred and Richard were a mixed-race couple. Mildred was Black and Native American, and Richard was white. In 1958 Virginia law called this unlawful cohabitation. They were to be arrested and imprisoned for a year but a judge offered them a choice: banishment from the state or prison. They chose the former for a few years until they returned a few years later, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union in court.

This event led to the Supreme Court case called Loving v. Virginia.

The verdict of the case, coming on June 12, 1957, led to interracial marriage becoming legal across the United States.

Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote the opinion for the court; he wrote that marriage is a basic civil right and to deny this right on a basis of color is “directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment” and seizes all citizens “liberty without due process of law.”

Inspired to Act?

DONATE: The ACLU is still around today and helped the Loving’s with their case. Consider donating them to support cases they cover today. 

SUPPORT: Look into supporting civil rights across all forms, like same-sex marriage today. Not everyone has equal rights across the United States.

 

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MacKenzie Scott donates $3.8 billion

MacKenzie Scott, American novelist and philanthropist, recently announced she’s donated nearly $4 billion to over 400 nonprofits across the country.

Sharing the news in a post on Medium, MacKenzie wrote: “We are all human. And we all have enormous energy to devote to helping and protecting those we love.”

Sharing the list of 465 nonprofits, to which she has gifted $3,863,125,000, she added: “Our aim has been to support the needs of underrepresented people from groups of all kinds. The cause of equity has no sides.”

“Equity can only be realized when all people involved have an opportunity to help shape it,” she wrote. “Each non-profit it will list was selected through a rigorous process, and has a strong track record of serving under-supported needs.”

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The causes she has donated to have a diverse range of missions and causes, with everything from those protecting women’s health, to those working to solve the climate crisis, as well as those in education. 

MacKenzie, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is known for her philanthropic efforts. In total, she has donated to 1,257 organisations. 

She added: “This belief in a diversity of voices also inspires our commitment to a vital category of leaders. The leadership of people directly experiencing inequities is essential, both because it is informed by insights no one else can contribute, and because it seeds power and opportunity within the community itself. 

“Approximately 60% of the organizations listed below are led by women, and 75% by people with lived experience in the regions they support and the issues they seek to address.”

You can find a list of all the nonprofits MacKenzie donated to on her Medium page

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Solutions-focused festival offers youths hope

In 2020 when the pandemic hit, economist Henry Leveson-Gower realised young people would be some of the worst affected in terms of life opportunities and mental health. This only added to the increasing anxiety among youths over climate change. To offer them hope in lockdown, he decided to launch an interactive online event, Festival for Change, which returns to the digital world this November.

The international gathering is entirely free, it lasts one month starting 14 November, and is aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds. Each week, a diverse range of speakers will inspire attendees with talks and workshops about solutions to climate change. This is followed by discussions every Saturday, where the young people have the chance to meet one another, share experiences and build connections.

[Read more positive news about people taking climate action around the world]

Drawing on his work for Economic Pluralism, for which he promotes socially-beneficial economics, Henry said: “Young people are often brought up with a very narrow view of how society should be, constrained by dominant ideas. So the festival is partly aimed at helping them understand the causes of the challenges we face today, and allowing them the chance to explore a much broader array of ideas, which is key to driving the changes we need to see.”

Addressing complex topics in comprehensible ways, the talks are aimed at building understanding among young people on fundamental systems shaping our society. 

One attendee at last year’s event, Jayne Ashely reassured: “[The] amazing speakers showed economics is nothing to be scared of – and we all need to engage in these macro and micro discussions.” 

The organisers have yet to finalise the lineup of speakers for this year. But, based on the groundbreaking thinkers who spoke at the first event, they are set to offer up some of the most provocative and progressive ideas, with a special focus on young innovators.

Building networks for change

Another key part of the festival involves creating relationships between young people from entirely different backgrounds and parts of the world. Youth ambassadors from Hong Kong, Pakistan, India, Qatar, and the Netherlands helped design the festival and whoever joins this year’s event can take part in a buddying scheme to bring together young people from different countries.

[Read more good news stories about the individuals and organisations making the world a better place]

To facilitate discussion they’ve created a virtual world that’s something like Habbo Hotel, where participants can drag their avatar from place to place to join different discussions. Once they’ve chosen where they’d like to go, the system allows them to join a video call where they can speak to others face-to-face. 

Register for Festival for Change here.

Find more information at festivalforchange.global.