Tag: Guide

It’s time for our weekly business roundup and, this week, it’s all about pooches! We love pups, and so do these businesses – so if you have a dog of your own (or you’re just considering it) these are some need-to-know businesses. 

WOOFZ.

Woofz is an app that helps owners train their dogs – especially helpful for those families who are struggling with the behaviour of a rescue dog. Woofz is all about helping humans and pups connect, so we can understand the needs of our furry friends better, as well as what to do to make them more comfortable.

Woofz recently collaborated with Ukrainian charity Happy Paw, which cares for homeless pets in Ukraine. The Woofz app was made free for dog owners in Ukraine due to difficulties with transportation and anxiety, to make it easier for pooches and their families to travel – but also to help shelters comfort dogs that have lost their owners. There is a course that provides all of this and more to people in Ukraine – as well as an option to be able to donate to Happy Paw through the app.

DUERR’S.

Duerr’s is a family-owned business from Manchester with an incredible legacy – and just a few years ago they launched Peamutt Butter! Peamutt Butter is dog-friendly peanut butter, born from their family dog’s love for the stuff (and we can’t blame them – yum!).

But Duerr’s don’t just love dogs, they love people too – that’s why they set up The Duerr’s Foundation which is dedicated to giving back to worthy causes, whether through monetary gifting or product donations from their extensive range of jams, marmalades, peanut butters and condiments.

POOCH AND MUTT.

Pooch and Mutt are a health food company – whose food happens to be tailored to dogs. They put pups before profit, by tailoring their foods and supplements to a dog’s diet, and without padding it with unnecessary nasties to make a quick buck.

Pooch and Mutt are the first pet food brand to use sugarcane as a raw material in packaging, to make them good for the planet, as well as the pups that live upon it. They have been awarded Ethical Accreditation by The Ethical Companies Organisation every year for over a decade, and have pledged to have all of their products in recyclable packaging by 2025 – and they’re doing so well already! 

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

It’s the first weekly business roundup after Easter – and we hope you had a wonderful long weekend!

Here’s some great businesses for you to take a look at – from job matching, to pest-handling, to travel, we have it all.

CLU.

Clu is a job matching site that is AI and tech driven. One of the great things they do is matching job hunters to jobs to get marginalised and discriminated groups into the workplace. Jobs are matched to people based on soft skills and what they can do, not where they are from or their educational route.

In particular, they work with Job Centre Plus and Centrepoint which works with displaced people from Ukraine and Afghanistan to help get them into the UK workforce.

The company was set up by LGBTQ+ entrepreneur Joseph Williams who is also neurodivergent and wanted to help those get into work who might traditionally experience unconscious bias in the workplace.

SHIELD PEST CONTROL.

Shield Pest Control donated a cheque of £4000 to its local food bank, Bromley Food Bank, along with the Royal Warrant Holders Charity Association Fund. The donation has gone towards providing nutritionally balanced emergency food and supermarket vouchers to support local individuals within the Bromley borough.

To raise further funds for the charity, Bromley Food Bank and Shield Pest Control’s team members will also be taking part in a half-marathon charity walk later this year, with the business matching funds raised by members of staff.

INTREPID TRAVEL.

Intrepid Travel has partnered with Women In Travel, to help underprivileged women to access employment in tourism. Intrepid Travel is a purpose-led adventure travel brand, a B-Corp that has been carbon neutral since 2010 and focuses on sustainable travel. Along with Women in Travel, they are committed to helping women access financial independence, and a future in travel and hospitality.

Additionally, Intrepid Travel has their own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, where they accelerate community-led sustainable development through travel, enabling partners to solve global issues locally. 

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

As technology advances, we’re locating more relics across the globe. From discovering new species to long-forgotten items from ancient civilisations, each new find is another piece of the puzzle, showing us what life used to be like on Planet Earth.

Here are a few of our favourite discoveries from recent years (plus a very exciting bonus entry!).

MICRORAPTOR’S LAST MEAL.

An incredibly rare discovery was found at the end of 2022 – the fossilised remains of a dinosaur, complete with its last meal in its stomach.

The Microraptor was an opportunistic predator, a feathered, four-winged bird-like dinosaur that we previously believed fed only on lizards, birds and fish. Thanks to this incredible discovery – including a whole foot! – we now know it also ate small mammals.

This discovery shows us not only so much more about the lives of dinosaurs, but how much more there is to learn. 

WORLD’S OLDEST DNA.

The world’s oldest DNA was discovered in northern Greenland in early 2023 – at 2 million years old, this gives us an unprecedented view into what life was like on Earth long before humans were even a twinkle in mother nature’s eye.

One of the most incredible discoveries that came from this find was traces of mastodon DNA. Mastodon were elephant like creatures that are now extinct – but they were never thought to have travelled as far north as Greenland. It goes to show that even the smallest finds can have huge implications.

TERRACOTTA WARRIORS.

20 terracotta warriors were uncovered near the burial site of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang, another part of the Terracotta Army, in February 2023. Very few references are made in ancient texts to the Terracotta Army and why it was created, and with each discovery we learn a little more. Archeologists have discovered around 8,000 terracotta warriors, along with horses, chariots and bronze weapons – but there is no telling how much more there is to find.

DINOSAUR NESTS.

More than 250 fossilized eggs were discovered in The Lameta Formation, located in the Narmada Valley in India. Fossils from the late cretaceous period are commonly found in this place, however, nothing quite like this before.

92 nests comprised of 256 fossilised eggs, all belonging to titanosaurs – one of the largest kinds of dinosaur to have ever existed. Of these eggs, there were six different kinds of titanosaur represented, which is far more than was previously shown in the fossil record. This changes the way we think about these incredible creatures, and the way they lived.

BONUS: NEFERTITI’S MUMMY.

While not technically discovered yet, Nefertiti’s Mummy still deserves a place on this list. In 2020, archeologists began a series of excavations into rooms in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. These rooms have been undisturbed for centuries, and are believed to be the final resting place of Queen Nefertiti and her family.

In fact, two female mummies have been unearthed already, and are undergoing extensive DNA testing to discover whether one of the bodies belongs to Queen Nefertiti.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

It’s here – the second volume of monthly volunteering opportunities curated by Smiley News!

If you haven’t been here before – welcome. This is a space where we have sourced a bunch of great volunteering opportunities from across the UK – to make giving back just that little bit easier.

It’s split into three sections – in-person, remote and micro, so there really is something for everyone.

And if you’re a charity that has a volunteering opportunity or two to share, or if you have any questions, get in touch with us via email –[email protected]

In-Person Volunteering.

Young V&A – The Young V&A, formerly the Museum of Childhood, is set to reopen on the 1st July 2023 and they are looking for volunteers to help out! They are looking to fill four exciting new roles; 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, go along to the Volunteer Taster Day drop-in in Bethnal Green, London on 29th April or attend the virtual taster session on 26th April (register here) to learn more and sign up for a Volunteer Training and Selection Day. Alternatively, register for the Young V&A volunteer mailing list to be sent a direct link to sign up for a Training and Selection day.

Hft – Hft 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 student placements and work experience. 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.

National Autistic Society – The 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.

International Medical Corps – International 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 response wherever it is 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.

PDSA – PDSA is the UK’s largest veterinary charity, and they are looking for volunteers in their charity shops around the UK. As a charity shop volunteer, you’ll take part in a wide range of activities that support the day-to-day running of the shops, and help raise vital funds to support people and their pets around the country.

If you’re interested in applying to a PDSA shop, you can do so online, or, if you’re struggling, by going into your local PDSA store and asking the volunteers there.

Christian Aid – Christian 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.

Sue Ryder – Sue 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 supporting its care services, whether that’s in a gardening and 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.

Alzheimer’s Research UK – Alzheimer’s Research UK is looking for a variety of volunteers to fill 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.

Age UK – Age UK exists to help 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.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution – The 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.

Salvation Army – The 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.

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.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance – Hampshire 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 that 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!

Independent Age – Independent Age is the national older person’s charity, that provides free, impartial information to older people and their families. They have a number of different in-person volunteering opportunities, including Community Volunteers to meet weekly with an older person in the local community for a period of 6-9 months, Get Involved volunteers on a flexible basis to help support local events, and Form Filling Volunteers, who volunteer over the phone from the London office helping older people fill out important benefits paperwork over the phone.

If you’re interested in any of these roles, you can apply on the Independent Age website. If you’re interested in volunteering with Independent Age but are looking for remote roles, scroll to the remote section of this article!

Stitched Up – Stitched 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].

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.

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.

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].

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.

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].

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 out 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.

London LGBTQ Centre – The London LGBTQ Centre is looking for an Information and Resources Volunteer to connect with different resources and 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].

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 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. 

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 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.

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]. 

Rural Mental Health Matters – RMHM 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].

Cats Protection – Cats 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 also looking for people to go out into schools and the local community and educate people about cats and their needs.

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

Integrate UK – Integrate 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.

Emmaus – Emmaus 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 you are most suited to.

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

PRIME Cymru – for those based in Wales, this one is for you!  PRIME Cymru is recruiting Volunteer Mentors across Wales to help supports people aged 50+ to move closer to the world of work. They are looking for people 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.

Carib Eats – Carib 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.

Aurora Metro Arts and Media – Aurora 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].

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].

Dementia Carers Count – DCC 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.

WORTH – Based in Derbyshire, WORTH is a domestic abuse support charity providing provides 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 covering letter to [email protected].

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 for volunteers to be Farm Africa’s cheer squad at the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 23 April. Seeking smiley, happy people with a good eye to spot runners in a crowd! This is only a four-hour, one-time commitment, plus a fun day out for the kids.

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

Remote Volunteering.

Hft – Hft 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.

Age UK – Age 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 remotely, scroll up to the in-person section of this page.

Salvation Army – The 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.

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.

Alzheimer Scotland – Alzheimer 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.

Independent Age – Independent Age is the national older person’s charity, that provides free, impartial information to older people and their families. They have a number of different in-person volunteering opportunities, including a Telephone Group Facilitator, to make sure telephone groups to help with loneliness go smoothly, and Information Champions, to help spread the word about Independent Age.

If you’re interested in any of these roles, you can apply on the Independent Age website. If you’re interested in volunteering with Independent Age but are looking for in-person roles, scroll to the in-person section of this article!

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.

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.

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] 

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]. 

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. 

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.

Rural Mental Health Matters – RMHM 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]. 

Integrate UK – Integrate 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.

Birth Trauma Association – The 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]. 

See Around Britain – See 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.

Emmaus – Emmaus 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.

Micro-Volunteering.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance – Hampshire 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 real 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.

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] 

Rural Mental Health Matters – RMHM 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].  

PostPals – PostPals 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]. 

FreeRice – This 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. 

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

This week in our weekly roundup we’ve got businesses that are in cahoots with charities – all for the greater good.

So sit back, relax, and know that your money is going somewhere good when you work with these businesses.

NISA.

Did you know that Nisa – yes, that Nisa – has a charity? Neither did we! Making a Difference Locally raises funds in Nisa-affiliated shops from sales of Co-op and Heritage own-label products. Extra funds can be raised through collecting tins, coin spinners and clothing banks.

The shops can then donate these funds to a local charity or a good cause of their choice within a 10-mile radius.

During 2022, Nisa stores supported local charities and community groups with 2,142 donations, totalling £1,085,828, which is amazing!

HOLY MOLY.

Delicious dip company Holy Moly teamed up with charity City Harvest for a volunteer day on 28th February. Holy Moly achieved B-Corp status in 2022, in part thanks to their ongoing work with City Harvest, a charity that delivers surplus food across London.

To date Holy Moly has rescued 10.8 tonnes of surplus food waste and redirected it to City Harvest, delivered over 25,000 meals and prevented over 40 tonnes of CO2 and delivered 672kg of meals. We love to see it!

NATIONAL HOUSING GROUP.

The National Housing Group (NHG) is a developer group that works with housing associations, councils and charities to supply affordable housing in the UK.

They specialise in developing high-quality, sustainable and affordable housing that can be used as permanent solutions for people who are homeless or are vulnerable to homelessness. Plus, they aim to make their properties as green as possible, by including solar panels, low-energy lighting, energy-efficient heating, and radiant heating and cooling.

Collectively, they have worked with charities to house thousands of people in permanent accommodation.

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

From raising money for charity to helping the environment, these three businesses are making a difference in the world they live in in a number of unique ways.

EMBRIDGE CONSULTING.

Embridge Consulting is a digital consultancy that has supported various charities over the years. Currently, they are supporting Young Epilepsy with their 26 Miles in 26 Days challenge.

Embridge Consulting is aiming to raise £15,000 for Young Epilepsy for Purple Day which is on 26th March. Their whole team are aiming to walk, run, roll, or push 26 miles over the course of 26 days with the help of their family and friends, all to raise funds for Young Epilepsy.

So far, Embridge Consulting has raised over £12,000 for Young Epilepsy – and if you want to help out, you can donate on their JustGiving page.

BUNJI PRINTING.

Bunji Printing is a printing company which has recently become FSC accredited. This is quite rare – but FSC accreditation confirms that forests are being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers while ensuring it sustains economic viability.

Only 5% of the world’s forests are protected by FSC certification – but companies that work with these forests and receive an FSC accreditation can be managed to ensure that their use of our earth’s precious resources is sustainable. 

Bunji is now encouraging other printing companies to make the move to receive their accreditation – to make the printing business more sustainable, and better for our planet.

2nd LINE OF DEFENCE.

Set up by Lisa Baskott, 2nd Line of Defence is the UK’s first female-focused recruitment agency for the private security sector. The goal of 2nd Line of Defence is to recruit more women into front-line security roles to make nighttime life safer for girls and women living in the UK. 

Currently, only 10% of door staff security are women – the aim of 2nd Line of Defence is to make women more visible on the doors of venues and ultimately change the perception of what it takes to be a door supervisor. Plus, they are really keen to get more women to sign up – so if you’re interested, take a look at their website.

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

This week’s instalment of do-gooder businesses includes a couple of generous breweries, as well as an eco-friendly homeware business.

So kick back, open a cold one – and enjoy.

COLD TOWN BEER.

Cold Town Beer is an Edinburgh brewery with a philanthropic heart. Recently, they connected with Street Assist, an Edinburgh charity, and donated £2,000 to their cause to help keep people safe when they are out on the town. 

Plus, Cold Town Beer recently relaunched its charity brew, Doddie Beir, in memory of the late Doddie Weir. Since Doddie Beir’s release, Cold Town Beer has helped raise over £6,500 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, supporting the lives of those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. This year, Cold Town Beer will be donating 20p from every pint of Doddie Beir sold.

TAP SOCIAL MOVEMENT.

Oxford-based craft brewery and social enterprise Tap Social Movement provides training and support for people in prison. Since they began in 2016 they have created nearly 70,000 hours of paid employment for incarcerated people. 94% of the people Tap works with from prison have not reoffended, in comparison to the national average of 50% – which is a pretty amazing statistic.

FROM EARTH TO EARTH.

From Earth to Earth (also known as f.e.t.e) creates eco-friendly homeware products made from bamboo. From bamboo toothbrushes to personal care items and more, f.e.t.e has sustainability at the forefront of their business.

PLus, f.e.t.e is a proud a Corporate Sponsor of the Lawrence Anthony earth Organisation (LAEO), with around 2% of all f.e.t.e sales going directly to LAEO.

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

For our weekly business roundup this week, we’re taking a look at businesses that benefit kids.

Featuring books, mental health resources, and toy donations – this is a feel-good list you don’t want to miss.

JOSIE DOM.

Josie Dom became a children’s author in 2016, and from day one has donated 15% of profits from book sales to charity. In collaboration with Work for Good, which helps businesses donate in a legal and official capacity, Josie donates to Read for Good – a charity that gets books to underprivileged communities and into hospitals for children who stay there.

In 2021-2022, she pledged £300 and was able to donate £395 – and hopes to donate a similar amount for 2022-2023. She’s currently planning an initiative to give books away in the community and hopes to be able to volunteer as a reading partner for schools in the future.

ABSOLUTE DIGITAL MEDIA.

Absolute Digital Media is an award-winning digital marketing agency, that love to give back. They have strong connections with charities and recently donated over £250 worth of toys to Southend Hospital in response to their campaign to collect toys to hand out on the ward and to those visiting for X-rays.

They have also fulfilled an Amazon wish list to support Dogs On The Streets, sponsored a local soup kitchen by providing a night’s worth of meals per month, participated in Tough Mudder, and donated to Chess Homeless Charity. They’ll be participating in the London Marathon this year, too. We love to see it!

BE HAPPY HUB.

After suffering from health anxiety from the age of six, Jenny Chesworth founded the Be Happy Hub, a mental health resource centre for children in the UK. When her own child began to show symptoms of anxiety, Jenny dedicated her life to making sure other children don’t grow up the same way as she did – by taking care of their anxiety from day dot.

The Be Happy Hub uses therapist-approved techniques, they make fun activities, worksheets and resources for children aged 0-11, and parents, and has a teen section launching in April 2023. They have over 500 resources that can help ease worries, teach coping mechanisms, explore emotions and much more.

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

This week we’re all about clothes and accessories in our weekly business round-up – from adorable socks to underwear that makes a difference.

So if you’re looking to update your wardrobe and give back at the same time, you’re in the right place.

KIND BAG.

Kind Bag has created a great reusable bag made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. If you want to be more sustainable, this is the way to go – to date, the brand has recycled 4.5 million plastic bottles, with each bag recycling 6 bottles each.

All the packaging is 100% recyclable, and Kind Bag makes sure to give 1% of each sale to 1% for the Planet, so that they’re giving back from beginning to end.

Y.O.U UNDERWEAR.

Y.O.U Underwear stands for Your Own Underwear. The brand creates slow fashion, vegan underwear made from Fairtrade cotton. The thing that makes Y.O.U stand out most is that they operate on a buy one, give two initiative: for every pair bought, two more are donated to Smalls for All, a charity that collects underwear for people in Africa and the UK who can’t afford or can’t get any.

Plus, Y.O.U work with other charities helping to support those who have been affected by breast cancer, who need menstrual support, and more – because underwear is for everyone.

BARE KIND.

Bare Kind creates cute socks, that help give back. The adorable bamboo socks made by Bare Kind feature all sorts of different animals on them – from red pandas to whales, to tigers and more. 10% of the profits made go towards conservation efforts protecting the animal on your socks, and so far Bare Kind has helped to protect hundreds of animals and their habitats.

Bare Kind works with charities like The Turtle Foundation, British Hedgehog Preservation Society and Pandas International to make sure that animals across the world are being protected.

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