New Volunteering Opportunities for November 2025
Stay and Play Helper
The local branch of a church charity is seeking volunteers to help at a play session in Newbury, which runs on Wednesday mornings between 9:15am and 12 noon during term time. The role is to help create a safe and engaging environment for children aged 0-4 years old and their parents/carers. Tasks include setting up and packing away toys, talking to parents, engaging with the babies and children, making hot drinks, clearing up after snack and being a friendly face. The role would suit someone with an interest in the organisation’s work, good listening and communication skills and a good sense of humour.
Ref NY2723
Finance Trustee
Volunteer Centre West Berkshire provides services for the less able, volunteer recruitment work, advises the charitable sector and runs projects contributing to the local voluntary sector. We are seeking a finance trustee to join our board which governs the charity. In this role, you will help the charity to be financially effective and support financially informed decision making. We are looking for a financially qualified volunteer with expertise in the community and a background in working at a strategic finance level. We are keen to hear from those who have held senior financial leadership roles and experience of managing financial risk. Prior experience of being a trustee or on a board would be preferable. Trustees meet quarterly on weekday afternoons (usually a Thursday). Trustees will offer guidance and expertise and become involved in other projects and events throughout the year. You would also be part of the finance subgroup which meets for an hour or so during the working day.
Ref NY27177
Support young people to gain skills for life
Do you have a sense of adventure and want to support young people in your community? Scout groups across West Berkshire are looking for help with running their exciting youth programmes – Squirrels (4-6 years), Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-10 years), Scouts (10-14 years) and Explorers (14-18 years). This volunteering opportunity involves helping to plan and run the exciting programme of activities for the children, as well as going on fun outings. From abseiling to zorbing, camping to coding, they do it all! The role would suit volunteers who enjoy being part of a team and learning new skills.
Ref NY2722
Sighted Guide
Sight loss can take away independence and confidence. Could you become a sighted guide to help someone with visual impairment learn and practice a specific route? This could be going to the train station or to get a bus into town, or perhaps the walk to a coffee shop, the gym or work. Friendly chat along the way is appreciated. The role would suit volunteers with patience and empathy. Volunteers do not need experience of sight loss as full training is given. Time commitment varies but is usually 2-3 hours per fortnight.
Ref NY2418
Literacy Mentors
If you have an interest in reading then consider joining a Berkshire-based scheme set up to encourage primary school children to discover the love of books. Volunteers are needed to train as mentors and meet the increasing demand in West Berkshire. You’ll experience the rewards of watching the children gain confidence as they learn in sessions of reading, talking and playing games. No special skills are required, just lots of patience, a love of reading and an interest in supporting children. Ideally volunteers will commit to an hour and a half twice a week during term time, but once a week will be considered.
Ref NY769
Charity Shop Team Members
Help raise funds for a leading health charity by volunteering for a busy charity shop based in the centre of town. This is an opportunity to gain retail experience and meet new people. Volunteers should enjoy working with the public, and as part of a team, and be happy to learn how to use the till. You will be provided with full training in areas such as till work, sorting, pricing and rotation of stock.
Ref NY16
For information about these and more than 350 other volunteering opportunities please contact Volunteer Centre West Berkshire via vbase@vcwb.org.uk or call 01635 49004