Outward has a long and proud history of involving volunteers in what we do, having been set up by a group of parents of children with learning disabilities in the 1970s.
Our volunteers make a hugely valuable contribution to the lives of people we support by reducing isolation, sharing skills, and bringing a fresh outlook to our team. We’re always looking for people that bring the energy and enthusiasm to make a big difference.
To see a list of our volunteering roles, click here.
Why volunteer with Outward?
Not only does being a volunteer help the people we support live their best possible lives, but it is also a great way for you to meet new people, develop your skills, and improve your overall wellbeing too!
We want to make sure that you have a great experience with us and we are proud to work to the Investing in Volunteers standard. Some of the benefits of volunteering with Outward include:
- Meeting new kinds of people and making new friends
- Opportunities to engage with your fellow volunteers through our social networking platform and volunteer events
- Flexible roles that can be adapted to meet your needs and interests
- A dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role
- Additional training opportunities to meet your needs and interests
- Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
- References and opportunities for career growth
- Invitations to special events
- Birthday or anniversary celebrations
- Coverage by Outward’s insurance policy
What kinds of roles are available?
There are many ways you can volunteer at Outward; we have opportunities available across services and boroughs and with people who have varying support needs. From leading group activities, to supporting office admin, or bringing specialised skills in areas such as drama or video editing, we strive to match you in a role that will put your unique skills to use. If you have a special skill that you think would benefit Outward or the people we support, we’d love to hear about it.
One of our main volunteer roles is befriending. As a befriender, you will be matched with a person we support to provide them with companionship. This might look like a weekly phone call, a visit for a cup of tea, or an outing in the local area – just as in any other friendship, it’s up to you both to decide what you’d like to get up to! Befriending is a meaningful way of combating loneliness and isolation for everyone.
What is expected of Outward volunteers?
Outward volunteers must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Uphold our values of engaging, enabling, and empowering the people we support
- Treat everyone with dignity & respect
- Complete our mandatory training and inductions
- Comply with our policies and procedures
- Commit to volunteering for the time frame laid out in the volunteer description
- Attend quarterly volunteer check-ins
- Protect confidentiality
- Perform their duties to the best of their ability and within the boundaries of their role description
- Be punctual and reliable
- Be friendly, a strong communicator, and take initiative
You can find out more about our recruitment process here:
Download volunteer info pack
Can I volunteer as part of a college or university placement?
Yes! We have had placement relationships with a range of educational institutions from Health Psychology Students at University College London, to Health and Social Care students from City and Islington College, to Applied Theatre students at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. If you think the skills you are learning could help us improve the lives of the people we support, please send us an email at volunteering@outward.org.uk.
Celebrating our Differences
At Outward, we know that our strength lies in our differences. As such, we are striving to develop a diverse team of volunteers by making our opportunities as responsive to the different needs of our volunteers as possible. If there is any way that we can make our application process or a volunteer role more accessible for you, please let us know how we can support you and we will do our best to make any reasonable adjustments.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kristen’s Inspiring Art Exhibition
Kristen, a dedicated long-time volunteer at Outward, organised a beautiful art exhibition in Chingford that showcased her artwork alongside pieces created by the incredible people we support.
Kristen has been volunteering with Outward for about three years, bringing her experience as both an artist and a workshop facilitator for adults with learning disabilities. When she discovered a free exhibition space through the council, Kristen saw an opportunity to give the talented artists we support a platform to share their voices. Despite working full-time, she devoted eight months—fitting in a few hours here and there—to plan, curate, and organise the exhibition alongside our co-production team.
The exhibition was a joyful celebration – many artworks were sold, and visitors were deeply moved by the creativity and stories shared. For the participants, it was more than just displaying art; it was an empowering experience that boosted their confidence and allowed them to share their unique voices with family, carers, and the wider community.
The highlight of the event was ‘Meet the Artists Sunday’, where participants proudly showcased their work to family, friends, and the wider community. Many pieces were sold, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and pride. For many, this was more than just an exhibition; it was a chance to build confidence, celebrate their achievements, and feel truly seen.
Kristen reflected on the impact: I think self-confidence is the main impact. People have told me how proud they were to share their art with carers and family. I hope everyone left with a sense of pride and empowerment—and that visitors saw just how fantastic the art is.
Kristen’s commitment has made a lasting impact, inspiring connection and pride. She is already planning next year’s exhibition, eager to continue creating opportunities for expression and inclusion.
Volunteer Spotlight: Veronika’s Interview
What inspired you to volunteer with Outward, and how long were you involved?
I joined Outward from 2021 to 2023 as part of my health and social care course. I was drawn to the organisation’s inclusive, person-centred approach and wanted to be part of a team that values dignity, empowerment, and community integration.
Can you share a meaningful moment or story from your time volunteering?
One of my most meaningful experiences was leading a Zoom activity group during the pandemic. At first, participants were shy and disengaged, but over time, I saw them become more positive and responsive. I’ll never forget an art session when a usually reserved participant created a beautiful piece and proudly shared it with everyone. Witnessing their confidence grow reminded me how powerful consistent care and encouragement can be.
How has volunteering shaped your perspective on community support?
It’s shown me that real change comes from small, consistent actions. Building trust and connection—especially through challenging times—can make a lasting difference. I’ve learned that inclusive, hands-on support is vital for resilient communities.
What skills have you developed, and what advice would you give to new volunteers?
I’ve strengthened my communication skills, adaptability, patience, creative problem-solving, and empathy. My advice: approach volunteering with an open heart and mind. It’s about giving as much as learning, and every contribution truly matters.
What did you enjoy most about volunteering with Outward?
I loved the strong sense of community and the focus on individual strengths. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that believes in everyone’s potential.
How do you feel you’ve made a difference?
I feel proud knowing that by building genuine relationships and offering consistent support, I helped create a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Feedback from our volunteers
“It has been a great experience to see how my involvement can change aspects of people’s lives, while helping someone to gain more self-confidence.”
“Amazing experience. Love working with the people I support.”
“Outward has definitely given me a new focus on how support and care should be delivered, while at the same time emphasising human dignity.”
“Paul is very well-liked by the all the people he supports as well as colleagues and is a well-integrated team member. He adds and improves the service by giving colleagues feedback through empathising from the perspective of those we support as he also receives support himself. He is able to give us a better perspective on how to provide care as a result. We are very lucky to have him and he has also developed his skills whilst being a volunteer and has also a paid job outside the organisation.” (Zahour Akhtar, Care and Support Co-ordinator)