Become A Volunteer
Join Our Mission: Volunteering at Raedan Institute
Make a Difference in Your Community
At Raedan Institute, we believe that every individual has the power to create positive change in their community. Located in the heart of Leicester at 2 Overton Road, LE5 0JA, our charity has been transforming lives through education, support, and community outreach. We invite you to become part of our dedicated volunteer family and help us continue this vital work.
Why Volunteer with Raedan Institute?
Volunteering is more than just giving your time – it’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others while enriching your own experience. Research by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) shows that 16.3 million people formally volunteer in the UK, contributing an estimated £22.6 billion worth of time annually to charitable causes¹. At Raedan Institute, your contribution becomes part of this powerful movement for social good.
As Sarah, one of our long-term volunteers, explains: “When I started volunteering at Raedan Institute two years ago, I thought I was just helping with admin work. But I quickly realised I was becoming part of something much bigger – a community that genuinely cares about making Leicester a better place for everyone.”
Our Volunteer Opportunities Educational Support Roles
- Teaching and Tutoring Positions
Our supplementary education programme serves students from KS1 to A-levels, and we urgently need qualified teachers and enthusiastic tutors to support our mission. Whether you’re a retired educator, a current teacher looking to make additional impact, or a graduate with subject expertise, your knowledge can help bridge educational gaps in our community.
- Teaching Assistants
Support our qualified teachers by assisting with classroom management, one-on-one student support, and educational activities. This role is perfect for those passionate about education but who may not have formal teaching qualifications. According to the Department for Education, effective teaching assistant support can improve student progress by up to 4 months additional learning per year².
- Teaching Assistant
Working as a teaching assistant at Raedan Institute has been incredibly rewarding,” shares Zainab, a volunteer TA. “Seeing a child’s face light up when they finally grasp a difficult concept – that’s what keeps me coming back every week.
Community Support Services
Food Bank Support Join our dedicated food bank team to help address food insecurity in Leicester. The Trussell Trust reports that food banks in the UK distributed 2.99 million food parcels in 2022-23, with 1.12 million going to children³. Your support in sorting donations, preparing food parcels, and assisting clients ensures that families in our community don’t go hungry.
Administrative Support Help keep our organisation running smoothly with administrative tasks including data entry, phone support, filing, and general office assistance. These behind-the-scenes roles are essential for maintaining our high standards of service delivery.
Facilities And Maintenance
Caretaking and CleaningMaintain our welcoming environment by assisting with general cleaning, tidying, and basic maintenance tasks. A clean, well-maintained space is crucial for creating a positive learning environment for our students and a comfortable space for all our community programmes.
Skilled Trades Support We welcome volunteers with DIY skills, including painters and decorators, plumbers, and electricians. Your expertise helps us maintain and improve our facilities while keeping operational costs low, allowing more resources to go directly to our programmes.
Flexible Commitment
We understand that everyone has different availability and commitments. There’s no minimum time requirement – whether you can spare one hour a week or several days, your contribution is valued. Our current volunteers typically contribute 1-2 hours per week, but we work around your schedule to find arrangements that suit both your availability and our needs.
Professional Development
Volunteering with Raedan Institute offers opportunities to develop new skills, gain experience in education or community service, and build your professional network. Many of our volunteers have used their experience with us as a stepping stone to careers in education, social work, and community development.
DBS Check Support
We prioritise the safety of our community members, particularly children and vulnerable adults. All volunteers undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which we facilitate and support you through the process.
Current Priority Areas
While we welcome volunteers in all areas, we currently have urgent needs for:
- Caretakers: To help maintain our facilities and ensure a safe, clean environment
- Teaching Assistants: To support our growing student population
- Tutors: Particularly in mathematics, English, and sciences
- Food Bank Volunteers: To meet increasing demand for our emergency food support
What We Offer Our Volunteers Comprehensive Training and Support
At Raedan Institute, we believe that well-prepared volunteers are more effective and confident in their roles. All volunteers receive comprehensive training relevant to their chosen position. Whether you’re new to teaching, unfamiliar with food bank operations, or haven’t volunteered before, we’ll ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
The Bigger Picture1
Your volunteer work at Raedan Institute contributes to addressing significant social challenges. The Office for National Statistics reports that 13.4 million people in the UK live in poverty, including 4.2 million children⁴. Educational inequality continues to affect life chances, with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds being 18 months behind their peers by age 16⁵.
By volunteering with us, you’re directly tackling these issues in your local community. Every hour you contribute helps create opportunities for learning, provides essential support to families in need, and builds stronger community connections.
Age-Inclusive Volunteering
We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a school leaver gaining experience, a professional looking to give back, or a retiree with time and wisdom to share, there’s a place for you at Raedan Institute. Intergenerational volunteering enriches our programmes and creates valuable connections across our community.
Beyond Our Premises
While most volunteer activities take place at our Leicester facility, some roles may occasionally require work in the wider community. This might include supporting outreach programmes, attending community events, or assisting with off-site educational activities.
Join Us Today
Ready to make a difference? Getting started is simple. Contact our volunteer coordinator at 07725974831 or email us at [email protected]. We’ll arrange an informal chat to discuss your interests, availability, and how your skills can best serve our community.
Volunteering at Raedan Institute isn’t just about helping others – it’s about being part of a community that cares, learns, and grows together,” reflects Priya, a volunteer tutor. “The relationships I’ve built and the difference I’ve witnessed make every moment worthwhile.
Your journey as a Raedan Institute volunteer starts with a single step. Take that step today, and become part of our mission to empower lives through education, support, and community connection.