Volunteer Roles

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Are you a Christian passionate about gospel music? Then we need your involvement with us.

We are looking for a Christian passionate about gospel music to become our volunteer music leader.

We are an organization based in Manchester and so a person based in Manchester would be perfect but if you live outside Manchester and okay to be travelling come weekly or to connect online, thats fine also. In all we do, we do it for the Lord.

If you are interested, please get in touch or apply within here.

We look forward to hearing from you

Are you passionate about empowering young people and making a real difference in your community? Join us as a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance and embark on a rewarding journey where you’ll inspire, guide, and support the next generation! 

What will you do? 

As a Youth Helper, you’ll be a key part of our dynamic volunteer youth teams, working with children aged 5-10 (Badgers) and 10-17 (Cadets) in Enfield and Edmonton. Here’s how you’ll make an impact: 

• Engage and Educate: Deliver fun, interactive sessions teaching first aid and life skills, boosting young people's confidence, teamwork, and self-discipline. 

• Support and Supervise: Help coordinate activities and sessions, ensuring all participants are safe and supervised. 

• Administrative Assistance: Support the Unit Manager with admin tasks, resource collection, and logistics. 

• Foster Inclusion: Encourage active participation and a safe environment, fostering a sense of belonging and community among young people. 

What are we looking for? 

We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who are dedicated to the vision and mission of St. John Ambulance. Ideal candidates will have: 

• A passion for engaging with young people and helping them develop life skills. 

• Enthusiasm for St. John Ambulance’s values and a commitment to our Youth Voice principles (Support, Empower, Inspire). 

• Teamwork and communication skills. 

• A flexible and positive attitude. 

• Previous experience working with youth is a plus but not essential—what matters most is your dedication and willingness to learn! 

What can you gain from this volunteering role? 

• Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to your community by helping young people grow and thrive. 

• Training and Development: Gain valuable skills through our comprehensive training programs, including the opportunity to learn first aid and progress into leadership roles. 

• Community: Become part of the St. John family, making new friends and building lasting connections with like-minded volunteers. 

Join us in creating a vibrant, supportive environment where young people can flourish. Together, we’ll make a difference, one life-saving skill at a time. 

Ready to inspire the next generation? Apply now to become a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance! 

Are you passionate about empowering young people and making a real difference in your community? Join us as a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance and embark on a rewarding journey where you’ll inspire, guide, and support the next generation! 

What will you do? 

As a Youth Helper, you’ll be a key part of our dynamic volunteer youth teams, working with children aged 5-10 (Badgers) and 10-17 (Cadets) in units across Essex county. Here’s how you’ll make an impact: 

• Engage and Educate: Deliver fun, interactive sessions teaching first aid and life skills, boosting young people's confidence, teamwork, and self-discipline. 

• Support and Supervise: Help coordinate activities and sessions, ensuring all participants are safe and supervised. 

• Administrative Assistance: Support the Unit Manager with admin tasks, resource collection, and logistics. 

• Foster Inclusion: Encourage active participation and a safe environment, fostering a sense of belonging and community among young people. 

What are we looking for? 

We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who are dedicated to the vision and mission of St. John Ambulance. Ideal candidates will have: 

• A passion for engaging with young people and helping them develop life skills. 

• Enthusiasm for St. John Ambulance’s values and a commitment to our Youth Voice principles (Support, Empower, Inspire). 

• Teamwork and communication skills. 

• A flexible and positive attitude. 

• Previous experience working with youth is a plus but not essential—what matters most is your dedication and willingness to learn! 

What can you gain from this volunteering role? 

• Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to your community by helping young people grow and thrive. 

• Training and Development: Gain valuable skills through our comprehensive training programs, including the opportunity to learn first aid and progress into leadership roles. 

• Community: Become part of the St. John family, making new friends and building lasting connections with like-minded volunteers. 

Join us in creating a vibrant, supportive environment where young people can flourish. Together, we’ll make a difference, one life-saving skill at a time. 

Ready to inspire the next generation? Apply now to become a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance! 

We are looking for non-judgemental, reliable, and patient individuals, who have an understanding (or the ability to learn) about domestic abuse and are confident using the telephone to join our volunteer befriending service. Befrienders will offer emotional support and promote self-care and healthy lifestyle choices to improve wellbeing and help alleviate isolation. The befriender will receive full training and ongoing support and supervision from our coordinator.

responsibilities

• Provide a weekly or fortnightly telephone call/video call or when appropriate face -to face session.
• Providing emotional support, including non-judgemental active listening
• Helping individuals to think about self-care, healthy lifestyle and development of routine
• Supporting individuals to pursue interests/hobbies and opportunities
• Supporting and gently encouraging people to make changes to improve their lives
• Helping individuals to achieve their goals and become empowered.
• To be aware of child and adult protection issues and report these to the Designated safeguarding leads.

Experience

• Respect for the confidentiality and self-respect of service users
• Non-judgemental, reliable and patient
• To be friendly, approachable, good communication skills and a good listener
• Knowledge and understanding of (or ability to learn) domestic abuse and the effects on ALL persons
• Confident using the phone
• Ability to calmly respond to the needs of the individual you are befriending
• Organisational and basic admin skills

What you will gain as a volunteer?

• A rewarding experience and opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of someone
• Training enabling you to develop new skills and broaden your knowledge.
• Skills development in support work
• On-going training and opportunities for personal development and progression
• Support and supervision
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Chair of Trustees - The SIck Children's Trust

The Sick Children’s Trust is a charity that provides a welcoming ‘Home from Home’ where families with a sick child in hospital can stay.

The first ‘Home from Home’ Rainbow House opened in 1984 in London to support the families of children receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Since then, The Sick Children’s Trust have opened an additional nine ‘Homes from Home’ at major paediatric hospitals in Newcastle, Cambridge, Sheffield, Leeds and another two in London.

They are more than bricks and mortar, friendly and caring staff are there to support families when they really need it. Hospital can be a lonely and scary place for anyone, but especially a child.

The Role

The Sick Children’s Trust is a desirable place to work with a passionate supporter base, organisational respect, a strong staff team, and a supportive board of trustees. They are seeking a Chair to provide strong leadership to continue to drive the organisation forward.

The Person

The Sick Children’s Trust is seeking a dedicated and charismatic leader with a proven track record of chairing a board or committee. The ideal candidate will possess strategic and creative vision, demonstrating strong independent judgment and excellent communication skills.

You should have the ability to offer constructive challenge while maintaining tact and diplomacy. Fairness and the ability to respect confidences are essential. Collaboration and inclusivity are crucial qualities for this role. Additionally, a strong external presence and excellent networking abilities would be highly valuable.

At compassion we support ALL victims & survivors of domestic abuse, to further grow the services we offer, we are looking for experienced and trained counsellors willing to offer 2+ hours per week to enable us to meet current demand and provide a high quality and a wrap aroung service for our all service users.

This is a fantastic oportunity to support domestic abuse victims in their recovery, be a part of a growing charity and a valued team member. Hours can be around home and work life and you choose the maximum hours/clients you book, sessions via telephone or zoom.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Fairfax House is looking for volunteer Room Hosts!

Our Room Hosts are essential and valued members of our team. The museum cannot open to the public without them!

Volunteering at Fairfax House gives you the chance to protect and share a beautiful eighteenth-century townhouse. It’s also a great way to increase your skills and knowledge, especially if you’re interested in history, museums or education. 

It’s very flexible and a low time commitment - we only ask you to work one 2.5 hour shift a fortnight - but the difference you’ll make to our visitors is immeasurable. You’ll also be joining our volunteer community, so it’s a great way to meet like-minded people!

Is this role for me?

You don’t need any specific knowledge or experience for this role - we’ll give you full training which includes teaching you everything you need to know about the house. You’ll particularly enjoy this role if:

• You enjoy chatting - especially chatting history - with people from all walks of life
• You have an interest in history and love learning more
• You can make a minimum commitment of one 2.5 hour shift once a fortnight

Tasks and responsibilities

• Welcome visitors to Fairfax House
• Give a great visitor experience
• Tell the stories of the house and its collection

Home Start Birmingham Tameside is a local organisation, under the umbrella of Home Start UK. Home Start offer practical & emotional support to vulnerable families who have at least one child under the age of 5 years.

We are seeking a Finance Trustee to help deal with strategic financial matters. 

What will you be doing?

We are seeking a Finance Trustee to help with strategic financial matters. We need someone who can support the manager to keep the accounts and report to the Board. Accounts also have to be prepared for the Independent Examiner each year. Becoming a Trustee is a chance for you to give something back to the community. By using your skills and experience you will be contributing to the strategic management of the charity, so we can continue providing vital support to families.

We are looking for

* Demonstrated financial awareness and knowledge gained through previous work activity.

* Ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.

* Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

* A willingness to learn.

* Good communication, team-working and interpersonal skills.

* Tactful, diplomatic and be able to build relationships.

We are seeking someone with a proven track record in Financial Management, Strategic Development & Planning.

Time Commitment

Approximately 1 day per month, with flexibility appreciated around the financial year end. There are 6 Board Meetings each year.

Travel limit

Volunteers should live within 15 miles of the centre.

What difference will you make?

The role of the Finance Trustee is so important to us - not only do we need someone to keep us on track financially and keep us viable, but even more significantly, we are looking for someone to help us formulate our vision for the future.

Before you apply

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a Home Start application form.

Could you help prevent loneliness and isolation for people living with BPD and become a befriender?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to give to a service user suffering from BPD and feeling isolated or lonely?
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a service users life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our service users to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the service users you are supporting, this may be over the telephone or via Teams.
• Engage the service user and help empower them
• Help service users to rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Keep accurate records of calls and sessions
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required, but the following skills are essential:

• Be aged over 18
• Must have lived in UK for 2+ years
• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Empathetic and compassionate
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with service users
• A DBS check and 2 references are required for this role

What we offer

• a comprehensive induction program
• training on safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
• ongoing support and supervision
• the chance to meet other volunteers and take part in volunteer events
• reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses