Volunteer Roles

We are a Children's Rights based charity who work with children, young people and young adults nationwide. We are commissioned by Wokingham and Slough Borough Council, as well as many others across the country, to deliver their Independent Visitor service.  An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care.  Our Volunteers enjoy fun activities together which give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences.  The Volunteers consistent friendship help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. More information about the role can be found on the NYAS website. 

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people.

Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust.  Visits can be fitted in around the volunteers own time and work commitments.  We only ask that they can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.

Activity and travel expenses are covered.

Are you a minister of the gospel with experience of preaching, teaching or mentoring others in the ways of the Lord? Then you are welcome to join us as volunteer Evangelist.

We are looking for someone with passion for souls and for God's people who will be able to feed them with God's word for their spiritual edification.

If you are a new minister of the gospel and are looking for a place to use your passion of sharing God's word, you are welcome to apply also .

We are based here in Manchester. Ideally, ability to meet in person for regular meetings will great but remote/hybrid will be considered also.

Apply today if this interests you

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