Charity Support Volunteer Roles

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) -  08/04/2025 
Training for role - 10/03/2025 details of course including dates, time & venue.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/03/2025

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 and safety 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.

Calling All Book Lovers! Volunteer at Our New Acorns Book Shop in Harborne

Love books? Want to make a difference in your community? Acorns Children’s Hospice is thrilled to announce the opening of a brand-new Superstore and will include a book shop and we need you!

As part of our network of shops across the West Midlands, the Harborne Superstore helps us generate vital funds to support children and their families. By volunteering in our new store, you’ll play a key role in this mission while sharing your passion for books.

Step into a dynamic and exciting environment where no two days are the same!

As a shop volunteer you will.

• Organise and Catalogue books, journals, and other materials to keep our collection well-ordered and accessible.
• Assist Visitors in finding the right books and resources, ensuring they have a great experience.
• Engage with Customers by offering friendly service, answering queries, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Curate and Sort Donations by arranging shelves, selecting featured titles, and helping process new book donations.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• Make a difference in your local community by supporting a charity that cares for children and families.
• Meet like-minded book lovers and make new friends.
• Boost your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience.
• Enjoy retail discounts, access free online courses, and take advantage of exciting opportunities to progress into other roles.
• Be part of a supportive team, attend social events, and enjoy rewards through our volunteer recognition schemes.

How Much Time Will It Take?

Our shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm, and Sundays, 10am–4pm. You can choose the hours that suit you, but we’d love for you to volunteer at least 3 hours a week.

Full Training Provided
No prior experience is required—just enthusiasm and a love for books! While previous experience is a plus, it's not essential. We’ll provide all the training and support you need to succeed

Join Us Today!
Help us make the new book shop a success and continue to provide vital care for children and their families.

Interested? Pop into our Harborne Superstore or contact us to find out more. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!

Retail & Furniture Assembly Volunteers  - We have multiple Volunteer Opportunities in Acorns Children's Hospice Superstore in Harborne

Acorns have a network of shops across the West Midlands that generate a substantial level of income to enable us to care for children and their families. 

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Harborne Superstore. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between
 

Furniture Assembly Volunteer

• Assembling and dismantling flat-pack furniture.
• Completing tasks within customer assembly request timeframes.
• Identifying and reporting defects or missing parts during furniture construction.
• Performing minor repairs on donated goods as needed.
   

Retail Assistant

• Providing excellent customer service and engaging with customers.
• Accepting, sorting, and organizing donated stock.
• Pricing items for sale in accordance with store guidelines.
• Operating the till and assisting with customer purchases.
• Managing returns, exchanges, and refunds following store policies.
• Providing a friendly and efficient service to customers.
   

How Much Time will it take

Our shop is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

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 and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Key Volunteer:

Our Key Volunteer role is an extra level of responsibility for someone who can commit to supporting their local Sense Shop on a regular basis. Once you've had all the training, you'll be getting involved by:

• Learning and following fire safety procedures.
• Open and close the shop when necessary to support the Shop Manager.
• Cash up the till at the end of the day.

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.

Volunteer at Acorns Three Counties Hospice Garden Fete on Sunday 9th March

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £10 million a year to run our care services.

What’s Involved?

Dive into a variety of exciting roles that bring this wonderful community event to life:

• Welcome Desk: Be the warm and friendly first point of contact for our guests, setting the stage for an amazing day.
• Stalls and Games: Add energy and joy by running entertaining stalls and games for attendees of all ages.
• Refreshments: Serve up smiles along with food and drinks, ensuring everyone stays refreshed.
• Car Park Marshals: Help guests park smoothly and stress-free.
• Gazebo Setup and Takedown: Lend a hand to create the festive atmosphere and pack it away after the event. (Lend a hand on Friday 7th March)
• Health & Safety Officers required

The event held in the hospice gardens is to welcome the local community into Acorns.
There will be entertainment, stalls and activities 11am – 3pm. Food and refreshments are available. Volunteers are welcome to invite along their family & friends.

How much time will it take?

• 9am – 6pm either for the whole event or a few hours
• Parking will be available nearby for volunteers
• All volunteers will receive hot drinks free of charge.

Am I right for the role?

We’re looking for volunteers who are

• Approachable and happy to raise awareness about Acorns
• Versatile and willing to adapt and help out

  Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online training courses
• Retail discounts
• Participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards.

Volunteer briefing will be provided.

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

New unit - meeting night to be confirmed

Pursuing the role.

Closing date for these opportunities is: Friday 28th February 2025.

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 and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Key Volunteer:

Our Key Volunteer role is an extra level of responsibility for someone who can commit to supporting their local Sense Shop on a regular basis. Once you've had all the training, you'll be getting involved by:

• Learning and following fire procedures
• Open and close the shop when necessary to support the Shop Manager.
• Cash up the till at the end of the day.

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 and safety 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.

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

As Unit Manager you will be responsible for the overall management of your St John Ambulance Youth unit. You will do this by leading weekly meetings, organising other youth development activities and actively participating in the recruitment, training and retention of the young people and volunteers in your unit. You will ensure that they have a positive and rewarding experience in St John Ambulance, by equipping them with the necessary skills to fulfil our vision; ‘Everyone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them. No one should suffer for the lack of trained first aiders.’

This role is ideal for someone who has some management experience and wants to enhance their skills while doing invaluable work. This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.

Volunteer would be expected to meet all requirements of role description and to work with Network Lead to build a strong youth unit.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 27/2/2025
• Training for role - TBC with the Youth Team

Closing date for these opportunities is: Sunday 23rd February 2025

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - 15th March 2025 held at Croydon.
Training for role - CFA course held at Croydon over the weekend of 12-13 April.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/02/2025

Replenishment and Merchandising Volunteer -  New Volunteer Opportunity in Acorn's Children's Hospice Superstore 

The Role 

Acorns have a network of shops across the West Midlands that generate a substantial level of income to enable us to care for children and their families. Our empowered Replenishment and Merchandising Volunteers support the team by replenishing stock on the shop floor and by merchandising it in an eye catching and engaging fashion.

How much time will it take? 

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too), 9am to 5pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but ideally we’ll need you to be available for at least 3 hours per week. 

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity
• To make a difference in your local community
• To connect with like minded people and make new friends
• Boost your CV
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• All training will be provided

Am I right for the job? 

For this role, you'll need to:

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Customer engagement
• Accepting, sorting, and pricing donations
• Operating the till
• Merchandising
• Teamwork and positive attitude
• Welcoming and friendly
• Sensitivity to customer and donor needs
• Steaming 

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Ledbury shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Volunteer with us!
Acorns have a network of shops across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire that generate a substantial level of income to enable us to care for children and their families. 

Our empowered Till Volunteers support by greeting customers with a smile, taking payment for purchases, issuing change and receipts. You will also accept any donations that are made to the charity and support with signing donators for Gift Aid.

Am I right for the job?

• Be welcoming and friendly
• Be able to use a till
• Have good attention to detail
• Be a team player that thinks of others 

For this role, you'll need to:

• Thankfully accept donated goods
• Be sensitive to the needs of our customers/donators
   

How much time will it take?
Our Ledbury shop is open Monday to Sunday  (Sunday -10am to 4pm). You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but ideally, we’ll need you to be available for at least 3 hours per week.

Why volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity
• To make a difference in your local community
• To connect with like minded people and make new friends
• Boost your CV
• Opportunities to progress to other roles

Full training will be provided