Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Bristol

What will I be doing?

In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:

• Organising a breakfast spread in the living room for the residents once a week. You will need a level 2 food hygiene certificate which St Mungo’s can provide for you.
•  Be confident at chatting to the women at the service and putting them at ease in a non-judgemental manner. As there will could only be one permanent staff member on shift, we take extra measures to make sure you feel supported. This would involve you taking your own walkie-talkie to take to the living room, and permanent staff regularly coming to the living room to support you throughout the breakfast club.
•  Adhere to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times.
•  Promote St Mungo’s work in an appropriate manner.
• Actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion among staff, fellow volunteers and clients.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.

What is a Fundraising Coordinator?

As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
• Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
• Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
• Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
• Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
• Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
• Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
• Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
• Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops. 
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
• Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

The Great Friendship Project is a non-profit community project dedicated to addressing the loneliness epidemic among young adults in their 20s and 30s following the COVID-19 pandemic.

We provide regular online and offline spaces for young adults to make new friendships, build networks of support, and rediscover a sense of community in London.

Role Overview

The Fundraising & Grant Writing Volunteer will be pivotal in bolstering the organisation's efforts to secure essential funding, driving sustainable growth.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying potential grant sources, including foundations and donors that align with our mission.

You will lead the effort in drafting compelling grant proposals, letters of enquiry, and funding requests to effectively communicate our goals and needs.

Another key aspect of your role will be building and nurturing relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners, fostering strong connections to enhance our funding opportunities.

Finally, you will conduct market research to identify emerging trends and successful fundraising strategies, ensuring we remain ahead in our efforts to secure support.

Role Requirements:

• Commitment to the organisation's purpose and a genuine wish to address the issue of loneliness among young adults.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Acute attention to detail
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Familiar with social media and various digital communication tools.
• Outstanding research skills
• Capability to operate autonomously and collaboratively, whether remotely or on-site.
• Past experience in grant writing and fundraising campaigns is desirable.

Application Process: To apply for this opportunity, please click apply. You will then be contacted about your interest in the role and asked to answer a few questions about your time commitment, your interest in the role and how your skills align with the role.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.

What is a Fundraising Coordinator?

As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
• Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
• Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
• Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
• Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
• Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
• Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
• Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
• Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops. 
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
• Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

We are looking for a Volunteer Fundraising Assistant to support our international fundraising efforts that power our mission to create a better world for humans and animals alike.

Hours: 2-4 hours/week

Reports to: Fundraising Manager

Work base: Home-based within UK

Ideal start date: 9th September, 2024 (flexible)

About Veganuary

Veganuary is an international non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to try vegan in January and beyond. Veganuary’s popular cultural appeal, along with our positive and non-judgemental approach to veganism, is making a measurable difference for animals and the planet, as well as improving people’s health. We proactively support people and businesses alike to explore the diverse world of plant-based foods and the benefits they bring.

Millions of people – from nearly every country in the world - have taken part in Veganuary since our launch in 2014, and thousands of new vegan products and dishes have been added to shop shelves and restaurant menus worldwide. This is a very exciting time to support our international team of talented, valued and committed people who enjoy their ability to collaboratively contribute to this amazing cause. 

Summary of Position

We are looking for a Volunteer Fundraising Assistant to support the Fundraising Manager in a variety of tasks across our income streams, helping us secure the funding needed to drive our mission forward.

Responsibilities

• Support in the preparation for our main fundraising appeal
• Help to create fundraising materials/assets and presentations
• Support fundraising applications
• Variety of fundraising research projects (e.g. new potential funders)
• General fundraising and supporter administration

Person Specification

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Self-motivated with the ability to organise and prioritise tasks
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• You share and will support Veganuary’s vision and values (see below)

Desired

• A good understanding of the fundraising landscape, or a willingness to learn
• Experience of using Salesforce, Pardot, WordPress or similar

Our Vision

Our vision is simple; we want a vegan world. A world without animal farms and slaughterhouses. A world where food production does not decimate forests, pollute rivers and oceans, exacerbate climate change, and drive wild animal populations to extinction. 

Our Values

Impact: we are committed to a vegan world; we will utilise research to evaluate how the highest number of lives can be spared and direct resources to that end. 

Empowerment: we will optimise our outreach to support and encourage people on their vegan journey in a non-judgemental, positive, constructive and easily accessible way. 

Collaboration: by partnering with other mission-driven organisations and working closely with corporates, we will make a bigger difference. 

Diversity and inclusion: we know that it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests and backgrounds to achieve our vision; we appreciate the value of this and how it brings us closer to achieving our mission. 

Respect and integrity: in all internal and external relationships, we will strive for genuine, honest, and transparent communication.

Resilience: we will continue to create a professional and sustainable (human, social, economic and environmental) organisation. 

Application Process

Please submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than 1000 words that answers the following questions

• Why do you want to volunteer for Veganuary?
• What will you bring to our charity?
• When can you start?

This job advert will close on at 9am BST on Wednesday 4th September 2024. We will review all applications after the advert has closed and will respond to all applicants.

As an inclusive employer, reasonable adjustments can be made to allow any who require additional support to apply for this role. Please get in touch with us if you require such support.

Thank you for your interest in Veganuary!

Veganuary is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive work culture that reflects and celebrates our diverse world. We therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of their ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marriage and civil partnership status, or age. We recognise our duty as an employer to foster an environment that embraces diversity and are constantly reviewing our practices to become even more inclusive as an organisation. We also recognise that certain groups in our industry are under-represented – we welcome applications from all who meet the role’s requirements and are making efforts to attract a diverse pool of candidates to combat the lack of representation.

A copy of our recruitment privacy notice can be found here: Veganuary Recruitment Privacy Notice.pdf

Join the Oxfam community

As a Retail Volunteer you will learn all about what goes into making our fantastic shop thrive. You can keep busy in the stockroom sorting and checking donations or be on the shop floor, serving customers and putting stock out on sale. Whatever suits you! Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

You can focus on any part of volunteering that interests you the most. As a Retail Volunteer you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence. Why not try a bit of everything?

• Sorting donations including checking and pricing
• Serving customers on the till
• Create stylish window displays
• Keeping the shop fully stocked
• Helping donors as they come in

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

Everyone has something to offer

At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you. You can find out more about volunteering with Oxfam here.

What happens next?

After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

We are looking for editors, proofreaders, and typists to support young people's stories!

You do not have to be a published writer, just have lots of enthusiasm for creative writing and young people. Super Power Agency volunteers come from every walk of life. Some want to give back to their local community, others want to gain experience in publishing and some just want to help out!

All of the work our young writers do is published into a book of some form.

If you’d like to be involved but find it difficult during typical school hours, then the Extraordinary League of Editors, Proofreaders, Helpers And Nifty Typists (E.L.E.P.H.A.N.T.) might be the editing collective for you! This is back-end remote volunteering, and is integral to publishing the young writers’ work.

The writing is split up into batches, each taking approximately one hour, and you are welcome to do as many or as few as your schedule allows!

About Super Power Agency

Founded in 2016, The Super Power Agency aims to improve the lives and literacy rates of some of Edinburgh's most under-resourced young people. Through a range of writing workshops, interdisciplinary creative programmes and the help of community volunteers, we aim to empower children and young people (8-18 years) through literacy. We are currently working with Leith Academy, with plans to expand to other schools and youth-serving organisations in Edinburgh and beyond.

Role Description

Come join our team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

Many of our service users don’t use English as their first language and rely on high quality translation to understand information. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers who can accurately translate English text into any of the languages below:

Bengali, Arabic, Amharic, Albanian, Vietnamese, Romanian, Polish, Tigrinya, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi.

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Hold a translating or interpreting qualification or to hold a degree (in any subject) and be fluent in speaking and writing in English, and one or more of the languages above

•Have excellent command of English and other language(s)

•Have grammatical accuracy

•Have excellent proof-reading skills including IT skills

•Have use of own computer

•Be willing to have a basic DBS check

•Have the willingness to learn about human trafficking issues

•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality

To apply please complete an application form on our website.

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have over 250 branches across the UK, all of which help our feline friends in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and staff, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help sort, value and display our vinyl and media donations in our shops to help turn them into cash.

What will I be doing?

Sorting through our media (CD/DVDs/Vinyl) donations and pricing them ready for sale

Researching interesting vinyl online on sites such as Discogs, eBay and Amazon to value them for sale in the shop

Displaying the media on the shop floor ensuring stock is rotated regularly to increase sales

Enlisting help from local auction houses when needed

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering queries

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide.

What skills do I need?

It’d be great if you have some knowledge of or interest in vinyl/media and know what to look out for when valuing.

A really keen eye for detail and ability to cross reference items across a number of websites to provide the most realistic valuation

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

Ability to use computer for research

You may need to handle bags and donations from the public and there may be stairs to climb depending on which shop you are based in. If you have any concerns about this, please speak with the Shop Manager when expressing your interest in volunteering.  

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you do try a small number of hours in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you. The amount of hours can be decided between you and the Shop Manager.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to run you through the basics of helping in a shop in your first few days and they’ll always be on hand after that.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

You’ll be based within your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop.

How do I apply?

Please contact the Shop Manager in your local shop directly or alternatively please contact our Volunteer Development Team on our website.

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

Empower Change as a Legal Advisor with Mast Cell Action: Championing Medical Support in the UK

Are you a dedicated legal professional looking to utilise your expertise for a cause that truly matters? Join the dynamic team at Mast Cell Action, a UK-based charity committed to supporting people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Your legal skills can play a vital role in advancing our mission and providing much-needed assistance to those in need.

Position: Legal Advisor (Volunteer)

As a Legal Advisor at Mast Cell Action, you will be a crucial contributor to ensuring our operations align with UK laws and regulations. By providing expert legal guidance, you will enable us to navigate legal complexities and make informed decisions that drive our mission forward. In this role, you will:

Responsibilities:

Offer legal counsel on matters related to UK regulations, compliance, and policies.

Review and draft contracts, agreements, and legal documents to facilitate our initiatives.

Provide advice on matters of governance, organisational structure, and risk management.

Collaborate with internal teams to ensure legal compliance in fundraising, advocacy endeavors, and community outreach.

Represent Mast Cell Action in legal negotiations, disputes, and external communications.

Qualifications:

Qualified solicitor or barrister with current registration in the UK.

Experience in healthcare law, nonprofit law, or related field is advantageous.

Strong familiarity with UK healthcare regulations, privacy laws, and compliance standards.

Benefits:

A unique opportunity to leverage your legal skills for a meaningful cause.

Collaboration with a passionate and dedicated team.

Remote work and flexible arrangements.

Satisfaction in contributing to improved support for individuals in the UK.

Application Process:

If you are eager to apply your legal expertise to drive positive change, we invite you to submit your CV and cover letter. Please highlight your relevant experience and your alignment with our charity's mission.

Mast Cell Action is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals affected by mast cell disorders.

Join us in championing medical support and empowerment for all. Apply today to be part of a transformative journey.

You will make weekly contact via telephone or video call for up to 1-hour, providing emotional support and a listening ear, perhaps sharing your own experiences, to help families navigate through a challenging time.

 Telephone support is a great way to give back even when your time is limited. Telephone and virtual support can suit full time work as well as company volunteering opportunities. It is flexible and can fit in around your other regular commitments allowing you the chance to get involved and give back to your community at a time that suits you and the family you are supporting.

No experience is needed as full training is 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, 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.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the Branch Coordinator, Cat Welfare team, Branch Development Manager and Vet team to ensure that CP cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied in branch
• Support fosterers to follow Cats Protection cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified Cats Protection systems
• Attending relevant Cats Protection volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers using Cats Protection processes
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cats Protection Cat Adoption Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures