Charity volunteer roles

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 3, Centrepoint Retail Park, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB25 3SQ, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

We want to find four new Trustees to join Hear Me Out’s Board.  We’re looking for people with expertise relevant to our work, who work well with colleagues and can help make good decisions. We’re especially keen to find people who can bring us:

• Personal experience of immigration detention, asylum and immigration enforcement, and/or
• Expertise in generating gifts and earned income, especially through relationships with major partners and donors

The Trustee role is unpaid. 

Our Board of Trustees

The Trustees are the group in charge of Hear Me Out.  They are responsible for what we do, and are the guardians of our charitable work. Our small team of staff, led by our Director and Artistic Director, deliver the work, and the Directors report to the Trustees.  All these people work together to make Hear Me Out’s aims a reality, and keep it that way.

The Board of Trustees meet 4 times a year, currently on Thursday afternoons.  The meetings last 3 hours with a break in the middle.  Information is sent out before the meetings about the topics to be discussed, in written papers and sometimes as audio/video.  We also want Trustees to get involved in something else, perhaps a music activity or a group working on a special project, so that they bring deeper knowledge of Hear Me Out’s work into Board meetings.

Charity boards can sometimes feel quite posh and formal, with unspoken rules that confuse and exclude. But we think ours is a friendly place to be, and a good team where everyone is respected.  And we’re on a journey to unpack how it works, to make sure it’s only complicated when it really needs to be.  So we think being a trustee at Hear Me Out will be a good experience for people with different backgrounds and life experience – whether or not they’ve done anything like this before.  We need lots of wisdom to make good decisions about our complex work in this troubling time, and that’s the way to get it.

Lived experience and professional experience

Professional experience and lived experience are of equal value on our Board.  We need Trustees who understand what the people we work with are going through and what they need, and who can help make that happen.  That combination will give us the strongest impact.

We want to bring more people with personal experience of detention, asylum, immigration enforcement and/or racial discrimination into leadership roles in Hear Me Out.  We’ve started to do this but don’t yet have the critical mass of lived experience that will really place our organisation inside the communities we serve.  If you have this kind of experience then we would really love to hear from you.  You don’t need to have been a trustee before or to have a standard work CV.

We also want people’s professional experience.  Fundraising and income generation are particular issues for us at present, but our work needs a range of professional skills and expertise, so there are lots of ways to contribute.  So if you’re interested, tell us everything you can bring to the role.

Your role

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role 

As a Regional Fundraising Volunteer, you will support Rethink Mental Illness in generating income, raising awareness, and building community engagement through local fundraising initiatives. The role will involve event planning and support, and public engagement to help achieve regional fundraising goals. 

You will play a major part in bringing to life regional fundraising activities in line with our “Rethink in the Community" concept and increase regional awareness to generate much needed additional income and amplify the impact of the work Rethink Mental Illness do.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

Regional locations

Whilst this is a home based role, you will occasionally attend events within your region. We're particularly interested in receiving applications from people who live in the following areas:

Yorkshire & Northeast: Newcastle, Gateshead, York, Sunderland

Northwest: Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent

Midlands: Birmingham, Solihull, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Walsall

Southwest: Gloucester, Bristol, Plymouth, North Devon, South Devon, Cornwall

East of England: Norfolk, Norwich, Ipswich

What you will be doing as a Regional Fundraising Volunteer: 

• Support and assist in organising and participating in local fundraising events.

• Help with event logistics, set-up, and participant engagement to ensure smooth delivery. 

• Take part in local initiatives acquiring donors and do it yourself fundraisers. 

• Increase awareness of the organisation’s work by helping to promote regional fundraising activity. 

• Represent the organisation at schools, community groups, and public events, delivering presentations to inspire support. 

• Communicate with supporters via phone, email, and face-to-face interactions. 

• Attend and contribute to meetings with the fundraising team and supporters to share updates and ideas. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

You will have good knowledge of your local community and be passionate about making a difference to those severely affected by mental illness. You will also have:

• The ability to organise events and activities

• The ability to inspire and motivate others

• Good communication skills

• Creative ideas to promote diverse fundraising activities 

• Dedication to our cause 

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

About UKCF

At UK Community Foundations (UKCF), we put inclusivity at the forefront of all we do, we put relationships first and we are ambitious for our members and the communities they serve.

Everyone should have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and to feel they belong. This can’t be mandated by government, or done to people, only with them. Change needs to be driven by people who understand the local situation and our support makes this possible.

UKCF is a national network of community foundations based all over the UK. Community foundations connect philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. They are charitable organisations focused on supporting a defined geographical area by leveraging funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference.  At the national level, UKCF works with strategic partners to pilot new neighbourhood ideas and scale existing solutions across the UK, making sure resources reach people and communities where they are needed the most.

About the role

As a member of the Board of Trustees at UKCF, you share responsibility in ensuring that we have an effective, accountable governing body which provides leadership for the organisation's activities and performance. You have a legal responsibility to ensure that we carry out our activities for public benefit and we comply with our governing document and the law and act in the charity’s best interest. 

You will be committed to our values, want to actively participate in our activities and decision-making and be able to work effectively as part of a team.

Person specification

We value diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse Board provides stronger governance. We encourage applicants from a range of backgrounds, including those who may bring lived experience of the challenges community foundations strive to address. We also encourage individuals that may never have served as a trustee before to apply. We offer a comprehensive trustee induction, ongoing trustee training and a mentor for all first-time trustees.

We are specifically looking for individuals that can contribute experience of:

• Digital Transformation

• Commercial Legal (contracts)

• Philanthropy / Fundraising

• Community Resilience / Crisis Response

• HR

• Investment Management

Shared duties of the Board Trustees

• Strategy 

• Review the vision, mission and aims of the organisation annually to ensure that our strategy aligns with our purpose

• Scrutiny 

• Set and approve policies, plans and budgets in accordance with the approved strategy, and monitor performance against key performance indicators
• Ensure the financial strength and sustainability of UKCF

• Governance 

• Ensure UKCF complies with its charitable deed and all relevant laws and regulation 
• Oversee the identification and management of risk 
• Agree or ratify all policies and decisions on matters which might create significant risk to the organisation, financial or otherwise 
• Set and maintain a framework of delegation and internal control 
• Act reasonably and prudently ensuring the organisation takes expert advice when needed 

• Supporting 

• Be an ambassador for UKCF at a local and national level
• Support our strategic positioning with key stakeholders
• Introduce new contacts to UK Community Foundations that can help inform or further our work 
• Provide advice and support to the Chief Executive and senior management team 
• Participate as appropriate with our members, in order to build your understanding of community foundations in a wider context 

• Selection 

• Appoint and determine the remuneration of the Chief Executive
• Appoint the Chair of trustees, Vice Chairs and Treasurer from amongst the Board members 
• Agree the appointment of the auditors 

Commitment

We ask all trustees to commit to the following:

• Consider the organisation in all decisions, and have a clear understanding of UKCF’s purpose and mission 

• Act in the best interests of UKCF at all times and manage conflicts of interest 

• Reflect the organisation's vision and values, strategy and major policies at all times 

• Contribute specific skills, interests, contacts and support to the organisation in its activities 

• Prepare for and regularly attend meetings of the trustees, including quarterly trustee meetings, committee meetings (if applicable) and the AGM 

• Maintain good relations with, and provide encouragement to, senior managers and other staff 

• Take part in training sessions provided for the benefit of the trustees 

• Help to promote the organisation to a wider audience 

All trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings and a trustee away day once a year. These are held during the working day, online or in person and involve approximately 2 hours in the meeting as well as preparation time. 

In return we offer the chance to help shape and contribute to the governance and future direction of our work across the UK. With a new leadership team in place and a renewed focus on building our strategic positioning, profile and partnerships, this is an exciting time to be joining UKCF.

The role offers an opportunity to be part of a national network of people and organisations driven by the desire to make a positive difference to the communities they serve. You will have the chance to represent UKCF at national events and are encouraged to meet and engage with local community foundation members across the network.

This position also provides personal professional development opportunities, including:

- Experience for non-executive director positions

- Leadership, governance and strategy in the charity sector

- Coaching and mentoring opportunities for the executive team

- Risk management, influencing, financial literacy, communications and other professional skills development

You will be supplied with an induction pack, containing key resources and Charity Commission guidance. We will arrange induction meetings with fellow Trustees, the Chief Executive and an opportunity to meet the wider team through departmental “meet and greet” sessions. If you are a first-time trustee, we will offer you a mentor to work alongside you as you settle into the role. On an ongoing basis, we provide trustee training on relevant governance topics.

We are committed to making adjustments or supporting any additional needs Trustees might have to be able to undertake the role fully.

Terms 

Appointments are for an initial 3-year term, and trustees can serve for a maximum of 2 terms.

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses can be claimed. 

How to apply

Please submit a copy of your CV or biography, along with a supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with UKCF’s vision for a diverse and dynamic Board. Closing date for applications is 1st September.

The Nominations and Governance Committee will consider all applications and then invite shortlisted candidates to interview w/c 15th September.

If you are interested in the post of trustee but have questions or would like an informal chat, please do not hesitate to contact the CEO, Emma de Closset, by using the contact details on our website.

Data Protection 

The information given on in your application will be used to create a shortlist for interviews. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process. Your application will be kept on file for a maximum of six months and then destroyed. Submission of your application indicates your consent to the data being used in this manner. 

"Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't." - from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach

The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.

We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills - and to increase their life chances - receive the help they need to become confident readers.

Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis.

What it looks like in practice:

• Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week
• Building a constructive relationship with a learner
• Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed
• Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies

Where and when:

We have opportunities across London and we'll work around your schedule.

ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. All our locations are listed on our website.

The timings are flexible - ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday.

Personal Specification:

No prior teaching experience or qualification is needed. We provide full training so that volunteers are confident to start their sessions. However, volunteers must:

• Be at least 18
• Be able to speak and write English well enough to communicate clearly.
• Have a minimum education of a secondary school level or equivalent (i.e. hold a GCSE or equivalent, in any subject).
• Be willing to undergo a DBS check (provided by ALT)
• Have the right to volunteer in the UK 

About us:

The Adult Literacy Trust provides adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to formal education provision, ensuring that individuals who wish to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need to become successful readers, and to increase their life chances.

Delivered through a network of specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, our charity works closely with learning providers - such as Further Education Colleges and Institutes for Adult Learning - to assist people from some of the most disadvantaged communities who could benefit from enhanced support, strengthening learners’ outcomes from their participation in adult community education.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 14, The Grove Centre, Witham, Essex, CM8 2YT, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Job Title: Volunteer Trainee Roller Sports Coach

Location: Various venues across the UK (including after-school clubs and community programmes)

Position Type: Volunteer – 8 to 16 weeks (initial commitment)

Expenses: Travel and other agreed expenses will be reimbursed

About RollaDome All Skate: RollaDome All Skate is a charity committed to making roller sports accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities. Through structured coaching and community activities, we promote active lifestyles, personal development, and teamwork in a supportive environment.

Role Overview: We are looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Trainee Coaches to join our team and support the delivery of roller sports sessions across multiple venues in the UK. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about working with young people, developing their coaching skills, and gaining hands-on experience in a community sports setting. The role provides valuable practical experience alongside mentoring and training, ideal for anyone considering a future in sports coaching, youth work, or education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Lead Coaches in delivering fun, inclusive roller sports sessions.

• Assist participants in developing fundamental skating skills and confidence.

• Help with the set-up and pack-down of equipment at sessions.

• Provide encouragement and positive feedback to participants.

• Maintain a safe environment by following health and safety guidelines.

• Take part in training and mentoring to build your skills.

• Act as a positive role model, promoting inclusion, respect, and enjoyment.

• Engage with participants, parents, and staff in a friendly, professional manner.

Person Specification: Essential:

• Enthusiasm for sport, coaching, and working with young people. 

• Willingness to learn and develop roller sports and coaching skills.

• Good communication and teamwork skills. • Reliable, punctual, and able to travel to different venues as required.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including after-school sessions and occasional weekends.

• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and health and safety.

• Possession of a valid Enhanced DBS Check (or willingness to obtain one prior to starting).

Desirable:

• Intermediate or advanced roller skating skills.

• Experience working with children or young people in a community or sports setting.

• A recognised sports coaching qualification (any sport considered).

What We Offer:

• Mentoring and practical coaching experience.

• The opportunity to develop your roller sports and coaching skills.

• A positive, supportive team environment.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and agreed expenses.

• A meaningful role that contributes to improving young people’s lives.

• A potential pathway to paid coaching opportunities within RollaDome All Skate.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

The Clapham shop is a modern, contemporary and urban street store, unlike any other charity shop you've ever seen - full of vintage treasures, gorgeous greenery and creativity!

Our Clapham Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. 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 that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

On Sunday 7 September, we'll once again be cheering on our team of amazing Team Mencap runners as they take on the Great North Run 2025. For this, we'll have a cheer point on route to encourage, support, and thank our runners. The Great North Run is one of Mencap's big fundraising running events and we want to give our Team Mencap runners as much support as possible by having a big cheer point on route. Showing support is so important to runners and your enthusiasm and energy will encourage our runners all the way to the finish line.

We'll provide you with full details and a brief ahead of event day, including how to get there, what to wear, and what to bring, but here is all the key information you need to know right now:

What: The Great North Run 2025

Date: Sunday 7 September 2025

Time: 10:30am to approx 2:00pm

Where: Coniston Road, NE10 0XB (the What3Words location is ///other.worm.trade)

Our events are vital to Mencap, bringing people together to share experiences, launch programmes and celebrate successes! They also often help to raise funds for our services, such as the Mencap Direct helpline, advocacy services, and national campaigns such as Treat me Well.

We hold lots of events throughout the year, including bike rides and runs from 10km all the way up to Marathons. We also do art showings, bucket collections, garden parties, Christmas wrapping sessions, and lots more!

You'll be part of a diverse and inclusive team alongside volunteers with and without a learning disability. You will represent Mencap and help to promote our work and raise awareness for people with a learning disability at iconic events across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What you'll be doing:

• Cheering our runners
• Making lots of noise with clappers and whistles
• Waving flags
• Thanking people for running for Mencap​

As a Mencap Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

You'll get a Mencap t-shirt to wear

• You'll get to meet new people and be part of a team
• You'll get a sense of pride and achievement from supporting our runners
• You'll feel supported, appreciated, and valued
• You'll be able to claim travel expenses (up to £10)

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 6 Warwickshire Shopping Park, Kynner Way, Coventry, West Midlands, CV3 2TA, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Why does this role matter to Human Appeal?

Volunteers are an integral part of Human Appeal’s success. They are the ones that create real change for those most in need. This is your chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experience and have fun whilst being part of a great cause.

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, fast learning volunteers creative engagement intern to join our growing team at Human Appeal; helping us to produce content for our London volunteers through new and innovative ideas including daily reminders, summary posts following our events to show the impact volunteers are making. To maximise volunteer support and showcase the Human Appeal teams work who are delivering the projects on the ground.

Main tasks include:

· Produce High Quality, engaging content in various formats tailored to specific platforms and targeted at volunteers. E.g  Developing weekly posts for our volunteer group chats, curating motivational reels, event summary posts and showcasing our projects.

· Managing our London and South Volunteer Led Instagram Account- By posting updates from our events and engaging content.

· Research new or existing social engagement strategies to apply in our volunteer groupchats

· Attending events to gather content for upcoming content creation

· Develop new and engaging content ideas to increase volunteer retention and awareness of our campaigns

· Monthly Newsletter to summarise all significant campaigns- volunteer updates.

Knowledge/Experience/Skills required:

§  A good understanding of content creation: Social media posts/reels etc.

§  A good understanding of using Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Suite, MS Office Suite

§  Pursuing a degree or equivalent in Design/Creative/Graphic Design/ Marketing/ Production or Brand management or relevant experience.

§  Effective written and oral communication skills

§  Ability to work well in a team

§  Problem solving skills

§  Ability to prioritise your workload

Benefits of volunteering with us:

§  Experience of operating within the Volunteer Division of an international charity

§  Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in International Programme Management

§  Excellent support as part of a friendly team

§  Excellent training opportunities

§  Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering

§  Support in developing your CV (should you want it)

§  Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events

Learning & Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

§  A detailed induction to provide you with an overview of Human Appeal

§  Training and shadowing providing all the information and skills needed to fulfil the role

§  A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision

§  Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy

§  A volunteer handbook that outlines all of the policies and procedures you will need to be aware of whilst volunteering

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 7, Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6RF, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Manchester

Community Development Volunteer

Our Community Development Volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our Community Development Co-ordinator in a variety of ways.

As a Community Development Volunteer in England, you might:

· conduct online research

· attend events to raise awareness or present

· engage with project participants on social media

· deliver promotional material in a variety of locations

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.