Community services volunteers volunteer roles in chorley, lancashire
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the opportunity
This role involves supporting with events in your local area throughout the year.
There is no minimum commitment for the role. Times will vary depending on the requirements of the event. You will be provided with an event brief beforehand to ensure you are happy with the requirements for that activity.
By volunteering you will:
- Be a valued member of the Charity
- Can work with dogs without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
- Be able to meet like-minded people
- Gain practical experience in the field of canine care and welfare.
- Have fun by joining a friendly, enthusiastic, and supportive team of volunteers.
‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs’
What is involved
- Raising awareness of Canine Partners and what we do by speaking to event attendees
- Promoting fundraising activities at the event (selling raffle tickets etc)
- Handing out leaflets, taking donations
- Set up and pack away on event day
- Passing on any leads to the Community Fundraising team
What we require from you
- Age 18 or over
- Access to your own transport with flexibility to visit various locations
- Polite, confident, and personable manner
- Excellent customer service skills
- Most opportunities require standing for the duration of the session and/or being in a busy environment. Please advise us if you have any concerns about this, and we will do our best to support you.
Support and Training
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from an event.
- Dedicated point of contact in the fundraising team
- Pre-event briefings outlining the requirements of the event
- Volunteer clothing and ID badge
- Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
- Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda. Our mission is to tackle inequalities in access to WASH by providing safe and sustainable WASH facilities and services to those that need it most.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: We are recruiting a new Communications Manager in order to build awareness around WASH inequality, grow EAU's presence and income generation, and ultimately enable us to reach more communities and transform more lives.
- Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of an external and internal communications strategy to drive the strategy, vision and values of EAU;
- Oversee public communications channels, including social media and websites, working closely with the fundraising and programmes team to improve communication between stakeholders;
- Lead EAU's monthly newelstter to key stakeholders
- Oversee production of EAU’s Annual Report, raising awareness of WASH inequality and generating income for EAU.
- Build and maintain relationships with key partners and important contacts;
ABOUT: ‘Equal Aqua’ is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with ‘Equal Aqua Uganda’, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both).
Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability
Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required skills, knowledge and practical interventions
Objectives:
- To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
- To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
- To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
- 32,866 people with improved access to safe water
- 11,044 people with improved sanitation
- 11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills
- 3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge
- British High Commission award winner
VALUES: At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?
Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.
This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.
Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager. Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:
- Serving customers on the till
- Taking stock donations from the public
- Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
- Dressing the window displays
- Asking people to join us as a volunteer
As a Retail 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:
- Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
- Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
- Receive full Training and support
- Volunteer alongside other people
- Have a chance to give back your local community
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.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer
Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success? As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.
Time Expectations: 1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)
This could be a shared role and tasks may include:
· Booking the hall for future Jumbles
· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability
· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end
· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before
Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.
We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.
Please note: Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.
Full training and support will be given for all roles. We look forward to hearing from you!
Applicants will need to complete an application form with two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!
About us
At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition.
We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.
Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.
By joining our board you will be:
- Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
- Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
- Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:
· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.
· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.
· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.
· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
About the role
As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.
In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:
· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,
· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and
· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions
What you can expect from us
We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.
Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.
We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.
One more thing
We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.
But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.
For more information on the role please see the role description.
We welcome and support your preferences for how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to apply.
If you prefer to apply in a different way e.g. through a conversation or submitting a short video please contact us and we can arrange it.
If you need any adjustments during the application process please let us know and we'll do our very best to accommodate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications.
You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely.
If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you.
We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers.
We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.
East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.
What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies
In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- This role requires 1 reference.
Location
Region
- Scotland
Who this opportunity will suit
- This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our
volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.
We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might
vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:
· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business
· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers
· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year
· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact
We are looking for people who are:
· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook
· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC
· Able to communicate with a range of different groups
· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution
· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people
· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements
We can offer you:
· Induction and ongoing training
· Ongoing support and supervision in your role
· The opportunity to learn new skills
· YBTC commitment to health and safety
Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support
Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading
brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child
brain tumour patients, together with their families.
We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new
approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.
At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain
tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region
every week.
Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.
Our Vision/Mission
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and
research.
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a Campaigns Volunteer to raise awareness and campaign so that decision-makers know about and can address the needs of everyone affected by MND.
“I love being a campaigns volunteer for the MND Association, it means I can give something back to the MND Community, who along with the Association provide a lot of support for people like me” - Ian Lev
What is campaigning?
These are some of the things you could do as a Campaigns Volunteer! Our team will be here to support you in whatever you’re doing.
- Sharing the MND Association’s campaigns on social media.
- Contacting local councillors to improve services for people living with and affected by MND in your area.
- Talking to MPs and other decision-makers about what MND is and why it’s important that people have access to high quality health and care services.
- Working with MND Association staff to identify issues and gather evidence for campaigns.
- Help to change laws to improve the lives of people living with and affected by MND.
This role will suit you if:
- You want to make a positive difference for people living with and affected by MND.
- You’re interested in learning and improving your campaigning skills.
- You’re a good communicator. No matter where your interest lies, be it writing e-mails or talking to people, sharing stories or providing us with feedback, you have so much to offer!
- You are computer literate and have access to email and the internet, or someone who can help you with this.
- Willing to work autonomously but also link up with others when needed.
‘Campaigning really works! It’s not as hard as it may sound – just be yourself and you’ll be making a positive difference for people living with and affected by MND.’ - Judith Rice
What’s in it for you?
- A chance to make a difference to the lives of those living with and affected by MND.
- Get access to a range of training events where you can develop campaigning skills and network with other Campaigns Volunteers.
- Join a friendly and dedicated team.
- Exclusive early access to our campaign plans and developments in our campaigning.
- Opportunity to connect with, learn and share with other Campaign Volunteers in our Facebook group!
How flexible is the role?
The time required is flexible, but we would hope Campaigns Volunteers would commit to a minimum of 1-2 hours per week.
We do understand that this role may need to fit around your family, studies, caring or other commitments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!
Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?
We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.
Last year, we:
✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges
✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need
✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.
We are particularly interested in individuals with:
Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
Expertise in volunteer engagement
A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach
However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.
What’s Involved?
As a Trustee, you will:
Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)
Participate in one annual trustee development day
Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work
This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.
If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you!
We advise, support and empower people to improve their lives providing the best, impartial advice and influencing policy for a more equal society
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Wheels for All aims to promote inclusive cycling through a range of successful community engagement programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis. Our Volunteers bring our cycling programmes to life, they make sure everyone feels included, they inspire others, they increase confidence, they maintain bikes and make sure that cycling is accessible to everyone.
From meeting/greeting participants, leading elements of the activity, providing encouragement, helping to move equipment to/from storage, and assisting to check working order of cycles, your support will make a huge difference to our participants and carers who attend our inclusive cycling sessions. Training is provided to all volunteers, with other opportunities to attend and participate in external training where relevant.
As a valued Wheels for All volunteer you will:
- Make a difference to the lives of disabled people
- Meet new people
- Make new friends and join social activities
- Connect with your community through supporting a local project
- Develop your skills at our sessions and relevant training courses
- Reap mental health and wellbeing benefits of helping others
- Build experience for references
- Receive a lot of appreciation from our participants and carers!
- Be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy
- Receive Wheels for All branded uniform
- Access the volunteer Wheels for All training
- Enjoy the amazing Charities culture
What are we looking for?
- Approachable and friendly nature
- Great interpersonal and communication skills
- Empathy and understanding of how people can react differently to certain situations or triggers
- Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement
- Adaptable and flexible to changing circumstances
- Effective as part of a team
- Positive attitude
- Honesty and integrity
- Excellent organisational skills and initiative
- Some cycling experience (although not essential)
Volunteers aged 18 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all volunteers must be happy to undertake a DBS check and collect references.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.
What is a Visitor?
SSAFA Visitors provide support to isolated people living at home or in residential care. Whilst a friendly chat about the old days over a cup of tea is an important aspect of the role you will also be able to recognise any other support needs and explore how to link your client into their local community.
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.
With the gift of time and a listening ear you can improve someone’s quality of life for far longer than the hour or so you might spend with them. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us to help more people!
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or elsewhere.
Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you will visit a client on a regular basis for a period, you will not be developing the kind of relationship where you would provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting clients and arranging to meet them regularly at their home or care home for uninterrupted conversation.
- Letting the divisional secretary know of any concerns for your or the client’s safety.
- Arranging for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support as required.
- Chatting, making a cup of tea, playing cards, looking at photo albums, military mementos etc
- Helping your client to think about ways to reduce their isolation and support them to put these into practice.
- Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- 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 could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Support people in your community with a military background using your patience, time, and empathy.
- 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?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, friendship, and befriending. This training would take approx. 4 hours.
- 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.
- Local Induction
- Access to the Volunteer Support Team 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 listening skills, patience, and a cheerful attitude
- Good spoken English
- Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
- Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
- Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep regular appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely (within SSAFA policies)
- Willingness to travel by public transport or car to appointments with clients.
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? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer This role requires an enhanced check.
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?
PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.
By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:
- Gain retail experience
- Develop new skills and boost your CV
- Meet new people
- Support your local community
- Donate your current skills and knowledge
- Have fun
- Be part of a friendly team
Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.
On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.
Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing
We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.
We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.
Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA
PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.
To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.