Community volunteers volunteer roles in whitby, north yorkshire

Are you a Pashto speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Pashto-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

� What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎️ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Pashto.

� Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Pashto-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

✅ What’s required?

✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations

� How to get involved:

Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Pashto-speaking community across the UK!

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a dynamic charity thats dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach addresses key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

Graphic Designer:

We are seeking a talented and creative volunteer to join our team as a Graphic Designer. This is a one off or regular volunteer role and is crucial in designing a variety of urgent and important items such as social media posts and motion graphics, volunteer booklet, branded documents like recruitment packs, participant forms, training manuals, internal posters (e.g., safeguarding and values), and much more. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design visually appealing and brand-consistent graphics for social media posts and other digital platforms.
• Create a comprehensive guide booklet on Unlock YOUR Potential.
• Develop branded documents including recruitment packs, participants forms, training manuals, and internal posters.
• Collaborate with the team to understand design requirements and deliver high-quality visuals.
• Ensure all designs align with our mission and values, effectively communicating our message to the community.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in graphic design, preferably in the non-profit sector but not essential.
• Proficiency in graphic design software.
• Strong creative skills and an eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Time Commitment:

• This volunteer role offers great flexibility to fit around your life. You can design one-off items or design regularly for us.

Together, let’s unlock potential and create positive change.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS 
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

 

 

 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

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. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

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.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

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

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• 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, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• 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.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• 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 with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel 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 (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*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.

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

 

 

 

Web Developer (Volunteer) – Build the Digital Home of MINDSET

Are you a web-savvy creative who believes technology can drive social change? Do you want to help build a platform that empowers men to speak up, grow, and thrive?

MINDSET is a bold new charity focused on men’s mental health and self-improvement. We will be offering peer-led support, practical workshops, and a community built on courage and connection. Now we’re looking for a volunteer Web Developer to help bring our vision online.

Why MINDSET Needs You

• Many men struggle in silence—our website will be their first step toward connection.

• We need a digital space that’s simple, welcoming, and emotionally resonant.

• Your skills can help us reach more people, share resources, and build community.

Your Role: Web Developer (Volunteer)

You’ll design and maintain a user-friendly website that reflects MINDSET’s values and supports our mission. From showcasing events and resources to enabling donations and sign-ups, your work will be central to our impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a simple, responsive website (WordPress, Wix, or similar).

• Integrate features like event listings, donation options, and volunteer sign-ups.

• Ensure accessibility, mobile compatibility, and emotional resonance in design.

• Collaborate with branding, content, and outreach volunteers.

• Provide occasional updates and troubleshoot issues as needed.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience with web platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or custom builds.

• Passionate about mental health, inclusion, and grassroots change.

• Able to work independently and communicate clearly with a small team.

​Why Volunteer with MINDSET?

• Use your tech skills to make a real difference.

• Help build a digital space that empowers and connects.

• Collaborate with a visionary, grassroots team.

• Be part of a movement that turns vulnerability into strength.

Apply Now

Send a short bio and a few examples of your web work (or portfolio link).

Deadline: 18th August 2025 before 5:30pm

Let’s build a digital home where every man feels seen, heard, and supported.

Your code could be the key to someone’s first step toward healing.

MINDSET Charity

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!

What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community. 

If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!

KIPAWA DREAMS INITIATIVES

Kipawa Dreams Initiatives (K-DI) is a women-led Organization. Our mission is to empower youth, especially girls and women, by equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities to foster sustainable communities through extensive education, health, and technology-related initiatives. At K-DI, we prioritize tackling significant challenges in education and health, particularly for marginalized youth. We focus specifically on women and children aged 10 - 25. Our strategy is built on collaborating with local stakeholders, governments, and development partners, which allows us to create community-driven solutions and enhance capacity within our communities.

KIPAWA Dreams addresses the intertwined social and environmental challenges facing youth in rural Tanzania, including poor mental health awareness, cultural stigma, gender inequality, and lack of supportive spaces. Many young people struggle in silence with trauma, anxiety, or abuse, worsened by poverty and harmful norms. Girls are especially vulnerable due to early marriage, menstrual stigma, and limited educational access. Through peer-led clubs, community dialogues, and youth mental health training, KIPAWA Dreams fosters safe and inclusive environments that promote resilience, emotional expression, and support. The organization empowers young people to heal, lead, and drive change within their schools, families, and communities.

KIPAWA Dreams tackles mental health stigma, gender inequality, and youth marginalization through culturally rooted, community-driven solutions. It trains teachers, health workers, and youth leaders in Mental Health issues, builds school-based peer support clubs, and facilitates intergenerational dialogues to break harmful silences. By integrating arts, sports, and storytelling, the startup creates safe spaces for youth expression and healing. Girls are empowered through leadership roles and reproductive health education, while all youth gain tools to navigate trauma and stress. KIPAWA Dreams fosters resilience, inclusion, and early intervention transforming communities from within and ensuring that no young person is left behind.

Join Us in Making Mental Health Matter in Rural Tanzania.

Fundraising & Partnerships Lead (Volunteer)

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

KDI is seeking a passionate fundraising strategist to help us secure funding and scale our mental health and empowerment programs for rural youth in Tanzania. You will play a key role in identifying funding opportunities, building donor relationships, and writing compelling proposals.

Key Responsibilities: -Research and apply to grant opportunities (e.g., embassies, foundations, UN agencies). -Build and manage relationships with donors and strategic partners. -Develop fundraising materials (pitch decks, reports, concept notes). -Support crowdfunding or online campaigns.

Ideal Candidate: -Strong writing and communication skills. -Experience in nonprofit fundraising or donor relations. -Passionate about youth mental health and development. -Bonus: Familiar with the African development context or grant platforms.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Join HELPING CHILDREN INC – Make a Global Impact from Anywhere

HELPING CHILDREN INC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in California, USA, is seeking committed, passionate, and qualified individuals from every country to serve as Online Volunteer Country Directors. This is a remote leadership opportunity to represent HELPING CHILDREN INC in your country and play a key role in advancing our mission to protect, support, and empower children globally.

�� About HELPING CHILDREN INC

We are a global nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children through health, education, protection, and empowerment programs. From humanitarian aid to policy advocacy, our work spans continents and cultures – driven by a commitment to equity and justice.

�� Role: Online Volunteer Country Director

Location: Your country (fully remote)
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum 5–8 hours per week)
Compensation: Volunteer / Unpaid
Reporting to: Global Volunteer Coordinator, HELPING CHILDREN INC

��️ Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the official country representative of HELPING CHILDREN INC

• Establish and grow a network of volunteers in your country

• Identify local needs and opportunities to implement or partner on child-focused projects

• Organize virtual awareness campaigns, fundraising, and outreach events

• Coordinate with the international team for reporting and alignment with global strategy

• Represent HELPING CHILDREN INC in local forums, events, or online platforms

• Promote HELPING CHILDREN INC through local partnerships and media

✅ Ideal Candidate

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Passionate about child rights, education, health, and protection

• Fluent in English (basic proficiency required)

• Active in their local communities or online networks

• Strong communicators with leadership or coordination experience

• Able to commit time consistently and responsibly

• Tech-savvy and capable of using email, Google Drive, and Zoom

• Students, professionals, educators, activists, and retired individuals are welcome

�� Benefits to You

• Serve a meaningful cause from the comfort of your home

• Gain global nonprofit leadership experience

• Receive a Certificate of Appointment as Country Director

• Access to exclusive training, resources, and networking opportunities

• Be featured on HELPING CHILDREN INC’s website and social media as an ambassador

• Contribute ideas to global child development projects

• Opportunity to lead your own team of volunteers in-country

�� Join Us and Be the Voice for Children in Your Country

Together, we can create a better world for children—no matter where we are. Become an Online Country Director with HELPING CHILDREN INC and help bring lasting change.

Would you like me to also prepare a Google Form template for application submission or provide a version

About Us

The Story Forge Project is a new, grassroots literacy project based in Grantham. We design imaginative, inclusive workshops for children and young people that build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of words. From festive letter-writing to story zines and sensory map-making, we’re on a mission to make storytelling part of everyday life - for every child, not just the confident ones.

We’re newly constituted, but growing fast, and now we’re looking for a like-minded volunteer to help us grow our funding base and secure support for our pilot projects across Lincolnshire.

The Role

We’re looking for a volunteer with an interest in literacy, books, children’s creativity or arts fundraising to help us design and coordinate a simple fundraising calendar. You don’t need to be a professional fundraiser, just someone organised, curious, and up for helping a new idea take flight.

Key tasks include:

• Researching small grants and funding opportunities (local councils, trusts, literacy/arts schemes)

• Helping shape a 6–12 month calendar of possible applications or fundraising opportunities

• Supporting with simple application templates and tracking

• Optional: helping build relationships with local businesses, bookshops or sponsors

You won’t need to make asks yourself unless you want to, we’re just looking for someone to help us build the plan and shape our direction. You’ll be working closely with our founder (a children’s author) and will be credited as part of the founding team.

You Might Be…

• A former or aspiring fundraiser looking for hands-on experience

• A publishing, arts or charity professional with a bit of time to give

• A parent, teacher or booklover passionate about children’s literacy

• Someone who wants to contribute to a new project from the ground up

What You’ll Get

• A flexible, rewarding role you can shape

• Experience building a fundraising pipeline from scratch

• Insight into grassroots children’s arts and literacy work

• A meaningful credit on our website and publications

How to Apply

Please send a short email telling us a bit about you and why the role interests you. CVs are welcome but not necessary. 

We’re reviewing on a rolling basis and would love to chat. 

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

The role in a nutshell: 

Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life. 

What will you be doing? 

As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required. 
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly. 
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required. 
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise.  Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy. 

How would you be supported in this role? 

When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role? 

Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open. 

Additional information: 

We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you. 

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role? 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for you.