Community wellbeing volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

FareShare Merseyside redistributes quality surplus food to over 232 community-based organisations who are working with vulnerable people across the region and parts of North Wales. We are keen to expand our reach, actively looking to recruit charity members who want to help us in our Warehouse, Vans, and Kitchen.

Volunteering with FareShare Merseyside

Our volunteers are at the heart of our service, with an amazing team of almost 100 volunteers, who ensure quality surplus food reaches those most in need in all communities in our region.  As a thank you for their support, we hold regular wellbeing social events and offer pathways onto our employability program.

Why we need you:

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that food is safely delivered to our Community Food Members or collected from our food suppliers.  A standard driving licence is all you need to deliver our food once or twice a week to children’s clubs, homeless hostels and refuges in your area.

What will I be doing?

• Safely driving vans to deliver and collect food 
• Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner at all times  
• Completing all relevant paperwork  
• Planning routes, sorting food, picking orders, loading and unloading.  
• Carrying out routine checks on the vans, taking responsibility for the vans throughout the day and reporting accidents or damage to the van or other vehicles 
• Assist in the maintenance of the vans including cleaning

What we need you to be:

• Minimum of 18 years old and hold a full, clean driving licence
• Confident to drive a medium-sized van (experience is preferable) 
• Good at map reading and/or able to use a Sat Nav system 
• Positive, friendly and personable, able to interact well with different people
• Enthusiastic about tackling food waste and/or food poverty 
• Able to perform physical tasks including lifting and loading 
• Good with numbers, identifying different foods, writing clearly 
• Able to work effectively and use your initiative in a fast-paced environment
• Able to work well in a team and on your own  
• Able to follow FareShare’s policies & procedures 
• Flexible – there may be times when we ask you to help on other projects/tasks 

What will I get out of it?

• An active and sociable role
• Development of skills such as route planning, organising and communication skills
• Support and supervision from the Regional Volunteer Manager  
• An induction and training for the role  
• Reasonable travel expenses and a free lunch 
• A fun and friendly place to work 
• The opportunity to take on new challenges  
• A work reference for those who have satisfactorily committed to at least 3 months 
• The opportunity to support a great cause and give something back to your community 

What is the Meet and Greet team?
 

If you love chatting with people and you’re looking for a relaxed role then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re looking for Meet & Greet volunteers to be on site during opening times to help visitors feel welcome, answer their questions, show them around if they wish and offer more information. The site can get busy but it isn’t always – during quiet times it’s a good opportunity to catch up on a book or potter in the community garden! Our lovely new, heated Welcome Cabin includes a sofa, computer, a tea/coffee station (and biscuits of course) and other amenities to ensure your comfort.

What can you expect from this role?

As a Meet and Greet volunteer you will:

• Be supported to use your people skills to ensure everyone feels welcome, helping to build a more caring community.
• Build your communication and customer service skills.
• Learn about the day to day workings of a varied community project.
• Signpost visitors around the physical site and also onto suitable local events and activities.
• Help visitors get involved – everything from signing up new volunteers to taking room booking enquiries or accepting donations.
• Help with some simple ‘pottering’ jobs that keep the site safe and beautiful – such as watering or litter picking.
• Be part of a friendly, welcoming team.
• Get a snazzy Railway Gardens T-shirt!

Are there opportunities to learn more, or take on more responsibility?

Absolutely! If you are able and interested, then there will be optional opportunities to broaden your responsibilities into the following (all training provided): 

• Giving hire tours & inductions, helping to bring in income for the project
• Help with computer based admin such as social media, research, designing posters, or answering emails.
• Take part in a range of training in transferable skills, from Health and Safety and Fire Marshall training to safeguarding, dementia awareness, and more.

Once you have completed an agreed number of sessions with us, and completed your induction and any training required, we’ll also be happy to provide a reference to help with job applications. 

What skills do you need for this role?

We’re looking for people who:

• Enjoy chatting to people and feel able to offer a friendly welcome
• Have a conversational level of English – you do not need perfect language skills!
• Would enjoy helping visitors find the information that they need.
• Are happy working with other volunteers in pairs or threes.
• Can commit to a two hour slot, ideally weekly but at least once per month. 

Optional skills. We also welcome you getting in touch if…

• You speak an additional language
• You feel comfortable carrying out simple computer based admin tasks
• You have experience with buddying, befriending, or supporting others to thrive in their role.

You do not need a DBS/ Criminal Record check for this role.

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Work from home but ideally based in or around Berkshire.

Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings 

Overview: 

Support U is launching Rainbow Line in January 2026 — a dedicated listening line for the LGBTQIA+ community — and we are seeking compassionate, committed volunteers to join us as Call Handlers. Rainbow Line has been created to offer LGBTQIA+ people a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk, be heard, and feel supported.

The service is designed for individuals who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in need of someone to listen. While Rainbow Line is not a professional counselling, psychotherapy or crisis service, volunteers play a vital role in offering empathetic listening and, where appropriate, signposting callers to specialist services and organisations for further support. By volunteering with Rainbow Line, you’ll be helping to reduce isolation and create a more connected, supportive community.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll ideally need to be based in or around Berkshire.

• The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week. 

• Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website. 

• You’ll answer pre-booked calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly and be heard, with signposting to other relevant services. 

• After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting topics that came up, and any safeguarding concerns. 

• Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation. 

Who This Role Would Suit 

• Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity. 

• Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community. 

• Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience. 

• Individuals with experience in other listening based support roles. 

• People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. 

What’s In It for You 

• Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

• Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before. 

• Offer meaningful support, even a short 45 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook. 

• Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community. 

• Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities. 

• Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team. 

Requirements 

• Based in or around Berkshire (desirable, but not essential)

• Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term. 

• Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills. 

• Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training. 

• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check. 

• Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U. 

• Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice. 

Legal Assistant

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

Join us in leading positive change!

About the position

Quilombo UK is looking for Legal Assistant, who would love to join a growing organization. Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society as a whole.

Quilombo UK is looking to recruit a Legal Assistant who helps organization in various legal matters.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'. The role provides you flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• We are looking for an experienced lawyer to assist the organisation in overlooking projects, ensuring they are compliant with relevant and up to date legislation and regulations.

• The legal assistant will be responsible for making sure all contracts, legislations and documents are treated within correct legal standards. They are to make sure that all activities are being performed in line with contracts and the law. 

• The Legal Assistant will work closely with the HR department in overlooking the volunteer forms, legislations and documents. They should also assist the different departments within the organisation(Marketing, Funding, HR, Finance) in upholding the legal requirements needed to run the tasks that they do. 

• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• Well-organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.

• Excellent researching skills

• Reading and report writing skills

• You will need to be an experienced lawyer or have a good legal understanding. 

• You will be respectful of the confidentiality of the organisation.

• You will need to help deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organisation. 

• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.

• Good time-management & communication skills.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Strong team player

• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Can work without much supervision

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Evening and Weekend  Retail Volunteers  - We have multiple Volunteer Opportunities in Acorns Children's Hospice Superstore in Bescot.

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

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

Retail Assistant

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

How Much Time will it take

Volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm each evening. You’re welcome to choose the days and times that suit you best; however, we kindly ask for a minimum commitment of two hours per week to support the shop. On weekends, you may volunteer at any time and are welcome to be flexible with your hours.

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• Achieve a sense of wellbeing that you are helping your local community
• To connect with like-minded people and make new friends
• To enhance your CV by learning new skills and gain valuable experience
• We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering
• You’ll get Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
• You’ll receive free mandatory and role specific training

Full training will be provided

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Trustee needed for Faith in Action Homelessness Project. We are seeking a Trustee to join our committed Board working to end homelessness in Merton.

About Us: FiA runs a twice weekly drop in for homeless and vulnerably housed people and a Winter Night Shelter which works in collaboration with faith groups including a Mosque, a Synagogue, a Hindu Temple and Christian churches to provide overnight accommodation and support to find long term housing solutions.

Our Small Team consists of a Manager, a Winter nightshelter co-ordinator and seven part time staff.  The Trustee team is a very hands on group - many are volunteers at the night shelter or drop in and it is a very committed and passionate team.

We are looking for three new trustees to make our board up to 12. 

The Trustee role

This role involves more than just attending meetings.  We are responsible for:

Setting the strategic direction of the charity

Ensuring tranparency and accountablity

Taking specific areas of responsibility - leading on fundraising, or staff recruitment, or governance or communication and PR for the charity.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuatls who can lead on the following areas:

1. Fundraising - especially developing partnerships with local businesses

2. Communications - including managing our strategy on social media and community engagement

3, Governance - supporting the development of policies and procedures

4. HR - offering advice on recruitment and management of staff

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Our mission is to reduce social isolation through positive enablement.

The Mid Devon Messenger serves a close-knit community of people who, due to visual impairment or chronic illness, find it difficult to read.  For 43 years we have circulated free weekly audio news, information and entertainment to our listeners, providing a life-line to their community.  Always developing our services, listeners can now thrive in a number of activity groups, including bowling, walking and book clubs.  Supported by 50+ volunteers, in 2025 the charity was Highly Commended in the BBC's Make a Difference community award.

As Volunteer Chair of Trustees you will bring vision to further develop and expand our services to listeners, while sustaining the charity's infrastructure, and leading our brilliant team of volunteers.

Based in Tiverton, Devon hours are flexible, at a minimum of around 8 hours/month, with reasonable expenses payable.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership of the Committee of the Association, ensuring effective governance.  Line-manage and support the Trustees - Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.  Operational oversight.  Engaging Ambassador for the charity, nurturing relationshiops with partners, funders, and the local community.

If you're strategic, empathetic and ready to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

.

Suffolk Mind has an exciting opportunity for new volunteers to join our board of trustees, and to help make a positive impact within the mental health sector.

​About Us

Suffolk Mind is a local mental health charity. More than one in four of us will experience a mental health challenge each year. At Suffolk Mind, our mission is to make Suffolk the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health.

Suffolk Mind works across the mental health continuum, providing services, support and information for everyone.

We offer a range of services including anxiety management courses, counselling, Waves, supported housing, GreenCare, Suffolk Work Well, workplace wellbeing training, and schools and family services. At Suffolk Mind we want to help people make a life that works.

Role

We are looking for passionate and committed people who have a genuine desire to help us achieve our mission.

Trustee responsibilities are wide and varied and include:

• Ensuring the charity is compliant with relevant legislation and is adequately resourced
• Contributing actively by giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and evaluating performance
• Ensuring the effective and efficient management and administration of the charity
• Ensuring the financial stability of the charity and proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Using any specific knowledge or experience you have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions

Trustees are required to:

• Attend up to four board meetings a year
• Attend our annual Away Day and represent the charity at external events
• Act as an ambassador for Suffolk Mind
• Attend and participate in training as and when required.

​

No specific qualifications are required but you should have relevant expertise or experience which will enable you to make a positive contribution to the work of the Board.

At Suffolk Mind, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. Therefore, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience.

Trustees are given full support, a comprehensive induction programme and training opportunities. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

About Children with Voices

Children with Voices is a vibrant non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and families through community-based initiatives. We run engaging holiday clubs for children aged 5–11, promoting healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, and early intervention to reduce the risk of gang involvement and antisocial behaviour (ASB). Our mission is to create opportunities for children from all backgrounds—especially those from low-income families, single-parent households, or disadvantaged communities—to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. Our clubs focus on: - Promoting healthy eating and encouraging children to eat 7+ portions of fruit and vegetables daily. - Teaching children where food comes from and the benefits of nutrition. - Building social and life skills through teamwork, cooking, and inclusive play. - Offering affordable, fun, and engaging activities that promote physical fitness and reduce childhood obesity. - Supporting parents with knowledge about budget-friendly healthy food options. - Creating positive connections across different communities to reduce postcode-related division.

Role Overview – Treasurer (Volunteer Position)

We are seeking a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to oversee the financial health of Children with Voices and help strengthen our financial systems. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a grassroots charity working to empower children and families. Time commitment: Approximately 10–15 hours per month, flexible around your availability. Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings (London-based preferred but not essential).

Key Responsibilities

· Oversee the financial affairs of Children with Voices, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Ensure accurate financial records are maintained and effective financial procedures are in place.

· Monitor and report regularly on the organisation’s financial position.

· Prepare financial reports, budgets, cash flow statements, and annual accounts in collaboration with the Chair and Trustees.

· Lead on financial planning and advise the committee on the financial viability of proposals, plans, and fundraising initiatives.

· Report key financial information to trustees and support them in understanding financial obligations.

· Support the organisation with budgeting, funding applications, and ensuring value for money.

· Ensure sound internal controls, including processes for:

· - Authorisation of spending and purchasing systems

· - Managing cash flow and petty cash

· - Payment of staff or volunteer expenses (if applicable)

· - Bank reconciliation and cheque signatories

Person Specification – Ideal Qualities

· Experience in financial management, bookkeeping, or accountancy (formal qualifications desirable but not essential).

· Understanding of charity finance and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

· Knowledge of fundraising, grant reporting, and managing budgets in voluntary/community settings.

· Strong financial analysis and reporting skills.

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

· Commitment to the values and mission of Children with Voices.

· Organised, reliable, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with trustees and volunteers.

What You’ll Gain

· A rewarding opportunity to use your financial skills to support a meaningful cause.

· Experience in charity governance and financial oversight.

· A chance to contribute to community empowerment and social impact.

· Recognition of your volunteer contribution and references for future roles, if desired.

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for volunteer Driver's Assistants to join our busy friendly delivery team with redistributing tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester.

FareShare is a national charity fighting food poverty and global warming by tackling food surplus. We source overstocked food from retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help re-distribute it to over 220 frontline charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. These groups, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people experiencing food poverty, individuals who are homeless, families, and people who are unemployed or socially isolated. This food would otherwise have gone to waste, so we are simultaneously supporting people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key responsibilities

Working closely with the driver of a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the benevolent projects we support. 

Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are:

• Reliability and ability to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts (ESSENTIAL)

• Physical fitness, to take on moving and handling of food orders

• Ability to follow procedures and instructions

• Good verbal communication skills

• Interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values

• High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards

In return you will gain:

Career and CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Driver and Driver’s Assistant shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?

What we offer you

Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.

Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.

A reference after 2 months with us.

An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives.

Expenses:
We reimburse travel expenses up to £6 for car drivers, and up to £5 for public transport costs.
Up to £3 is given towards the cost of lunch if a volunteer has special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch for our volunteers, so will contribute towards the cost of a volunteer's meal, should they bring their own, if what we are offering in the canteen isn't considered suitable; for example, a diet that's restricted for reasons of health, religion, or ethics).

As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us and redistribute it to people in need. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming. 

We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for employment, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups.

It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity.

b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.

c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.

d) Wanting to make new friends.

e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.

Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You may also be assisting customers when they pick up their orders.

Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.

Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.

Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.

Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections. 

Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards. 

Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.

Person Specification: 

Must be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.

Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 

Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.

Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.

Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.

Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.

Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us.
This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Can you help us by providing a calm, safe, and caring environment for our small furries whilst we find them their fur-ever home?

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering our smaller animals? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits and other small furries relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these small animals, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a small animal fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the animals in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.

• Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.

• Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.

• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals.

What We’re Looking For:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our small furries may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.

• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).

• You should be located in South Buckinghamshire or within a reasonable distance.

What’s in It for You?

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the small animals in your care.

• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

• The RSPCA is happy to reimburse you for any pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Practical Considerations:

• Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.