Customer service volunteer roles in england
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 shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. As a volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus be part of an amazing team of volunteers. There’s so much for you to get stuck into when volunteering in our shops. On the shop floor, as well as welcoming and serving our customers with a smile, you will be using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money. When people come in to donate items you will also be completing the Gift Aid forms that let their donations help us even more. It’s really important that our window and shop displays look appealing so people keep visiting our shops, so you'll be wielding a duster and vacuum as well as your imagination to make the shop look its best. It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old, please apply now. We are currently looking for volunteers to help in the afternoons and weekends.
We are currently looking for volunteers on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and all day Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Please get in touch if you would like to become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!
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!
Overview
Do you enjoy helping customers and being a friendly face?
We are looking for volunteers to support the Scarborough Community Furniture Store with day-to-day customer service, including helping with inquiries, assisting shoppers and helping collect donations.
We are currently looking for volunteers to assist on a Monday, Friday and Saturday. This is a flexible role designed to meet you where you're at and you will be joining a supportive charity team.
Responsibilities of the Role:
- Greeting customers in a friendly, helpful manner, offering support and assistance to customers in store and providing information about our services
- Operating the till when customers purchase items
- Assisting when people are dropping off donated items
Skills Required:
- You will need to be comfortable and prepared to interact with a wide range of customers
- Being a positive, helpful, and polite representative of the store to customers
- You do not need any specific skills, all training will be provided
What you’ll get from us:
- Full training in health and safety and role specific skills
- Support and mentorship from a member of our team
- Supporting people in your local community who need it most as part of a supportive team
- Opportunities for training and development - in the past this has included First Aid & PAT Testing training sessions
- Relevant PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
We are proud to offer our volunteers training and development opportunities and work with a variety of volunteers from a range of backgrounds - whether you have lots of experience and just want to lend a helping hand, or are looking to build your confidence and gain experience and skills, we will meet you where you are at.
What we expect from you:
- A minimum time commitment of 3 hours per week
- Being punctual, reliable, and ready to help as part of the team
- We are currently looking for volunteers on Monday, Friday and Saturday
Who this role would suit:
- Those looking to gain skills and experience in customer service and sales
- Those with a background in customer service, retail or sales work, looking to contribute these skills as part of a voluntary role
- Anybody willing to learn, support, and be part of the store team
Volunteer: “I cannot express my gratitude enough for the positive impact this volunteering post has had on me. I love coming in and working as part of the team. I am always made to feel valued and as such, work hard to do as much as I can to help the store, the customers and the other team members working there."
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!
This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.
Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.
About our Porthcawl Shop:
Porthcawl is a lovely destination seaside town with a one street shopping area in close proximity to beaches, a funfair and some fabulous ice cream parlours!
There is often entertainment in the band stand opposite the shop and who can forget the famous Elvis festival.
Mandy, her staff team and their loyal volunteer team provide first class customer service and have built relationships with our lovely regulars who shop with us, very kindly donate their pre-loved items as well as buy their weekly lottery ticket.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16+
Location: 54 John Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BD
Commitment:Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.
Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.
Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.
Activities include:
• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Helping customers to locate items they are looking for;
• Serving customers at the till;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community.
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!
This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.
Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.
About our Penarth Shop:
Our Penarth shop seeks to celebrate the town’s diversity in the way our team thoughtfully curates the mixture of preloved items its occupants have generously donated.
We offer high street to designer names, tea sets to linens, vinyl to hatpins, toys and books for all ages and plenty in between.
Lisa and her team of superstar volunteers will do their best to help you find just the thing and the chance to buy a winning lottery ticket, too.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16+
Location: 1a Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AB
Commitment:Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.
Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.
Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.
Activities include:
• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Helping customers to locate items they are looking for;
• Serving customers at the till;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community..
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.



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 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. :)
As a leading food charity to tackle hunger, our aim is to help tackle the food poverty issue in Greater Manchester.




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!
We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem.
About the volunteer role
To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:
- Stock preparation volunteer
- Volunteer shop sales assistant
- Volunteer stock generation assistant
- Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
- Housekeeping volunteer
Key tasks
There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
- Receiving donated items from members of the public
- Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
- Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
- Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
- Processing sales and serving at the till
- Signing up gift aid donors
- Stock rotation
- Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock
About you
- Passionate about customer servise
- Good communication skills
- Friendly and helpful
- Respectful of others and their diversity
Experience & skills you will gain
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Retail experience
- Stock organisation
- Selling skills
- Customer service skills
Our Commitment
We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




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!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




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!
What will I need to do?
Our shops wouldn't exist without the amazing support of our volunteers! You play a vital role in our high street presence, helping us raise awareness for Rainbows, sell our fantastic products, and generate crucial funds to support our hospice's incredible work. As a Retail Shop Volunteer, you'll be part of a dynamic team that serves as the friendly, professional and welcoming face of Rainbows for every visitor who walks through our doors.
Typical tasks the role could involve:
- Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere: Deliver top-notch customer service that makes every visitor feel special. Enjoy the thrill of serving customers on our tills, handling payments, and issuing receipts.
- Be a gift aid guru: Advise customers of our gift aid scheme and help boost our fundraising efforts.
- Showcase our treasures: Keep shelves, rails, and shop windows looking fantastic with regularly refreshed stock, following Rainbows' guidelines.
- Get creative with displays: Help design eye-catching arrangements throughout the shop, including stunning window displays.
- Transform donated items into treasures: Sort, steam, hang, ticket, and display donations to turn them into irresistible finds.
Will it suit me?
Imagine showcasing and selling unique Rainbows products and delightful donated items, whilst speaking to a wide variety of people. If you like the sound of this then this volunteer role is perfect for you! You don’t need retail experience - just the ability of good communication, a willingness to dive into tasks and passion for being part of a fun-loving team.
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!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




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!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




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!
We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem.
About the volunteer role
To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:
- Stock preparation volunteer
- Volunteer shop sales assistant
- Volunteer stock generation assistant
- Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
- Housekeeping volunteer
Key tasks
There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
- Receiving donated items from members of the public
- Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
- Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
- Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
- Processing sales and serving at the till
- Signing up gift aid donors
- Stock rotation
- Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock
About you
- Passionate about customer servise
- Good communication skills
- Friendly and helpful
- Respectful of others and their diversity
Experience & skills you will gain
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Retail experience
- Stock organisation
- Selling skills
- Customer service skills
Our Commitment
We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




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!
We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem.
About the volunteer role
To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:
- Stock preparation volunteer
- Volunteer shop sales assistant
- Volunteer stock generation assistant
- Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
- Housekeeping volunteer
Key tasks
There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
- Receiving donated items from members of the public
- Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
- Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
- Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
- Processing sales and serving at the till
- Signing up gift aid donors
- Stock rotation
- Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock
About you
- Passionate about customer servise
- Good communication skills
- Friendly and helpful
- Respectful of others and their diversity
Experience & skills you will gain
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Retail experience
- Stock organisation
- Selling skills
- Customer service skills
Our Commitment
We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




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!
We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem.
About the volunteer role
To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:
- Stock preparation volunteer
- Volunteer shop sales assistant
- Volunteer stock generation assistant
- Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
- Housekeeping volunteer
Key tasks
There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
- Receiving donated items from members of the public
- Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
- Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
- Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
- Processing sales and serving at the till
- Signing up gift aid donors
- Stock rotation
- Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock
About you
- Passionate about customer servise
- Good communication skills
- Friendly and helpful
- Respectful of others and their diversity
Experience & skills you will gain
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Retail experience
- Stock organisation
- Selling skills
- Customer service skills
Our Commitment
We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




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!
Description
Role Purpose:
To assist our charity shop team(s) in raising the essential funds which allow us to continue supporting local children and their families.
Tasks & activities
Supporting with the day-to-day running of our charity shop, in which some of the activities may include:
-
Handling, processing and attractively displaying donations,
-
Providing excellent customer service and serving members of the public on the till,
-
Being an advocate for Forget Met Not by promoting the work we do and the importance of raising funds.
Personal qualities & experience
You will need to have an interest in retail and customer service. Previous experience of working in retail is useful, but not essential as full training will be provided.
For this role you will need to be:
-
Friendly and enthusiastic
-
Honest, reliable and have a willingness to learn
-
Self-aware as well as able to reflect on your own experiences and feelings
Benefits
In return as one of our volunteers you will have the opportunity to:
-
Be part of a friendly team and meet new people to boost your mental health and increase social skills
-
Receive a full induction with continued support to further grow your skills and confidence
-
Build on personal development and, if ready, have the option to undertake our Level 2 training
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’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem.
About the volunteer role
To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:
- Stock preparation volunteer
- Volunteer shop sales assistant
- Volunteer stock generation assistant
- Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
- Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
- Housekeeping volunteer
Key tasks
There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
- Receiving donated items from members of the public
- Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
- Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
- Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
- Processing sales and serving at the till
- Signing up gift aid donors
- Stock rotation
- Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock
About you
- Passionate about customer servise
- Good communication skills
- Friendly and helpful
- Respectful of others and their diversity
Experience & skills you will gain
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Retail experience
- Stock organisation
- Selling skills
- Customer service skills
Our Commitment
We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.