Good friend volunteer roles
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!
The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.
The role involves providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities.
We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff, and volunteers.
Please be aware that courts vary in terms of accessibility and provision and are under the control of HMCTS. We will strive at every opportunity to support accessibility needs where resources allow.
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!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
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!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
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!
Become a Healthwatch Champion!
Want to make a difference in your community? Join Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham at pop-up events to raise awareness and gather people’s views on local health and care services. help us listen to local voices and improve health & care services! ✨
What we’re looking for:
Friendly, reliable people who can listen, engage with the public, and represent Healthwatch professionally.
What you’ll get:
✅ Full training & support
✅ Travel expenses covered
✅ Valuable experience & job references
✅ Chance to meet new people and give back
Please get in touch if you wish to apply.
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!
The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.
The role involves providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them
around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities.
We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff, and volunteers.
Please be aware that courts vary in terms of accessibility and provision and are under the control of HMCTS. We will strive at every opportunity to
support accessibility needs where resources allow.
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!
Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years?
Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month?
Do you live in Gloucestershire?
Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them?
If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.
An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.
You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.
Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.
WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?
- Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
- Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
- Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.
WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?
- Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
- Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
- Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
- Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
- DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.
Examples of activities can include:
- Sports
- Play football
- Cinema
- Bowling
- Go to the library
You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.
As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.
We are looking for an experienced person to join WellChild as a Digital Trustee. They will be a trusted advisor to the Board and a supportive, critical friend to the Senior Management Team (SMT), helping WellChild navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Purpose of the role:
The Digital Trustee will advise on the use of AI and digital technologies to build internal capability and efficiency, improve service design, enhance data-driven decision-making, and expand our fundraising and communications impact. They will play a vital role in shaping WellChild’s digital and AI roadmap. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic insight, ethical awareness, and hands-on digital experience, along with a strong network of digital professionals. They will be a trusted advisor to the Board and a supportive, critical friend to the Senior Management Team (SMT), helping WellChild navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Support children with complex medical needs and their families.



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!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to 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).
About Us
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 help tackle hunger, food waste and global warming, and 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 experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.
b) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.
c) Looking for a practical activity.
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. We are flexible around the hours you can offer us.
What will I be doing?
Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery.
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.
Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards.
Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.
Person Specification:
You 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.
be 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.
be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.
Where is the opportunity based?
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.
Why we need your help
We provide free games and activity sessions with tailored support for children with additional needs and disabilities. We support over 100 children, known as our ‘athletes’, with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, non-visible disabilities, and global development delay. At KEEN London, we strive to use fun and games to improve young people's wellbeing, and personal, social and emotional development as well as broadening experiences to increase skills and confidence.
Purpose of the role
Our Volunteer Coaches are the backbone of a KEEN London session! You’ll provide one-to-one support to an athlete, helping them to access all the activities on offer, achieve their personal development goals, and of course have tons of fun! You can expect to get involved with a wide range of playground games, ball games, nature walks, and creative activities. From time to time, we also run trips for our athletes, and previous trips have included trampoline parks, high ropes courses, pedalo boating and slime-making classes.
Tasks and activities
● You’ll support our athletes to engage with the session, and have fun while they’re doing it.
● You’ll help our Service Coordinators develop goals for our athletes, track their progress, and give them lots of encouragement along the way.
● You’ll work with your Service Coordinators and fellow Coaches to come up with new games, develop resources, and plan activities.
● We want our athletes to enjoy being active, making friends, and trying new things - and we want you to join in the activities with them!
● Our athletes love working with energetic and enthusiastic people, and we’ll ensure that all your hard work will be rewarded with a great time.
Please note: To ensure that you are equipped and ready to take on this role, there is a thorough application process which includes but is not limited to: an information session, an in-person onboarding training evening, an enhanced DBS check, reference checks and a safeguarding quiz. All elements of the onboarding process have to be completed satisfactorily before you can start volunteering in this role.
Why Volunteer with KEEN London?
KEEN London would not be what it is without the volunteers who support our work, and we want to ensure that all our volunteers gain just as much from their volunteering journey as they put into the charity. Here’s what you’ll get in return for supporting us:
● Regular volunteer social events, and opportunities to meet other coaches
● We will provide you with ongoing feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential at KEEN, you will receive an induction and handbook prior to starting your role and you will receive access to a virtual training portal with additional resources.
● We will give you opportunities to access other roles to help you broaden your skills, such as becoming a Captain or Session Leader.
● Long-term volunteers receive t-shirts, badges, and advance sign-ups to our popular events
● We have a budget set aside to cover volunteer expenses (see Volunteer Agreement below)
● We will provide job/character references to volunteers after a reasonable period of volunteering with us.
Volunteer Agreement
All KEEN London volunteers are asked to observe the Volunteer Agreement. This agreement is binding in honour only, is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.
As a volunteer with KEEN London, you can expect:
● To be a part of a unique and evolving charity that is providing a valuable service to children and young people with additional needs.
● To be introduced to how the organisation works and your role within it.
● A supportive and reciprocal environment that ensures a positive experience for you as a volunteer.
● To be invited to volunteer at special events and fundraising activities.
● Reimbursement of any reasonable travel expenses.
● To be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.
● A safe and healthy environment for you to volunteer in.
● Any problems or complaints to be investigated quickly and resolved fairly.
● Recognition for your efforts and successes – celebrating achievements and rewarding loyalty and dedication.
● To receive, if required, a reference after a reasonable time of volunteering.
● Access to free Charity Worker Discounts.
Our expectations of volunteers:
● To maintain and uphold the reputation and good name of the charity.
● To treat other volunteers, staff and service users fairly and with dignity, and to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.
● To ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality and data protection are upheld.
● To uphold our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. This includes ensuring that when out of sight of other adults a ratio of 2 adults to 1 athlete is in place, and that you report any concerns you have about the safety and wellbeing of athletes to the Coordinator as soon as possible.
● To adhere to all health and safety instructions.
● To be punctual and reliable when attending sessions, and inform the coordinator via phone call as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
● To attend at least 2 sessions per month for at least 6 months.
● To bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all sessions.
Role Description Internal Ref Number: COACH4
Every child has a chance to enjoy sports and activities, and none are left behind due to disability.
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!
Role Description
St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 1 May 2023 and is looking to appoint additional independent non-executive members to join Chapter which is the Board of Trustees. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.
The objects of the Chapter are:
(a) to advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England;
(b) to care for and conserve the fabric and structure of the Cathedral Church building;
(c) to advance any other charitable purposes which are ancillary to the furtherance of the purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).
Membership
The Chapter consists of the Dean, the Residentiary Canons and other lay members holding appointed or elected positions. The constitution allows for between 8 – 12 members of Chapter. Currently, membership comprises the Dean and the Residentiary Canons (4 clergy) who serve as executive members. One member serves as the senior non-executive member who is a lay person appointed by the Bishop. Two of the other non-executive members are directly elected from the congregation. We are now seeking to appoint an non-executive safeguarding member.
We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with substantial experience in safeguarding. This individual will provide strategic oversight and assurance in safeguarding practice, ensuring that the Cathedral continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and compliance for children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in line with national and diocesan requirements.
Term of Office
Non-Executive Chapter members are generally appointed for a term of three years, and subject to the approval of Chapter and with the agreement of the non-executive member may serve a further three year term, which is the maximum permitted term of office. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. Expenses are paid in respect of some travelling costs, in accordance with the Cathedral’s policies. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references.
Time Commitment and Meetings
Chapter usually meets six times each year. Meetings are held in the Chapter Room within Abbey House beside the Cathedral and the business agenda rarely exceeds two hours. A light lunch or Evensong follows each meeting of Chapter, allowing time for members to socialise. Attendance at some sub-committee meetings as appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
Non-executive members of Chapter ensure that the focus of the Cathedral is the promotion of the Christian faith, maintaining an effective balance between that and its important financial and commercial obligations and ventures.
Members offer strategic advice and oversight on all aspects of the work of the Cathedral, including ensuring compliance with all regulations and statutory obligations and adherence to the highest standards of good governance. They also offer constructive challenge to the executive team, offering expertise and experience to help with evidence-based decision-making.
Chapter members advise and support the Dean, Residentiary Canons, and Chief Operating Officer on issues that are within their areas of particular expertise. This Chapter Trustee will also sit on the Safeguarding Committee, which meets four times a year.
Chapter members are invited to bring innovative thinking, together with new ideas and insights, to help secure the long-term future of the Cathedral and the delivery of its strategy through the Masterplan 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on members promoting the life and work of the Cathedral at the heart of the Bury St Edmunds community, across the county of Suffolk and the wider eastern region.
Chapter members are welcomed as leading members of the Cathedral community and as such are expected to take part in meetings and events. Visible participation in the worship at the heart of the Cathedral's mission is an important expression of the non-executive membership of Chapter. Lay members robe and have individual stalls in the Quire of the Cathedral. We would hope for attendance at the Sunday Eucharist once a month; and at occasional Evensongs, Greater Festivals and civic occasions as personal circumstances permit.
Person Specification
Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:
- be a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a Church which is not in communion with but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
- have an empathy with and be a compelling advocate for the Vision of the Cathedral through the Masterplan 2030; to be able to inform, lead and direct the strategy of the Cathedral
- be competent and able to exercise the highest standards of good governance in a complex Christian organisation
- have the ability to gain the trust, respect, and support of fellow members of Chapter, and the wider Cathedral community
- have the capacity to work collaboratively with all members of Chapter to translate the Masterplans aims into tangible outcomes
- be able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues
- be able to voice concerns appropriately, in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively
- have the capacity to communicate clearly with other members of Chapter, the Senior Leadership Team and employees on technical, financial and business matters in accordance with the non-executive member’s particular skills
- possess the ability to communicate with confidence and to provide effective strategic guidance
- have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad-based and long-term view of strategic and organisational goals
- be able to grasp the bigger picture and avoid immersion in minute detail
- possess the highest levels of trust and integrity
- demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and the promotion of a safe culture within the Cathedral community.
Specific Competencies
In addition to the matters set out above we are looking to recruit a non-executive member with specific skills, expertise or experience in Safeguarding.
Applicants should bring substantial and demonstrable experience in safeguarding policy, practice, or oversight, ideally within a church, education, health, social care, or charitable context. They will provide independent assurance, constructive challenge, and strategic advice to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of the Cathedral’s governance and mission.
It is our aim to be a centre for learning, both for the Christian faith and beyond.



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!
Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?
Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.
This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.
Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.
Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:
- Serving customers on the till
- Taking stock donations from the public
- Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
- Dressing the window displays
- Asking people to join us as a volunteer
As a Retail Volunteer you will be:
- Friendly and Approachable
- Reliable, Kind and Patient
- A good communicator (including listener)
- Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
As a Mencap volunteer you will:
- Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
- Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
- Receive full Training and support
- Volunteer alongside other people
- Have a chance to give back your local community
About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.
We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?
Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.
This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.
Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.
Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:
- Serving customers on the till
- Taking stock donations from the public
- Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
- Dressing the window displays
- Asking people to join us as a volunteer
As a Retail Volunteer you will be:
- Friendly and Approachable
- Reliable, Kind and Patient
- A good communicator (including listener)
- Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
As a Mencap volunteer you will:
- Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
- Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
- Receive full Training and support
- Volunteer alongside other people
- Have a chance to give back your local community
About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.
We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?
Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.
This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.
Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.
Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:
- Serving customers on the till
- Taking stock donations from the public
- Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
- Dressing the window displays
- Asking people to join us as a volunteer
As a Retail Volunteer you will be:
- Friendly and Approachable
- Reliable, Kind and Patient
- A good communicator (including listener)
- Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
As a Mencap volunteer you will:
- Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
- Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
- Receive full Training and support
- Volunteer alongside other people
- Have a chance to give back your local community
About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.
We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
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.



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