Health and safety volunteer roles

As an Administrative Support Volunteer, you will play an essential role in the team, complimenting the work of the Manchester Hub and allowing Shelter clients to receive the support that they need. The opportunity will allow you to make a difference in your local community as well as gaining hands-on experience in one of the UK's leading housing charities. 

Suggested Involvement: e.g. A suggested minimum commitment of one day per week for six months

Availability: e.g. This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 

Location: Manchester Hub, Unit 3, Great North Tower, 5 Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE 

Supervised by: Hub Administrator 

Why get involved with Shelter? 

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

Shelter volunteers are involved in our head office, services, shops, campaigns, events and our legal teams, and they all contribute their valuable time, skills and experience. We simply couldn’t achieve our goals without them. 

Main tasks 

• General administrative tasks (photocopying, scanning, and minute taking) 

• Covering reception and meeting and greeting people who are dropping into the office on an ad hoc basis 

• Updating local resource documents, such as local authority information sheets

• Inputting information on to our case management system 

• Supporting the team with resources for delivery of training 

Skills and experience required 

• Previous administrative experience or an interest in gaining administrative skills 

• An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt. 

• Ability to manage your own time and task load 

• Confident and professional telephone manner 

• Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public). 

• Confident IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes. 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value others 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection 

Induction, learning and development 

To enable you to take part in this opportunity, Shelter will: 

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies & Procedures 

• Provide e-learning including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Environmental Awareness and Safeguarding 

• Provide access to other appropriate Shelter training 

• Provide a local induction relevant to your role 

• Pay ‘out of pocket’ expenses in line with Shelter’s Volunteer Expenses Policy 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness 

• Gain valuable work experience 

• Be part of a great team 

• Build your confidence and develop transferrable skills 

• Enhances your CV 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will invite successful candidates to an informal interview to discuss the role further. 

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.  

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.

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Avonmouth Stroke Support Group weekly. 
Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and much more.

We recently moved our Portway Stroke Support Group to a new location at the Avonmouth Community Centre and are appealing for Volunteers.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our S Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

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.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to join our Local Governing Committees (LGCs) as school governors. We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC.

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity to be involved in governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Bedminster Stroke Support Group weekly. 
Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and much more.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:
 

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and

research.

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm

This role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
• Facilitating conversation in the group
• Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

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

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

Key responsibilities

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

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

The required skills and attributes are:

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

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

• Ability to follow procedures and instructions

• Good verbal communication skills

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

• High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards

In return you will gain:

Career and CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you passionate about making a real difference for people affected by cancer? Tenovus Cancer Care is seeking new Trustees to help guide our charity at a pivotal moment in our history.

We’re especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

· Finance, audit & risk management

· Digital

· Retail

· Fundraising

· Business / entrepreneurship

· Health inequalities

For over 80 years, Tenovus Cancer Care has been giving help, hope, and a voice to people affected by cancer across Wales. Each year, we support thousands of people through our dedicated nurses, counsellors, and benefits advisors - and with cancer diagnoses rising, our work is more critical than ever.

We are eager to expand our diversity and are committed to building a Board that reflects the broad communities we serve.

A copy of our Trustee Recruitment Pack is attached.

Deadline: 21 August 2025

Interviews: 9-11 September 2025

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Volunteer role: Receptionist Volunteer

Manager: Centre Manager

Where you will be based: Newport Animal Centre

Why we want you

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

Our receptionists play a key role in welcoming visitors and callers to our centres and acting as a liaison with centre staff and volunteers.

What you will be doing

• Assisting with enquiries via the telephone and face to face
• Answering the telephone in a polite and confident manner, assisting the caller where possible or passing them to someone else who can help
• Taking messages from telephone callers and visitors to the centre, ensuring that all relevant information is both clear and detailed
• Carrying out administrative tasks including paperwork, filing, photocopying, faxing etc
• Inputting information onto the computer system and responding to emails as directed
• Promoting the work of the centre in a positive manner
• Attending relevant training courses, as required
• Ensuring that all visitors are greeted and their enquiries are dealt with efficiently

The skills you need

• Friendly, cheerful and calm under pressure
• Well organised with good communication skills

What's in it for you

• Meet new people and make new friends
• Learn great new skills to add to your CV
• A great induction and training relevant to your role
• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of the local community
• You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
• We are happy to reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us

Disclaimer

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety assessment. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. At the RSPCA we don’t want you to be out of pocket by volunteering, so we are happy to reimburse any agreed out of pocket expenses you incur whilst volunteering

We are looking for friendly and organised volunteers to assist with sorting, washing and drying laundry, as well as keeping our laundry room tidy. This is an important role as the supply of clean bedding, towels and toys is essential for the welfare of our animals. You will be helping us keep them comfortable, warm and entertained.

In addition to making a difference to the animals in our care, you will get to know our friendly team and gain further insight into how the Home runs.

Our volunteer requirement is on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 09:00-16:00. A weekly commitment of 3 hours is preferred. 

Role Profile

As a laundry room assistant, you will support our staff and animals by washing towels, blankets and animal bedding. In addition to this, you will sort through the donated bedding and towels we receive and decide what items we can keep, what can be recycled and what we need to throw away, endeavouring to waste as little as possible. You will also be ensuring that the laundry room is always kept clean and tidy and checking that machines are in proper working order.

Your activities will include:

• Cleaning and drying any laundry that is generated during the daily running of the centre
• Folding and storing clean laundry which will include bedding and towels, toys and vet beds from our recovery suite
• Sorting donated bedding and towels, deciding which can be used, recycled or disposed of
• Keeping the laundry room tidy
• Reporting any issues with the washing machines or tumble dryers to our site maintenance team

About You

This can sometimes be a messy task, so a willingness to get your hands dirty is essential as you will sometimes be cleaning soiled blankets, towels and vet beds used in our recovery suite. There is a manual handling element of the role, so this should be considered upon application.

You don’t need to have any prior experience, you will be given full onsite training on how to use our machines and where everything goes.

All volunteers are required to complete online Health & Safety training prior to their start date. Due to insurance restrictions, all volunteers must be over the age of 18.

As the welcoming face of the food bank you’ll be sociable, enjoy meeting people and able to offer friendly and caring support to those in crisis. You’ll receive and check food vouchers, prepare food parcels and make refreshments for the people who visit the food bank. You’ll provide a listening ear and support people in accessing other services with compassion and dignity.

Why we want you

We are committed to ensuring anybody visiting a food bank is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity.  Volunteers take time to share a warm drink, discuss food requirements, offer a listening ear and, when appropriate, signpost people for further support and help.  

As a Food bank centre helper you will play a vital role giving direct support to people who use food banks, meeting and greeting people coming into the food bank, packing their food parcels, making them feel comfortable and providing further signposting support where appropriate.

In this role you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support to those in crisis in your local community.

What you will be doing

• Welcome clients to the foodbank centre
• Receive vouchers, check validity, and prepare food parcels according to the standard packing lists
• Make refreshments and tidy up as required during the session
• Offer a listening ear and signpost clients, as required, to further support, using information from the signposting folder/leaflets
• Work under the guidance of the session leader and report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the project manager/session supervisor

The skills you need

• Strong team player
• Excellent communication skills
• Empathetic
• Has an eye for detail
• Organised and self-motivated

What's in it for you

• Using your existing skills to make a difference
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community
• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank