Homelessness volunteer roles

Volunteer with Shelter at the Sandringham Half Marathon 2025

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team at the Sandringham Half Marathon. All we need you to do is create an inspirational buzz and provide much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.

Date: Sunday 28th September 2025

Time: 9:00am – 1:30pm (approx.)

Location: Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

Volunteer role: Cheer, Cheer, Cheer!!!

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 10 Shelter runners from the side lines who  are raising money for the fight for home! You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Your support is not only an amazing motivator to our event participants, but volunteering is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, please fill in an application. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity 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.

Lead contact: Maya Brodie-Dowden

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

An enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteer with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. The volunteer needs to hold a professional level diploma in counselling and have training and experience working with individuals with eating disorders.

Activities

• To provide therapeutic support to young women (aged 18-30) with eating disorders
• One-to-One counselling sessions will aim to support the individual to improve self-confidence, identify and resolve negative thought processes, implement constructive coping strategies and empower them to fulfil attainable life goals
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the women within allocated caseload
• To keep up-to-date with development in the field of counselling and eating disorder therapy
• To manage appropriate professional boundaries in the relationship
• To maintain records for monitoring, evaluation and tracking purposes plus service evaluation
• To take responsibility for own professional development

Requirements

• Hold a professional level diploma in counselling
• Hold professional membership with BACP, UKCP or equivalent
• Have own regular supervision with a qualified supervisor
• Fully trained in eating disorder therapy and previous experience supporting individuals with eating disorders
• This role requires us to carry out a check through the Disclosure and Barring Service for the Enhanced DBS

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. Ideally weekly one-to-one sessions for a minimum of 3 months.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons.

This role supports Aspire’s commitment to healing, dignity and community resilience. Volunteers help facilitate or support creative and wellbeing activities that foster connection, confidence and recovery

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

An enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteer with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. The volunteer must be a fully qualified Dietitian or Nutritional Therapist and have training and/or experience working with individuals with eating disorders.

Activities

• Supporting the nutritional needs of young women with health issues on a limited budget.
• Providing support with meal planning, cooking skills, food safety, and day-to-day problem solving around food and eating.
• Providing wisdom and accurate nutrition education around healthy eating for the individual.

Qualifications/ Experience

• Must be a fully qualified Dietitian or Nutritional Therapist.
• As many of the residents have eating disorders it is essential for the volunteer to have training and/or clinical experience working with individuals with eating disorders.
• Must have professional liability insurance and be a member of a professional body ie. HCPC, BANT
• This role requires us to carry out a check through the Disclosure and Barring Service for the Enhanced DBS

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. We recommend weekly one-to-one sessions for a minimum of 3 months.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons.

Overview

Are you practical, hands-on and enjoy being a friendly face in your local community?

Scarborough Community Furniture Store make deliveries and collections of donated furniture on a daily basis, and volunteers can provide additional support to our driver team with the loading and unloading of items, and being a friendly, welcoming representative of the store out in the local community.

We are currently looking for van support volunteers to assist on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 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:

• Assisting the driving team with their deliveries and collections
• Supporting a driver on their route in their van
• Using the phone to communicate with customers about when you will be arriving
• Loading and unloading furniture into vans at the store and at customer’s home
• Being an ambassador for our organisation, by giving polite, helpful and friendly service to the customers you are visiting

Skills required:

• You will need to undergo a DBS check for this role as you will be entering customer homes
• You will need to communicate well with the rest of the driver team
• You need to be able to lift and move furniture - although we will never ask you to lift anything you are uncomfortable with and will provide full manual handling training
• You will need to be a positive, helpful and friendly representative of Community Stores as you interact with the local community
• There is no need to have a driving license for this role

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 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Who this role would suit:

• Those looking to gain skills and experience in warehouse work, delivery work and customer service
• Anybody willing to learn, support, and be part of the van team

Volunteer: “My favourite experience of volunteering at CFS was that I could meet new friends and experience local culture. I learnt so many transferable skills”

We are working in partnership with Edmund Sawyer Almshouse, a charity first established in the 17th Century for six women in need in Kettering. The building is Grade 11 star listed. It is reputed to be the oldest building in Kettering. The charity had fallen into poor condition in 2018, and the board of the Leonard Hackett Memorial Trust stepped in and took over the charity and rescued the buildings carrying out immediate refurbishment.

They are now looking to recruit Trustees to join its Board of Trustees, which sets and approves the charity’s strategy ensuring the charity's continued success and sustainability, overseeing the ongoing care of the historic buildings, and ensuring the residents feel supported, valued, and at home. 

You’ll be part of a small team responsible for protecting and enhancing a vital community asset, balancing tradition with modern needs. 

Edmund Sawyer is particularly keen to hear from people who can bring the following skills and experience:

• Finance with a charity background desirable not essential 
• Health and welfare of elderly people
• Management of social housing/Local Authority background/Regulation of social housing
• Law/Paralegal 
• Charity governance

And with the following personal qualities:

• Commitment to Edmund Sawyer values.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort using your knowledge and skills for the benefit of the charity.
• Good judgment and the ability to think creatively.
• The willingness to speak your mind and to work effectively as a member of a team and to take collective responsibility.
• The role of Trustee can be enormously interesting, rewarding, and enjoyable.

As a trustee of Edmund Sawyer Almshouse, you will be safeguarding the legacy of this charitable institution, ensuring the buildings are properly maintained and cared for and supporting residents and making sure they feel secure and welcome in their homes.  You will also be part of the strategy to guide the future direction of the Almshouse to meet evolving community needs.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Time commitment: Trustees are expected to attend a minimum of 5 meetings per year. This is four Trustee Review Meetings and one AGM. Given the size of the charity, it is likely that trustees would also be involved in the odd ad hoc meeting relating to property or resident issues.

Closing date for applications: 14th September 2025 

Interviews: TBC

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

Stories Volunteer

Is writing a passion for you? Do you enjoy speaking to new people and hearing their stories?

Information about the role

You will speak to volunteers across Shelter and Shelter Scotland in a range of roles and with varying backgrounds and experiences.

You will write up their stories in an engaging way that captures what their role is and why they do it.

These stories will be shared to help celebrate volunteers and demonstrate the impact volunteers make upon our Fight for Home.

Location: Remote

Suggested contribution: 2 days a month (can be flexible around your commitments).

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, with some availability to hold conversations during Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include:

• Interviewing volunteers by phone or video call.
• Writing up volunteer stories engagingly for various channels e.g. social media, Shelter website, Shelter intranet and our volunteer newsletter.
• Capturing the impact that volunteers make and how their role contributes to Shelter and Shelter Scotland’s fight for home.
• Obtaining a quote from the individual’s volunteer manager.
• Ensuring consent forms are collected and recorded.
• Maintaining a positive relationship with the volunteer while interviewing them, writing up their story and following up with any subsequent questions.

This role fights the housing emergency by communicating the incredible contributions of Shelter and Shelter Scotland volunteers. This  may inspire people to engage with us, whether than be by signing up to volunteer themselves, contributing financially or supporting our campaigns.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We are looking for someone with excellent communication and listening skills who has a creative and engaging approach to telling stories. We’d like you to have experience with writing. This can be through work, volunteering or as a hobby. It’s also important you have accurate spelling and grammar and are confident with using IT. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.
• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.
• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.
• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

We will get back to you about your application. If you’re shortlisted, you will be asked to send us a short sample of your writing. This can be something you’ve written already. We’ll also have a recruitment conversation with you to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

This role supports Aspire’s external messaging and local relationships, helping us stay visible, responsive, and connected. Volunteers in this role contribute to communications, digital content, and engagement with potential allies and funders.

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

As a great communicator with ‘green fingers’ you will create a calm, nurturing environment in which to support the residents to gain gardening skills and to explore the possibility of growing their own food. 

Activities

Inspire the residents to take an interest in the outdoor space at Amy’s Place and involve them in the development of a regular gardening and/or food growing club.

Help residents to develop their gardening skills and knowledge specific to growing food, through group workshops and individually tailored support, guidance and encouragement.

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. It might be every week or fortnight ideally for a minimum of 3 months.

Requirements 

This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

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."

When: Saturday 8th November 2025

Role Details: 

Join us for a wonderful evening of music at Ralli Hall in Hove, where the Brighton & Hove Concert Orchestra will perform a programme of film and theatre favourites with their 50-piece orchestra. 

We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help collect donations before and after the concert using both donation buckets and card machines. 

Whether you're looking to support a great cause, meet new people, or gain experience for your CV, we’d love to have you on board. No previous experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved. 

Availability: Flexible shifts available between 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM 
Location: Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TH 
Supervised by: Community and Events Assistant 

Terms of appointment:

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, renewable for one additional three-year term. In special circumstances, trustees may be approved for a third consecutive three-year term, serving a maximum of nine years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Meetings: Attend four 2-hour Board meetings annually (two remote, two in-person) and quarterly 30-minute catch-ups with the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
• Awayday: Participate in one full-day, in-person Awayday each year.
• Subcommittees: Some trustees are expected to attend subcommittee meetings, which occur prior to the Board meetings. Currently, there are two subcommittees: Finance, Audit, and Risk; and Nomination, Remuneration, and Culture.

Visit our website to learn more about our work and impact.

Role Description:
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Women in Prison achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.

For the full job description, please read the recruiment pack.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on Women in Prison’ purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Women in Prisons’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Women in Prisons’ financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Women in Prisons’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Women in Prison’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Women in Prisons’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Women in Prisons’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

What we are looking for

• We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.