Patient support volunteer volunteer roles in england, london
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!
Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteer to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.
We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our 12-week online progarmmes, starting mid-September 2025,
You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. The pupils on our online programmes have had some disrupted schooling due to personal circumstances and our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well.
All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher / team manager throughout their placement.
Practical Considerations:
- Tutors can choose between between two online programmes: Tuesday mornings from 11:30am till 12:45pm or Tuesday afternoons from 16:45 till 18:00.
- The start date of both programmes is Tuesday 16th September 2025 and the final sessions are on Tuesday 9th September 2025.
- Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
- This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
We are looking for:
- Strong grades in English or Maths
- Experience working with young people
- Committed, organised and patient individuals
- Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
- Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap
Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience.
Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Challenge
Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.
At The Brain Tumour Charity, we aim to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding our counselling service. We know the difference that talking therapy can make to the brain tumour community and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.
How can you help?
As a Volunteer Counsellor for this service, you would work with a wide range of clients who either have a brain tumour diagnosis themselves, or have a loved one who has been diagnosed. This includes patients/carers who have been newly diagnosed, to those in/post treatment, to people at end of life, or bereaved.
This is a remote service, where we offer up to 8 free sessions to clients, delivered by either telephone or webcam.
We’re looking for counsellors who:
- Are qualified with a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
- Are integrative or person-centred counsellors
- Are a member of the BACP (or equivalent ethical body)
- Are committed to attend monthly clinical supervision
- Have an interest in working with people affected by a brain tumour and possibly experience of working with clients in a similar field. (Eg. Neurological conditions, palliative care, bereavement, etc.)
- Have the IT abilities to be able to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database.
- Have experience of working remotely, via telephone or webcam and is happy to use their own laptop, phone and WIFI for their client work.
- Have their own public liability insurance (or are willing to obtain this.)
The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.
What can you gain from volunteering with us?
- The opportunity to work with a unique and rewarding client group
- Management supervision and regular, ongoing support from our Counselling Service Team.
- You will receive a financial contribution towards your monthly clinical supervision, with an independent supervisor of your choice.
- All diary management will be carried out by our Counselling Team, reducing the amount of admin required by you.
- The opportunity to apply for paid counsellor roles as and when they become available.
Time commitment
We ask each Volunteer Counsellor to commit to a placement of at least 6 months and to see a minimum of 3 clients per week (at a time suitable for you, but it MUST be at the same time each week). The service operates between the hours of 9am—5pm, Monday-Friday and you will be required to see clients within these hours.
Practical Considerations
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with our Counselling Service Manager and Counselling Service Officer.
Successful candidates will then receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing support from one of the team.
We will carry out reference and DBS checks for all successful applicants and you will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role.
Need support with the application process?
We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.
The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.



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!
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? We are seeking organised, compassionate individuals to be the welcoming heart of our Hub. If you have a friendly smile, are well orgabnised and are looking for a reception based role, this could be for you.
BACKGROUND:
- The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness, we:
- Provide a home to 39 young people
- Offer support to local children and families at risk
- Help families keep or find a stable home and manage their money
- Mentor people to find work or training
- Help people secure their legal right to remain in the UK and access homes, work and benefits.
Last year we helped over 1200 people including nearly 600 families and 230 children and young people. Our aim is to tackle homelessness, poor housing and poverty at a young age and break its cycle into later life. We want to see the value in each individual and nurture potential, helping young people and families to thrive.
The Centre prides itself on its welcome and person-centred approach. It recognises each individual is different, often with complex needs and so our response must be multi-layered. We therefore have six principal services: residential services for homeless young people; family support; housing and welfare rights advice; employment support; learning; and immigration advice and advocacy.
OUR PEOPLE - We believe each person matters:
Our clients guide everything we do. We’re here to help children, families and young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or clients who have urgent needs that can be met at the Centre and not elsewhere.
We seek to develop trusting relationships with our clients. We rely on them to help us improve and develop our services, so we include them wherever possible in our work.
Our staff and volunteers:
Our staff and volunteers are diverse in their backgrounds, and their skills and experience. Many have lived experience of the challenges our clients face. We are proud of our warm welcome and our team’s commitment to support people facing disadvantage to escape the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
The HUB on Medway Street is the main entrance for clients who wish to access the services on offer. Staff in the Hub can provide level 1 advice on housing and welfare rights and for more complex cases, can refer clients to one of our other services, such as housing, welfare rights, immigration, employment and learning, and family services.
Summary of Role.
You will be supporting a team that is helping people from the local community, who are vulnerable and facing disadvantage, including; homeless young people, people living in insecure accommodation or at risk of losing their housing, low-income families with young children, unemployed people, refugees and migrants. (further details below)
Your presence supports the smooth running of the Centre and increases the team’s capacity to see and help more people.
This role is in the heart of the organisation where you will meet people of all backgrounds and learn how a community organisation responds to local need.
What will you be doing?
- Answering the intercom and buzzing clients in when they arrive
- Welcoming clients to the Centre, signing them in and out of the building calling the staff member to tell them that their client has arrived
- Registering new clients and booking an appointment with the Assessment team
- Assisting with the collection and distribution of client mail
- Administrative support to services, such as, photocopying or scanning documents for service teams and emailing them to relevant staff member
- Printing off and posting out letters to clients
- Possibility of assisting with benefit claims/forms
Other tasks that can be undertaken during quieter periods:
- Assisting clients and staff with phone calls if volunteer speaks a needed language
What are we looking for?
- You will be a confident and patient person with a professional and friendly manner and able to remain calm under pressure
- Some experience of customer service or dealing with a diverse range of people desirable
- Good listening skills
- An ability to communicate well and with confidence when handling enquiries
- Some IT skills useful
- A non-judgemental attitude towards people’s problems in their lives
What is the time commitment?
We are seeking someone for one day a week on a Thursday or Friday from 9.30am to 3pm, with an hour lunch break at 1pm. We are looking for a commitment of 6 months, which sounds like a long time, but there’s lots to learn and volunteers find this goes very quickly!
How will you be supported?
You will be supported by the Advice and Assessment team
You will be offered regular supervision and a staff member will be present in the Hub whilst you are on duty
You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel and contribution to lunch up to £6.
Recruitment Procedure
Apply> Informal interview> Reference and DBS checks> Trial period
The Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
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!
About the role
We are a charity providing loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. We provide care in our Homes and have also developed services to support people in their own homes.
We are looking for really special individuals to join us as Telephone Friends for our new Telephone Friendship Service. This free service will reach out to veterans and their partners in the community via telephone, offering support and a friendly voice to someone who might be feeling lonely or isolated. We provide full training and support to encourage you on your journey.
We are looking for people who are caring, who always put others first and who show compassion and respect at all times. You will have a passion for embracing life and making it meaningful for yourself and those you support.
Time commitment: Minimum of 1 hour per week. There is no time limit on the length of service, but Telephone Friends are asked to make a commitment for a minimum of 12 months.
We are looking for people who share our values, people with passion and the desire to make a difference to the lives of others.
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!
Are you passionate about the power of creativity? Volunteer with Little Green Pig as a Story Mentor or Illustrator Mentor.
Mentors work alongside our workshop leaders, providing children and young people, aged 7-18 with in-depth support, helping to create a safe space for them to write for pleasure and purpose.
At Little Green Pig we believe that offering children and young people the opportunity to develop writing skills and invest in their imaginations can truly change their lives. It’s a vital form of self-expression that builds confidence, communication and literacy skills - and it’s fun!
We’re looking for volunteer Story Mentors and Illustrator Mentors to support our after-school clubs and on-off projects in Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne and across Sussex. Please note that these roles are in-person only at various community-based locations.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
-
Aged 16+
-
Based in Sussex
-
Patient, enthusiastic and passionate about creativity
-
Interested in working with children and young people
-
Looking for a fun and fulfilling way to learn new skills and connect with other people.
No training necessary as full training will be given. DBS check and travel expenses provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
A cancer diagnosis brings extra expense from day one. Every child or young person with a cancer diagnosis has a short-term disability and needs to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The forms are long and complex and sometimes families need advice or support to ensure they include enough information to receive the correct level of financial support.
Your empathy, understanding and ability to identify the key information to enable families and young people to claim financial assistance will have a tremendous impact easing stress and allowing them to concentrate on supporting themselves physically and emotionally.
You will be an important part of the team and provide practical support to young people and families completing DLA and PIP forms which can seem lengthy and daunting to young people, and families. Each family’s needs are different, however support via benefits such as DLA and PIP are usually one of the first recommendations made to families seeking financial advice.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing face to face to support to families of children and young people with a diagnosis of cancer
- Actively listening to families and asking relevant questions to enable them to identify specific support needs
- Supporting families to complete complex forms to enable them to claim DLA or PIP
- As a key part of the team recognise when to ask for other team members for advice or support
This will include:
- Looking at the DLA/PIP form with the family or young person
- Explaining the information Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) needs
- Coaching the family to include as much detail in their answers as necessary
The practical support required for this role will vary from taking the time to read through an application with a young person or family, who require a second opinion. Others may require questions to be re-phrased to simplify them and make them more applicable to their lived experience.
You will be providing guidance on how to answer the questions on the forms and useful information to include. It may occasionally include filling in the form with the family/young person when they are not able to complete it themselves
Booking slots will be flexible to meet the individual need (30 minutes up to 2 hours)
There is scope and opportunity in this role for development into supporting families or young people with appeals.
What we’ll give you:
- The satisfaction of using your skills and talents to make a tangible difference in the lives of young cancer patients
- A solid introduction and first-hand experience of working in the charity sector with the opportunity to meet other Teams across the organisation and gain a clear insight into the day-to-day work of Young Lives vs Cancer
- Full induction and training with support from a dedicated volunteer manager
- The support of a friendly and knowledgeable team
- Experience of working with a social care team and opportunity to develop communication and planning skills and advocating for families
- Experience of working with and directly supporting children and young people with cancer and their families
- And of course, we’ll cover any out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Volunteering Policy!
You should be able to volunteer for 2 hours per week during Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm at our Home from Home in London WC1. We are flexible as to days or times to fit in with your other commitments.
We may close applications for this role early depending on applications
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!
Say Aphasia is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled volunteer grant writer to join our small but dedicated team. As a proactive member of our charity, you will help secure funding to support people living with Aphasia—a communication disability that affects over 360,000 people across the UK.
Job description:
As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.
As our grant writer, you will:
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Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria.
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Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids.
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Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Say Aphasia’s funding needs.
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Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals.
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Help us develop a case for support.
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The bid writer will receive a percentage from successful funding received from their submitted applications.
If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for a someone who has:
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Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer, marketing, or nonprofit development.
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Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.
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Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
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Self-motivated and highly-organised.
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Ability to work remotely.
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Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds.
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An understanding of how grant funding works, and the variety of requirements from different Trusts and Foundations.
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Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly.
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Ideally have a good network of people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects.
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Determination to get the job done.
You would be working closely with the charity’s Service Manager, with regular updates and remote meetings as needed. We have an induction process that will help successful applicants to understand how our charity operates. We would like to offer the volunteer a commission on successful grant applications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lay Trustee role - Healthcare Infection Society - deadline: 23 September 2025
Our current Lay trustee demits in December 2025, and we are seeking a successor who is not from a clinical background but shares our values and vision This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to help shape HIS’s future, ensuring strong governance and supporting our ambitions for growth.
As a Lay Trustee, you will:
- Work with the Council and Chief Executive to uphold HIS’s vision, mission and values. Council meets quarterly.
- Work with Chief Financial Officer and serve on the Finance Committee, which meets quarterly to review financial performance, remuneration, and strategic and operational risks.
- Contribute to delivering the 2025-30 strategy.
- Oversee compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements.
No prior trustee experience is necessary – a full induction will be provided.
Who we are looking for
We are especially keen to hear from candidates with
- Financial investment and management experience (ideally in healthcare)
- Candidates should have no clinical background.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who support our mission and can actively contribute to our work. HIS is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture.
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!
Are you a finance whizz looking for a rewarding trustee role? We have an amazing opportunity to be a Treasurer for our board, where you’ll have oversight of all financial aspects of the charity and advise the board accordingly. You’ll also be a proactive board member who shares our vision and values, and works with us to shape the charity’s direction. We look forward to hearing from you!
This role can be undertaken remotely for the most part, with quarterly in-person board meetings in London.
Please apply via the brief application form on our website.
The main tasks you'll be required to undertake:
- Oversight budgeting, forecasting and reporting both internally to the Board of Trustees as well as reporting of the annual accounts
- Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly invested and economically spent
- Review of internal financial control environment ensuring continuous improvement and timely follow up of any actions
- Contributing to the strategic plan and advising on financial implications, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity
- Being a dedicated and proactive trustee of the charity, making meaningful contributions to meetings and discussions, and leading ad hoc pieces of work as required
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.