Service volunteer volunteer roles in rossendale, lancashire

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.

At PAS we believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly, properly and with respect. Prisoners can be ‘ out of sight, out of mind’, or considered to not be as deserving of good treatment as other people – but not for PAS; our reason for existing is ensuring that prisoners can fully exercise their rights.

It is my privilege to be Chair of Trustees for PAS, I believe that the work we do is fundamental to my belief that we judge our society by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable people. Contrary to popular culture, prisoners are some of the most vulnerable, neglected people in our society, and I am proud to be a part of an organisation that helps to protect them.

My fellow trustees are an impressive group of people, actively engaged with PAS, who energise me whenever I meet with them. However, our numbers have dwindled over the past year, as it can been difficult for people to fit in the demands of being a trustee around their busy lives. We also very sadly lost one of our most long-standing trustees to cancer – he is still sorely missed by us.

If you feel that you could offer your skills and experience, but most importantly your commitment and enthusiasm to our cause, we would be very interested in considering you joining us as a new Trustee.

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic governance of the organisation and the setting and monitoring of overall policy; refine strategic priorities; agree targets and budgets; evaluate organisational performance and help the organisation fundraise.

Meetings take place quarterly in central London in the evening (with some virtual attendance), with additional attendance requested at Awaydays and PAS’s Annual Lecture and debates.

The Board encourages applications from candidates with disabilities or experience of mental health services, as well as black and minority ethnic applicants and ex-prisoners.

PAS does not accept Home Office or Prison Service money as this may affect its independence.

  Trustees are volunteers, but travel costs and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is the only independent registered charity dedicated to offering free legal advice and representation to adult prisoners on their rights and prison rules in England and Wales.

The Great Autistic CIC is Newly-Founded and exists to tackle rising mental health concerns, hypermobility, inadequate support systems, limited awareness and inclusion, educational barriers and community disconnection faced by neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with autism and learning difficulties. 

“

We believe that every neurodiverse brain has its own superpowers. Our organisation turns challenges into opportunities by offering tailored educational support, creative social activities like art clubs and nature walks, and strong advocacy that gives voice to those with autism. We’re a community built on lived experience and on a mission to help every unique individual shine.  

”

Are you a creative whiz with a knack for web design? Do you want to make a real difference in your community?

The Great Autistic CIC is looking for a passionate and talented Volunteer Web Designer to join our team! We're a friendly bunch dedicated to supporting the autistic community, and we need your help to make our online presence shine.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Help us create a beautiful and user-friendly website: We want our website to be a welcoming and informative space for everyone.
• Work on exciting projects: You'll get to use your design skills on real projects that make a difference.
• Learn and grow: We're a supportive team, and you'll have the chance to develop your skills and learn new things.

What We're Looking For:

• Someone with a passion for web design: Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we'd love to hear from you!
• A friendly and reliable person: We're looking for someone who's easy to work with and committed to helping out.
• Someone who's kind, honest, and understanding: We value these qualities in all our volunteers.

What You'll Get:

• The chance to build your portfolio: Showcase your skills and experience with real-world projects.
• Connect with a wonderful community: Meet new people and make a difference.
• Feel good about giving back: Your work will help us support autistic individuals and their families.

Interested: please email us!!

and tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to volunteer with us!

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

Trustee Opportunity

Are you passionate about making a difference in rural, remote communities? We’re looking for individuals to join the Board of Trustees for a new, community-led social enterprise delivering social care services in North Perthshire.

This innovative initiative, born from a collaboration between the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, Rannoch Community Trust and Dunkeld, Birnam & District Community Development Trust, aims to improve access to care at home for those in rural areas.

SKS Scotland is supporting this project and the recruitment process.

About the Role

We are recruiting up to six Trustees to help shape the organisation, working closely with the CEO/Home Care Manager. We’re particularly looking for expertise in:

• Business start-up and development
• Health and social care policy
• Commissioning and local government
• Finance, accounting, and quality assurance
• HR and fundraising
• Community and voluntary sector experience

What You’ll Bring

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• A commitment to rural health and wellbeing
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and make informed decisions
• A passion for community-driven social care

Commitment

Approximately 1–2 days per month, including meetings and preparation. This is a voluntary role with expenses covered.

Make a real difference to the student movement by joining NUS Charity as a Trustee.

We’re seeking two committed individuals to help provide strategic leadership, oversee our finances, and ensure we continue to support strong and sustainable students’ unions across the UK. As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our direction and championing the value of students’ unions at a national level.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to attract the widest possible pool of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-driven mindset

We are fully committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as committee members and within the voluntary sector more broadly.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions that impact millions of students

• Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by: Thursday 12 June 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the roles before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

“At Nugent, we believe in a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive – regardless of circumstances. That belief has guided us since 1881, and continues to inspire the work we do today”.

Join Us as a Trustee – Make a Real Difference at Nugent

Role: Trustee
Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings (location-based)
Time Commitment: Approx. 4 board meetings per year + occasional subcommittee work
Type: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About Us

Nugent are a North West based health and social care charity, based predominantly in the Liverpool City region, offering a diverse range of support for adults and children. Our children’s provisions include residential homes, a secure facility, a step-down home and SEMH School. Our adult’s provisions include dispersed homelessness accommodation, floating support provided in the community and supported living provided at home. We also provide adult residential homes including a specialist acquired brain injury, a home for those living with dementia, and a home supporting Mental Health needs. We also offer adoption support services working in partnership with local authorities across the UK.

To reach communities beyond these provisions we have established an initiative called Our Future Now, which actively engages in a range of fundraising and community-based activities. These efforts support wider unmet needs across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring good governance and overseeing the effective use of resources. You will work with fellow trustees and senior staff to support our mission, challenge constructively, and bring your insight and experience to the table.

As an experienced and committed individual, you will provide support to your peers and leadership to the executive team. You will promote a commercially astute culture across the organisation as we continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people we support

This role is ideal for you as a conscientious and driven individual who is prepared to support, advise and actively engage in the achievement of the vision

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Health and social care policy or practice
• Finance, law, or governance
• Lived experience of using health or social care services
• Charity leadership or fundraising
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We are committed to having a diverse and representative board. If you are passionate about improving lives and can contribute to strategic thinking and oversight, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please apply online and attach your current CV. Alternatively send your CV and a short covering statement explaining why you’re interested and what you can bring to the role to the HR team by 6th June 2025

For more information or an informal conversation about the role, contact the HR team

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.

Oxfam's Oldham Shop is looking for Volunteers to help Oxfam’s fight to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We’re looking for volunteers who can give 4 hours of their time in the shop, and we’re excited to welcome brand new volunteers as we look to re-open our store!

Location: 31 Yorkshire Street, Oldham, OL1 3RZ

Become a volunteer!

We like to give volunteers an opportunity to try a range of areas before they find something that suits them. You might become a Retail Volunteer, Stock Volunteer, or. Or, you might find yourself in a more specialist role such as an Ecommerce Volunteer, a Shift Lead Volunteer, or even a Stock Specialist Volunteer.

Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…

Why be a volunteer?

Your time will make a huge difference. We estimate one four-hour shift will, on average, provide enough income to enable Oxfam to provide life-saving handwashing facilities for 81 people.

Volunteering also has a positive impact on wellbeing, with an incredible 7 in 10 volunteers saying that their charitable actions were beneficial for their mental health.

Benefits of becoming a Volunteer:

• Gain genuine experience working in a retail environment.
• Travel Expenses are reimbursed.
• Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, and develop your CV.
• Great way to meet new people & be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.
• Be part of a fantastic team and make a positive change to the world.
• Opportunity to utilise and develop your transferable skills.

Volunteering with Oxfam will give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to build your CV and boost your employability. Problem solving, communication, working with others and familiarity with the workplace are universally valued by employers.

No experience is necessary as full training and an induction will be given. You don't need to be computer literate to join our team; there are volunteer opportunities for all. All we ask is that you’re happy to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

We can be flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have.

Tempted? Click Apply now!

• Oxfam reimburses Volunteer expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy: local, reasonable travel expenses, & lunch (if volunteering 5+ hours).
• We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.
• Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).
• *NB: due to the current capacity of some shops, it may be that you will be placed on a waiting list and/or, if you are under 18, until a shop has enough staff and/or volunteers DBS cleared. The Shop Manager will discuss this with you.

Help us grow and engage our audiences by creating and managing our Google Ads account, so that we can help support the mental health of more women.

Description

We are seeking an online advertising expert to help us reach more women who need mental health support. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of Google Ads, Google Analytics and ideally, social media advertising.

What impact will they have?

Your support will help us reach more women seeking mental health support via our 1-1 counselling services.

About the volunteer

Description

We are looking for a volunteer who:

· Create and manage all our Google Ad and social media paid campaigns

· Create and optimise ad campaigns and paid search landing pages

· Analyse and adapt ad campaigns

· Manage and optimise display campaigns across multiple devices

· Develop PPC strategies to increase online visibility

· Has good communications and organisation skills

· Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

Skills

· Online advertising

Why we need you?

The Halifax Charity Gala is organised by a committee of local volunteers in their spare time. The work required to plan and execute the gala is quite large & growing, with volunteer Committee Members working all year round to support the 40 or so local good causes we represent.

This all requires your friendly face & attitude on Gala Day to provide a warm welcome to our paying customers, accredited volunteers, commercial concessions, arena acts & others.

What will you be doing?

Helping to organise Calderdale’s longest-running annual not-for-profit family event! On a more practical level you’ll be the first Gala representative customers see, so will check their tickets/accreditation or take admission payment and provide them with a programme.

As a Gate Steward, on Gala Day you could be:

• Welcoming everyone with a friendly, positive attitude

• Managing entry queues, ensuring those with tickets/accreditation use the fast-track lanes, and that an exit lane is maintained

• Assisting customers with accessibility needs to navigate the queues

• Scanning eTickets in (and out, if they are likely to want to return)

• Checking hand stamps (of procession participants)

• Checking wristbands (of accredited persons)

• Checking paper tickets

• Accepting card & cash payments for people wishing to purchase admission on-the-day

• ‘Clicking’ people in & out using manual tally counters

• Providing information to customers about the Gala, entertainment timetables & other activities taking place

• Handing out printed programme booklets to customers on entry

• Issuing hand stamps for non-eTicket customers who may want to return

• Assisting in maintaining a safe & enjoyable environment, reporting any issues to your volunteer Gate Supervisor

Not every volunteer Gate Steward will be doing every task – there is flexibility to alternate between tasks on each gate. We can make reasonable adjustments for volunteers who have additional needs, conditions or disabilities which affect the tasks they are able to do.

What skills do you need?

• Basic numeracy skills, to work out total cost of admission for a group, and to provide change

• Ability to use smart mobile device (ie tablet / phone) applications for scanning eTickets (training on the specific app will be provided on the day)

• Ability to use Process Data Quickly (PDQ) ‘card’ machines to accept payments by card (training on the specific terminals will be provided on the day)

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Enthusiasm & a positive can-do attitude

• Willingness to work as part of a team with a flexible approach

• Proactivity & a good initiative

• Assertive when necessary

• Ability to deal with any incidents that may occur in a cool & calm manner

Not every volunteer Gate Steward will need to have every skill – there are several positions on each gate, and your volunteer Gate Supervisor will allocate you based on your existing skills & experience.

How much time do you need to commit?

We require Gate Stewards on Gala Day – the second Saturday of June each year.

Gate Stewards need to be available for one of two shifts:

• Early from 1000 to 1530

• Late from 1130 to 1700

Though any volunteers who want to start earlier / finish later would always be welcomed to do so!

This allows to us to have all Gate Stewards on their allocated gates between 1200-1500, which is our busiest time for customers entering & leaving.

What support will you be given?

Each gate team is led by a volunteer Gate Supervisor, who will be the first point of contact for any issues locally. They will have a radio to contact Radio Control.

Each gate also has an SIA licensed Door Supervisor present from our externally contracted crowd safety service provider, who will support with any prohibited items, invalid accreditation / tickets, refusal to pay, etc.

The volunteer Gate Supervisors are in turn supported by a volunteer Gate Manager, who will visit each gate several times during the day.

A briefing will be provided at your start time, by the volunteer Gate Manager and/or a volunteer Committee Member.

What are the benefits?

• Satisfaction of knowing you are making a valuable contribution to a successful, high-profile event supporting local good causes and providing the people of Halifax, Calderdale & West Yorkshire a great family day out

• Enjoyment of meeting new people from a variety of backgrounds & the opportunity to build your professional network

• Being a part of our friendly, supportive volunteer team

• Opportunity to discover more about our year-round roles which provide valuable experiences across many sectors

• Knowledge that you will have made a positive impact and improved the experience of the public & our member organisations

• The opportunity to develop various skills, for example:

o Card payment processing

o Cash handling

o Communication

o Crowd management

o Customer service

o Event co-ordination

o Problem solving

o Teamwork

• Light refreshments are provided on Gala Day, usually in the form of a buffet of sandwiches, snacks, soft & hot drinks, etc

• Access to a workers-only portable toilet in the Gala Control compound

How to sign up?

If you’re part of a group/organisation that can supply a whole gate team (4-6 stewards & 1 supervisor), please email us and a volunteer Committee Member will be in touch to discuss further.

If you’re an individual who is happy to join other volunteers, please see our website for more information. You can email us to express your interest, and we’ll send you the link to our sign-up form

Could you support your local PDSA shop - and help us care for the pets of people in need?

Every PDSA shop needs an amazing team of volunteers to make it a success and we’re on the lookout for people to join us.

Our shops raise funds to support our pet 48 hospitals and increase awareness of the work we do to get the nation PetWise. 

There are many different ways you can help and even a couple of hours a week will make a difference.

As a Volunteer Customer Service Assistant in one of our shops, you will be the face of PDSA. You will make sure that our customers receive a warm welcome and help us to achieve our ambition of delivering the best customer service of any UK charity. You will also be helping us to exceed our income targets.

What skills do I need?

• Are you a team player?
• Do you enjoy building relationships with people?
• Will you go the extra mile when it comes to customer service?

If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear from you. We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket. 

We can offer you the chance to:

• Develop fantastic retail skills for your CV
• Work flexible hours that suit you.
• Make new friends.
• Gain a qualification (if you meet the requirements)

We’re looking for people who are:

• Friendly
• Enjoy working as part of a team and with the public.
• Want to develop customer service skills.
• At least 18 years old.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our stores or by applying online, we’d love to hear from you!

PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect. 

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.

To apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

Main purpose of the role

To provide telephone friendship service to veterans (and their partners) in their own homes.

Key focus

• To provide telephone friendship and companionship which is appropriate, and person centred. You will need the use of your own telephone /mobile.
• The use of a quiet safe space so you can concentrate on the call and maintain confidentiality.
• Provide telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation and help to build confidence.
• Report any concerns or problems to the volunteer coordinator immediately.
• To record information about the call on the telephone log and submit this monthly.
• Read and understand the information provided as part of the induction training.
• Understand and work to the Telephone Friendship Service guidelines, boundaries and expectations.
• Adhere to Royal Star & Garter confidentiality policy.
• To take care of own Health & Safety and that of others affected by your volunteering activities.
• Promote the reputation, culture and ethos of the charity as a quality provider of excellent care and customer service.

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.

Our Values

We are a values-based organisation and strive to demonstrate our values in all we do:

With love: We carry out our work with love, care and compassion

Living positively: We are optimistic in everything we do, supporting veterans and their partners leading happy, fulfilled lives 

As a family: We work and live as one team, one family, one community

Standing in their shoes: We show admiration and respect for people and never forget what they have done 

Take courage: We are not afraid to what is right and what is needed

What we are looking for from volunteers

Essential skills and attributes 

It is essential that you are a naturally caring character that always puts people first, shows kindness, warmth, compassion and respect at all times, and loves to embrace life to make it meaningful for yourself and those you support. Others include:

• You enjoy working as part of a team
• You understand how to operate within a confidential environment
• You are aware of the needs of older people

We are also looking for people who are willing to undertake induction and training and who will work within our guidelines and policies. The role is dependent on a DBS check.

Behaviours & characteristics

• Good listening and communication skills
• Naturally patient and able to demonstrate sensitivity
• Reliability and at the same time flexible to changing needs

Don’t worry if you are new to a role like this. We will support and train you and encourage you on your telephone friendship journey.

Pathway to becoming a volunteer

• Application Form
• Informal meeting
• References
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Check
• Induction Training

Other information you need to know

This is a remote role, and you will be required to attend online induction training.

You will need access to a phone to make calls and access to emails to receive information regarding your calls.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming.