Support volunteer volunteer roles in neston, cheshire west and chester

*APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY OPEN FOR MALE IDENTIFYING VOLUNTEERS ONLY*

Men Who Talk is a UK registered charity, running twice weekly online peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18+ across the UK. The groups take place between 7:00pm - 8:30pm every Wednesday evening, and 14:00 - 15:30 every Saturday afternoon. 

Our groups are supportive spaces for men aged 18+ to come and talk openly about what's on their mind. All groups are free to attend and follow the evidence based model of peer support. 

Volunteers are required to be online from 6:45pm to 8:45pm on a Wednesday evening, and from 13:45 - 15:45 on a Saturday, and are required to facilitate around 1 group per month. Volunteers are asked to commit to an a minimum of 6 months of volunteering in the initial stage. 

All groups are facilitated by a minimum of 2 facilitators, and follow a semi-structured pattern.

We are looking for passionate men with some experience of groups facilitating or working in mental health settings to come join us as facilitators. Experience in using online platforms such as zoom is essential. 

A degree in psychology is preferred but not an essential requirement.

You must have the right to live and work in the UK in order to join us, MWT is unable to sponsor any visa applications. Fluency in conversational English and a firm grasp of technology is also required. 

Why Join MWT? 

Men Who Talk is an exciting, fast growing charity, creating new spaces for men to talk openly about what's on their mind. 

We have a diverse team full of talented and passionate individuals who are committed to changing the face of mens mental health across the UK. 

As well as the opportunity to join the organisation at an exciting stage of it's development, volunteers also have the opportunity to develop their own skills and have regular chances to feed into the creative and strategic development of the organisation. We also provide enhanced safeguarding adults training, and the opportunity to develop key skills to enhance a career in mental health. In addition to training opportunities, MWT also provides weekly online group supervision with a specialist supervisior, free of charge for all volunteers. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are only able to accept applications from individuals who already have the right to live and work in the UK. 

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

Purpose of the Role:

We seek a Web Manager (Unpaid Volunteer) to support our website upgrade, digital and fundraising strategy, manage WordPress sites, optimise user experience, and drive results through improved web performance.  You'll identify new projects to develop innovative products that generate revenue for the business.  This is a key role in which your expertise in digital marketing, web management, SEO and traffic conversions is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and optimise WordPress sites: Ensure consistency in brand messaging across all web properties, optimise user experience (UX), and maximise conversion opportunities.
• Revamp donation system: Develop our new fundraising system using Stripe donations and ensure compliance to prevent scam donations and money laundering.
• Regular updates and improvements: Stay ahead by reviewing and updating web presence, emerging trends, and best practices.
• Develop and install a Membership system for people joining AHO. AHO is becoming a membership organisation to empower members to decide how AHO is managed and to generate income through membership fees.
• Build and develop an Online Shop. The first stage is a Virtual Online Shop selling project items instead of money, for example, selling bricks to build a hospital instead of asking for money.  The second stage is an Online Shop selling physical African foodstuffs, clothing, etc..
• Design and build health tools, such as BMI Index scales, health quizzes, medical screenings, assessments, and questionnaires, to enhance the website's interactivity and educational value.
• Expand and add new sections to the current website, such as the Projects and Impact sections, showcasing our projects and their impact through stories, videos, and case studies.
• Performance Optimisation: Enhance search engine rankings and overall website performance using expert-level SEO.
• Analytics and reporting: Track and analyse web traffic, sales metrics, and marketing data to measure success, forecast trends, and provide actionable insights to the bus.

References

Due to the nature of this role, references will be sought before the interview and offer.  We will conduct enhanced DBS checks for criminal convictions and local police cautions.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB

All our Volunteer Opportunities are unpaid or unsalaried. Do not apply if you seek a paid position or intend to negotiate a compensation package with us.   Volunteering allows individuals to contribute their time to society at no cost while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid positions.

AHO Head of Fundraising (unpaid, Volunteer role)

Responsibilities and Duties

The Volunteer Head of Fundraising assists the Director of Fundraising in developing and implementing a comprehensive multi-year funding strategy that encompasses diverse income streams, working collaboratively with senior leadership to coordinate efforts and maintain an up-to-date funding pipeline. 

The Volunteer Grants Head assists the Director of Fundraising to:

• Develop and drive a multi-year fundraising strategy to support the organisation's growth ambitions.  To include a mix of both existing and new income streams and the resources needed to reach the goals.
• Work with the CEO, Director of Fundraising, and Grant Managers to implement the strategy in a coordinated and effective way.
• Create and maintain the fundraising pipeline, keeping it up to date in the CRM, in collaboration with other Volunteers and staff members.
• Lead on fortnightly Business Development meetings to keep everyone aligned and updated.
• Lead the development of new income streams, including government procurement opportunities and individual donations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure alignment between income generation and programme delivery.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to establish and leverage networks and opportunities.

Essential Skills, knowledge, and behaviours:

• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies at a senior level.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple income streams.
• Experience managing multiple income streams, including statutory income, individual, corporate, and grant fundraising
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience developing high-performing teams
• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including bid writing and donor presentations
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and best practice in supporter stewardship

Please note that this is an unpaid role. Don't apply if you plan to negotiate a pay or deal.  Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.

For the full role description and other volunteer opportunities, please visit our website.

How to apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and cover letter using the Charity Job system.  If you use any method other than the one specified, we will not review your application.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

A bit about this role

We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around the Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough area. The postcode areas we are active in are TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, TN7, TN8, TN9, TN10, TN11, TN13, TN14, TN15, TN16, TN17, TN18, TN19, TN20, TN21 and TN22.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help. 

Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare. 

Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!

What can you expect to be doing?

• Helping organise fundraising events in your local area 
• Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
• Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas 
• Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
• Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Responsible to handle money
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation 

Our fundraising volunteers, on average, usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed and you can encourage others to join us too. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Executive Leadership Team here at Youth4Youth to drive positive change in all things volunteer engagement. As an entirely volunteer run organisation, positive engagement with volunteers is absolutely fundamental in allowing Youth4Youth to achieve its mission. It is so fundamental that one of our overarching strategic goals is to ensure that all volunteers have a positive and meaningful volunteering experience when working with us. The Volunteer Experience Director will play a critical role in setting strategy and executing solutions to improve the overall volunteer experience. 

Responsibilities 

Short term objectives:

• Define the volunteering proposition for the Charity, helping new and existing volunteers to understand the impact of working with Youth4Youth
• Manage a project to understand gaps in volunteer engagement and experience, generating recommendations back to the ELT
• Develop a volunteer experience strategy that improves engagement and the overall volunteering experience of all involved with Youth4Youth

Overall objectives and responsibilities:

• Lead a team of volunteers who are involved in supporting a positive volunteering experience with the charity
• Develop and execute a volunteer experience strategy that seeks to attract, engage and retain high-quality volunteers into all teams across the charity
• Partner effectively with the broader charity leadership team to understand engagement challenges and implement solutions to close engagement gaps
• Report to the CEO and the Board of Trustees on any strategic progress made around improving volunteer engagement

Skills 

• Ability to manage complex projects, including the direct and indirect management and coordination of people resources
• Ability to understand complex problems and articulate solutions in a clear, concise and understandable manner
• Demonstrable blue-sky thinking that encourages the implementation of new solutions that may not have been considered before
• Ability to influence both with and without authority to drive positive and meaningful change at all levels and across all departments

Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.

Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth

We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:

• Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
• Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
• Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
• Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries

The hiring process

Our hiring process typically has two stages 

1. Video or Written Application (when applicable) 
2. Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Mid-Sussex area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references

FareShare Merseyside redistributes quality surplus food to over 232 community-based organisations who are working with vulnerable people across the region and parts of North Wales. We are keen to expand our reach, actively looking to recruit charity members who want to help us in our Warehouse, Vans, and Kitchen.

Volunteering with FareShare Merseyside

Our volunteers are at the heart of our service, with an amazing team of almost 100 volunteers, who ensure quality surplus food reaches those most in need in all communities in our region.  As a thank you for their support, we hold regular wellbeing social events and offer pathways onto our employability program.

What is a Warehouse Assistant?

As a WA, you would sort the food that we receive from our food partners and pick daily orders for charities. It’s a great way to keep fit and all you need is a sturdy pair of hands! 

What will I be doing?

• Working as part of a team to manually sort and store large deliveries of surplus food 
• Helping to assemble the daily deliveries of food for local charities and community groups 
• Making sure the food is within use by dates and handled safely 
• You may also be asked to contact our charity members to talk through the food we have available to create their weekly food order

What we need you to be:

• Able to perform physical tasks including lifting and loading 
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food 
• Work well as part of a team 
• Happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction 
• Adaptable – managing surplus can be unpredictable so day to day tasks can vary
•  Positive, friendly, and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty 

What will I get out of it?

•  A fun and friendly environment 
• Be part of a team of like-minded people
• Gain warehouse management skills such as a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate and forklift training / such as food safety, and manual handling. 
• Working reference available after 3 months in the role 
• The opportunity to support a great cause and give back to your community 
• Be at the forefront of stopping good food from going to waste 
• Reasonable travel expenses and a free lunch 

The role in a nutshell: 

Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life. 

What will you be doing? 

As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required. 
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly. 
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required. 
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise.  Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy. 

How would you be supported in this role? 

When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role? 

Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open. 

Additional information: 

We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you. 

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role? 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for you. 

IAPWA was founded in 2009 and aims to provide protection and improve the welfare of animals in need. We exist for the benefit of the animals who need our help and are driven by those who are passionate about providing this lifeline. Our achievements have and continue to be possible through the combined dedication of everyone within the IAPWA team who enable us to make an impact through the collective action we take.

THE ROLE

In February this year, we launched the pilot for our Youth Ambassador Programme, encouraging students between 11-18 to sign up and work towards becoming a Youth Ambassador for the charity through fundraising, raising awareness and animal welfare advocacy. We received a significant interest and are now in a position to have a super successful first full run out of the programme starting in September 2025.

As the Education Partnerships Assistant, you will be aiding the Partnerships Manager in running and growing this year’s programme, while also developing a new programme aimed at schools rather than individuals called the Educator Partner Programme, where schools and education institutions work towards being recognized as an IAPWA Educator Partner.

The role will involve:

• Youth Ambassador Programme Support: Assisting with the day-to-day coordination of the IAPWA Youth Ambassador Programme, including supporting young people aged 11–18 as they complete their activities and challenges to achieve ambassador status.
• Event and Presentation Assistance: Helping to organise and attend school visits, presentations, and award ceremonies, including communicating with schools and coordinating with community supporters.
• Volunteer Engagement: Communicating with Youth Ambassadors and their families, celebrating their achievements, and maintaining positive and inspiring engagement throughout their journey with the programme
• Content Creation: Supporting the creation of Youth Ambassador Programme resources, certificates, welcome packs, and promotional content.
• Educator Partner Programme Development: Assisting in the development of the new Educator Partner Programme for schools and educational institutions, including planning activities, recognition criteria, and outreach strategies.
• Promotion and Outreach: Supporting the promotion of both education programmes through social media, email campaigns, and direct communication with schools, students, and local communities.
• Administration: Maintaining accurate records of participants, communications, and achievements, and ensuring timely responses to enquiries.
• Feedback and Reporting: Gathering feedback from participants and schools to help improve the programmes and compiling monthly updates to share progress with the Partnerships Manager.

THE PERSON

• A passion for animal welfare (essential)
• Knowledge of the education sector, either as a former teacher or a parent with involvement in school proceedings (desired, but not essential)
• Non-profit experience (desired, but not essential)
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Resourcefulness
• Effective team player
• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proactive approach
• Problem solving skills

The role in a nutshell: 

Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life. 

What will you be doing? 

As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required. 
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly. 
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required. 
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise.  Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy. 

How would you be supported in this role? 

When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role? 

Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open. 

Additional information: 

We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you. 

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role? 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for you. 

Liverpool Spooky Welly Walk

Saturday 25th October 2025

Sefton Park, Liverpool, L17 1AP

09:00am – 16:30pm

The Spooky Welly Walk is creeping back into Sefton Park for another fang-tastic year! One of Merseyside’s most boo-tiful Halloween traditions, this ghostly gathering brings thousands of families together for a day of tricks, treats, and spooky surprises.

Join us if you dare...  We’re summoning all volunteers, witches, werewolves, and wizards alike to help make this year's walk the most spooktacular yet! Even if you can't commit to the full hours, let us know and we’ll conjure up a shift that works for you. 

Roles Include:
- Manning frightfully fun activities like the Yucky Dip and Terrifying Tattoos
- Creepy crowd control (aka stewarding)
- Guiding families through the haunted happenings
- Answering questions from curious creatures and goblins

The day zooms by faster than a broomstick ride —thanks to the endless parade of costumed kiddos and their families! Expect an atmosphere charged with giggles, ghouls, and giddy excitement.

What you get in return:
- A glowing reference for work or school
- A certificate to show off your hard work
- The eternal gratitude of our spooky squad

Your helping hands ensure the Spooky Welly Walk is a screaming success! So, dust off your best costume and help us make this year’s event frightfully unforgettable!