Volunteer assistant volunteer roles in kilburn, greater london

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

About the volunteer role

The aim of our E-Commerce Assistant role is to provide administrative and operational support to the E-Commerce Manager, assisting with online sales, customer service, and digital marketing initiatives

Key tasks

· Product Listings: Assist in creating and updating product listings on our e-commerce platform.

· Order Processing: Assist in processing orders, including packaging and dispatching items.

· Customer Service: Provide support for customer inquiries via email, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

· Compliance: Ensure all e-commerce activities comply with relevant regulations and guidelines.

· Administrative Support: Provide general administrative support to the E-Commerce team.

About You

· Communication Skills: Good communication skills.

· IT Literacy: Comfortable using MS Office applications – Outlook, Word, Excel.

· E-Commerce Platforms: Familiarity with e-commerce platforms e.g., Shopify & eBay

· Organisational Skills: Good organisational skills.

· Attention to Detail: High attention to detail.

Experience & skills you will gain

· Experience working as part of a team.

· Experience working within an e-commerce administrative role.

· Gain hands-on experience in the dispatch process, including packaging and shipping.

· Experience in managing product listings and inventory.

· Exposure to customer service practices in an online retail environment.

· Experience in digital marketing.

· Exposure to sales analysis and reporting.

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Wandsworth Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Are you passionate about making a difference?

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

No Going Back, an innovative and forward-thinking charity, is looking for dedicated volunteers to support a series of pre-employment workshops for ex-offenders preparing to re-enter the workforce. This is a powerful opportunity to help individuals on their journey to rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward sustainable employment. Join us and be part of a movement that changes lives - one second chance at a time.

About Us

We are a committed and compassionate charity focused on providing support and opportunities to individuals who have faced significant challenges in their lives. Our mission is to empower ex-offenders by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and lead fulfilling lives.

As a Workshop Support Volunteer, you will:

- Assist in the preparation and delivery of pre-employment workshops.

- Provide one-on-one support to participants during sessions.

- Help facilitate group discussions and activities.

- Offer encouragement and guidance to participants as they develop their CVs, cover letters, and interview skills.

By volunteering with us, you will:

- Make a positive impact on the lives of ex-offenders.

- Gain valuable experience in teaching, mentoring, and community support.

- Meet new people and expand your professional network.

- Receive training and support from our experienced team.

- Be part of a supportive and friendly community of volunteers.

Join us in supporting ex-offenders as they reintegrate into the workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, but we do have a few requirements:

- A genuine desire to help ex-offenders integrate back into society.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

- Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.

- Availability to commit to a regular schedule of workshops and mentoring sessions.

    VOLUNTEER/GLD ONLINE

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation

(IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities (in location) while offering

an opportunity to learn and practice (online).

Join our Global Leadership Development program in one or more of the following divisions or teams:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist

with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track

donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children lives. Develop curricula,

mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics,

translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

● Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

● Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

● Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse

backgrounds.

● Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various

skills and levels of expertise.

This life changing experience impacts you as well as the children and communities we serve.

_________________________________________________________________

Canine Partners are looking for volunteers who can provide loving homes for our young dogs, aged 14 months upwards, whilst helping to train them to be canine partners.

By volunteering you will:

• Be a valued member of our Charity
• Know that you are integrally involved in the care and training of a dog that will change the life of a person waiting for their Canine Partner
• Benefit from the companionship and enjoyment of having a dog in your life without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Can develop your knowledge of puppy development and training.

 ‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs.’

What is involved

• Commitment to providing a loving home, care, and training for a dog for the duration of their time in training.
• We consider this a full-time role as you, or another approved adult member of the household, will be required to care for the dog for much of the day and overnight.
• Our trainers need access to the dogs during weekdays for training purposes. We ask that you commute to and from our training centre when required to drop off/collect the dog. Drop off and collection times are between 7.30 - 9.30am and 4-6pm. We try to be as flexible as possible with the times that are best for you.
• Availability to attend pre-arranged training sessions at your home, in your local area, and at our training centre.
• Attend an Introduction session before we coordinate a dog into your care
• With our guidance, and using positive training methods, to continue the training of the dog in various areas. For example:
  • Home behaviour
  • Social behaviour
  • Behaviour around other animals
  • Walking on a lead
  • Off lead exercise
• Maintaining the dog’s health and welfare and, via support and training, to recognise behaviour/health concerns and report them immediately to the dog’s trainer.

What we require from you

• You live within a 30-minute drive of our training centre (post code LE12 9SR)
• That you, as the dog's main carer, are over 18 years of age
• You have a dog friendly secure garden
• Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required.
• All members of the household are keen to foster.
• There is no more than one pet dog living in your home. The pet dog must be over 12 months of age and would need to undergo our pet dog suitability assessment
• Have the time and ability to commit to the training and care of a young dog. This is a physical role
• Have access to a suitable vehicle to transport the dog
• That you or other approved adult member of the household are at home most of the day, and overnight, to care for the dog
• Attend two training sessions each year
• Understand that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners

Support and Training

• Induction process which includes telephone assessment and home visit
• On-going Instruction and support from our dog trainers. This will be in person, via video link, phone calls, handouts etc.
• Holiday cover and appointments cover can be arranged.
• Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative
• Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
• Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group

Events Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us. 

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Regional Development Event Volunteer for the London area. As an Event Volunteer, you will be participating in events and promoting them locally. 
We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally.
You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. 
You’ll be friendly and welcoming and able to work as part of a team, with flexibility to travel across London.

Apply 
- Read through the role description and project brief carefully
- Apply by clicking the ‘Apply’ link provided.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports, and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society.

Role Overview
As a Post-Production Assistant, you will play a key role in transforming raw footage into polished video content that aligns with Quilombo UK's mission of promoting cultural awareness and community wellbeing. You will work closely with the Video Production Manager and team to edit, refine, and finalize videos for various platforms. This role requires a keen eye for detail, creativity, and a strong understanding of video editing tools and techniques.

Main Responsibilities

• Edit raw footage into cohesive and engaging video content, incorporating music, graphics, and visual effects to enhance storytelling.
• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager and creative team to align the final edits with the organization’s vision, values, and target audience.
• Conduct quality checks on video content, ensuring technical accuracy, proper formatting, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Manage color correction, sound editing, and visual effects to ensure a professional finish.
• Work with the Video Editor to organize and maintain a clear post-production workflow, including file management, version control, and backups.
• Oversee the creation and integration of subtitles, captions, and translations for accessibility and multilingual audiences.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to video editing software and export settings.
• Optimize videos for various platforms, including social media, websites, and presentations, ensuring proper formatting and resolution.
• Maintain and archive finalized video projects in an organized and accessible system.
• Provide input on improving the post-production process, tools, and resources to enhance efficiency and output quality.
• Stay updated on video editing trends, tools, and best practices to bring fresh and innovative ideas to projects.

Essential

Working Knowledge of Video Editing Platforms:

• Adobe Premiere Pro

• Adobe Media Encoder
• Photoshop
• After Effects (beneficial but not required)
• Da Vinci Resolve (beneficial but not required)
• Understanding of picture and audio finishing including grade + audio mixing
• Basic IT understanding – Mac OS specific 
• 10+ years in post-production facilities (beneficial but not required)

Desirable

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 
• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 
• Experience with streaming services for Youtube and FB Live using applications such as Switcher or OBS and online broadcast hardware. 
• 5 + years of live production in broadcast and film (beneficial but not required)
• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries (beneficial but not required)
• Knowledge of the production and post production workflow (ingest-edit-project consolidation)
• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc)

When needed:

Willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks as part of a Personal Development Program (PDP).

Production roles are hyrbid therefore proximity to London is beneficial as trips to Kingston will need to be made, with reasonable travel expenses paid. 

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

WHO WE ARE
We are a Kingston-based social enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion. Encouraging different cultures to unite enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. Partnering with cultural, social and sports organisation's, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. Our findings are supported by educational opportunities designed to broaden perspectives.

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Discover our mission, values and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Your journey with purpose begins here

Join us in creating positive change!

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Join our dynamic team as a Volunteer HR Recruiter and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our non-profit Organisation. As a key member of our Human Resources team, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end recruitment process, ensuring the acquisition of talented individuals passionate about our mission. Your expertise will contribute to building a dedicated and skilled workforce, enabling us to impact the community positively. This role offers a unique opportunity to utilise your HR recruitment skills for a meaningful cause while gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector.

Collaborate with hiring managers to identify hiring needs and implement effective sourcing strategies,
Interview and Selection
Build and maintain a strong talent pipeline.
Conduct initial screening interviews to effectively evaluate the candidates’ skill set and cultural fit while providing an engaging experience.
Foster positive relationships with candidates, keeping them informed about the status of their applications.
Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date candidate records and recruitment metrics.

 REQUIRED SKILLS:

Proven experience as an HR Recruiter or in a similar role
Familiarity with job boards and professional social platforms
Strong understanding of recruitment processes and employment laws
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Office based skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Excellent time management and organisational skills
Strong marketing and negotiation skills
Outstanding teamwork skills and ability to create relationships at all levels, showing respect to different types of people.
Professionalism and Confidentiality

WHAT WE OFFER:

Opportunity for professional growth and development in Recruitment and other HR departments depending on your knowledge and learning aptitude.
A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.
Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday to Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Contract length: 16 weeks

Expected hours: No less than 12 per week

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime

Work Location: Remote

Barefoot and Free is a small UK-based charity that gifts unforgettable staycations to families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma.

We are seeking creative and committed Volunteer Social Media Designers to help us share our story and grow our online presence.

This is a remote volunteer role ideal for someone looking to use their design skills and social media knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Role Overview
As a Volunteer Social Media Designer at Barefoot and Free, you will be responsible for creating engaging visual content for our social media platforms. You will work closely with the team to develop visuals that reflect our mission values and ongoing projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design social media content for use on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn
• Help maintain a consistent visual identity across all content
• Support campaigns events and awareness days with tailored designs
• Edit photos and create simple animations or videos where appropriate
• Collaborate with other volunteers to schedule and publish content

What You’ll Bring

• Proven commercial experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or similar design tools
• A background in design, marketing or content creation (relevant qualifications are a bonus but not essential)
• A good understanding of visual storytelling and social media trends
• Creativity, attention to detail and the ability to work to a brief
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently
• A passion for charitable work and a willingness to contribute time and skills

Time Commitment
This is a flexible remote role. We ask for a commitment of 2 to 5 hours per week. We are happy to work around your availability.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to use your skills for a good cause
• Experience working in the charity sector
• Portfolio development and references on request
• Being part of a friendly supportive team making a difference

To apply please send a recent C.V along with a short note about yourself & with samples of your design work or a portfolio 
We look forward to hearing from you.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’ 

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer  Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual;

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

The Whiteley Homes Trust owns and manages Whiteley Village near Walton on Thames, where we have been supporting older people in need for over a century. Our charity offers outstanding accommodation and care to around 400 older people, most of whom are beneficiaries and unable to buy or rent their own homes on the open market. We are proud to be one of the oldest charities in Surrey, and our Patron was the former Prince of Wales.

Our Clubhouse Community Café volunteers help us to add extra value to the service we offer. This role provides opportunities to make a direct impact on reducing social isolation, promoting inclusivity, creating awareness and helping local people who may not be able to afford food. 

Main Role:

Customer Service:

• Greet customers and take their orders.
• Serve food, beverages and alcohol promptly and courteously.
• Handle customer inquiries and resolve any issues.

Food Preparation:

• Assist in the preparation of food and drinks.
• Follow recipes and presentation standards.
• Hygiene and Cleanliness:
• Maintain cleanliness of the café, including tables, counters, and kitchen areas.
• Wash dishes and utensils.
• Adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations.

Cash Handling:

• Operate the cash register and handle transactions.
• Balance the till at the end of the shift.

Stock Management:

• Monitor stock levels and replenish supplies as needed.
• Assist with inventory checks.

We are looking for people who:

• Share our passion for community service
• Are friendly, approachable and like to work with the public
• Want to learn more about our work and share their enthusiasm with others

CHARITY SHOP ASSISTANT

Charity Shop Assistant (North Finchley - RSPCA Finchley & District Branch)

Our charity shop in the heart of North Finchley is looking for a friendly volunteer to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

Overview of opportunity

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop managers and other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

About Our Charity Shop in North Finchley

The shop is part of the RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch and plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes & accessories, books, bric-a-brac, electricals and collectables.

We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could

volunteer to do a mixture of both.

Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities

•  Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
•  Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
•  Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

•  Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately on set days each week based on your availability.
• Good communication and numeracy skills.
•  You will need to be aged 18 or over.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

•   A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
• A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
•  The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
•  Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.