Volunteer roles in east sussex

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

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.

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

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience

• Develop new skills and boost your CV 

• Meet new people 

• Support your local community 

• Donate your current skills and knowledge 

• Have fun

• Be part of a friendly team 

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in. 

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.  

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference. 

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA 

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. 

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?  

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience

• Develop new skills and boost your CV 

• Meet new people 

• Support your local community 

• Donate your current skills and knowledge 

• Have fun

• Be part of a friendly team 

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in. 

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference. 

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA 

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.

Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success?  As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.

Time Expectations:  1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)

This could be a shared role and tasks may include:

· Booking the hall for future Jumbles

· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability

· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end

· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Time2Share@WECIL’s Befriending Service links volunteers 1:1 with a Disabled child / young person. Links are based on shared interests and activities which the volunteer and young person can enjoy doing together either in the child/family home or out in the community.

What experience do I need?

You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people, but we ask that volunteers are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within Time2Share@WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people (aged 5-18 yrs) and their families. This involves spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or supporting the young person to take part in social and leisure activities in their local community. You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with. All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your co-ordinator.

Who am I responsible to?

The parent / carer. You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and that clear communication is maintained. Feedback must be given to the parent/carer following a visit.

How often will I be needed?

Time2Share@WECIL typically ask for volunteers to commit to 2-4 hours a week and the days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Team Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist GNDFuk's permanent instructors in finding and providing creative forms of engagement for both our youth and adult programmes.
• To assist in project and schedule planning including setting and clearing up 30 minutes before and after projects and events
• To assist in ensuring that activities are executed safely
• To assist in coordinating events and activities to encourage the objectives of GNDFuk

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and creative who is committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

A charity  based in  Croydon, Surrey, London, UK is looking for volunteer Charity Volunteer Assistants; to volunteer 30 unpaid hours per week. The Charity serves a multi ethnic community especially people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Responsibilities:

• To assist in the delivery of events (ours and those we are invited to), projects and our yearly summer community event.
• To assist in the daily collection and drop off of Greggs after day produce to various soup kitchens
• To assist in promotion of organisations services. eg flyer distribution, school workshops, etc.
• To assist in the delivery of essential services 
• To assist in our soup kitchen projects

Person Specification:

• Someone enthusiastic and passionate about charity work and committed to working towards the achievements of the charities objectives.
• Knowledege of Black and ethnic minority tradition/culture is preferable however not essential.
• Experience is desirable.

This is a non-paid one year temporary position however accommodation and maintenance will be provided.

All interested candidates are required to send us a letter of application, a resume, and contact to the email provided. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered unless we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this vacancy.

Successful candidates will require a DBS/POLICE check and references prior to commencement.

Job Overview

The Abundant Woman is seeking an experienced Bid/Grant Writer to secure funding that supports our mission to empower women through health, wellness, and community initiatives. This role is crucial in identifying, applying for, and winning grants from various sources, including government bodies, charitable foundations, and corporate sponsors. The ideal candidate will be skilled in persuasive writing, research, and aligning proposals with the objectives of both our organisation and prospective funders.

Key Responsibilities

 •  Research and identify relevant grant and funding opportunities to support The Abundant Womans initiatives and programs.

 •  Write and submit compelling grant applications, funding proposals, and bids that clearly communicate our mission and impact.

 •  Tailor each proposal to meet the specific requirements of each funder, ensuring alignment with their priorities and expectations.

 •  Maintain an organised schedule of applications, deadlines, and reporting requirements to ensure timely submissions.

 •  Collaborate with team members to gather necessary information, metrics, and program details for each proposal.

 •  Track application outcomes and maintain relationships with funders to explore future opportunities.

Key Skills and Qualifications

 •  Proven experience in grant writing or bid writing, preferably within a nonprofit or social enterprise setting.

 •  Exceptional written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to convey impact and urgency.

 •  Strong research skills and attention to detail to identify and meet specific funding requirements.

 •  Ability to manage deadlines and work independently, coordinating with internal teams as needed.

 •  Familiarity with the UK funding landscape and knowledge of funder expectations is a plus.

Why Join Us?

As a Bid/Grant Writer at The Abundant Woman, you’ll play a vital role in securing resources that empower women and make a meaningful impact on their lives. This position offers the opportunity to directly contribute to our growth and sustainability, supporting women across the UK.

Join the Board of Governors of Croydon College as the new Chair to play a key role in supporting students achieve their potential and positively contribute to society.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 9th May 2025

Location: Croydon, South London

Who we are

Croydon College was formed from a merger between Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth Form College in 2019. Both Colleges continue to deliver high-quality education, building on their proud history of serving the local community whilst becoming an anchor institution for the local area.

Our College consists of two campuses in South London offering distinctly different provisions. Our Croydon Campus provides general further education with a focus on vocational and skills education, and our Coulsdon Campus is the home of our sixth form college. We offer a wide range of provision, including vocational and academic programmes for young people, courses for adults to upskill or retrain, higher education, apprenticeships, and a specific curriculum for learners with high needs.

About the role

As Chair, you will have a responsibility to ensure the Governing Body upholds the educational character of Croydon College whilst working with our Director of Governance to ensure that, as an organisation, we are acting in accordance with our governing documents and national regulatory frameworks. Alongside this will be your responsibility to collaborate with Committee Chairs and senior leaders to ensure that agendas are effective and meetings are run efficiently with full engagement and contribution encouraged.

Our new Chair will play a vital role not only in leading our Governing Body but also in offering their expertise as an experienced strategic leader, supporting and advising our senior leadership team as they navigate the many challenges and opportunities they will face in the years ahead.

Who we are looking for

We are looking to engage candidates to become our new Chair and lead our governing body with enthusiasm, energy and dedication. You will be innovative in your thinking, curious in your questioning and bring your growth mindset to share in our ambitions. Like all of our Governors, you will understand our longer-term vision and share our aspirations and ambitions for both the College and our students.

Whilst our new Chair will share our passion for education, and particularly further education, we are keen to attract candidates with a wide-range of experience be it commercial, third or public sector or educational.

Our new Chair will need to have previous board experience, preferably in a leadership role such as Chair, Vice Chair or Committee Chair. Coupled with this experience, you will bring a keen understanding of our local ecosystem and be able to appreciate the impact that our College can have on the communities that we serve while also understanding how local demographics and economics impact the decisions we take.

In addition to being a successful strategic leader, you will bring an understanding of organisational transformation and development and be well-placed to act as a trusted advisor to our senior leaders as we seek to navigate our growth and development in the years ahead.

Whilst we will welcome applications from candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, we are especially interested in those individuals who live or work within our local area and who have a particular interest in supporting the development and growth of their local College.

Expectations and commitment

Our Governing Body meets a minimum of four times per year in person. Our meetings are held outside of the working day from 6 pm and always take place on a Wednesday.

We hold two strategy days per year in March and December, one at each campus, and our board meetings are incorporated into these.

As well as leading our Governing Body as Chair, the appointed candidate will be asked to join a number of committees, which may include Finance and Resources, Learning and Quality, Search and Governance and Remuneration. These Committees meet in person three times a year and a schedule for these is available in the key documents section of this site.

It is anticipated that our new Chair will need to be able to dedicate between three to four days per month. As we continue on our journey of improvement, it is expected that in the early part of your term of office, the commitment could be slightly more. The time you need to dedicate will be influenced by meeting schedules, academic cycles, and other ad-hoc support needs. As with any Chair role, a key aspect of this role will be flexibility and accessibility. Governors are asked to commit to a four-year term of office.

We very much welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 9th June 2025.

Are you passionate about Art and would like to facilitate weekly sessions for the children in our refuges? We are looking for passionate and committed female only volunteers to support our refuges during the summer holidays. During the school summer holidays, Hestia runs a six-week Summer Play Scheme providing activities and outings for mothers and their children across our refuges. Funded through generous donations from the public, the Summer Play Scheme provides women and children with a safe and supportive space to reconnect by having fun and sharing happy memories together as family.

What you will be doing

• To facilitate weekly arts and crafts sessions for children
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun for a range of ages.
• To develop positive relationships with the children and women, maintain professional boundaries and keep accurate records.
• To gather ideas and suggestions from service users to plan sessions

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal
• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact on children and women
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

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
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

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 Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie. 

In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

 As well as the responsibilities of being a trustee, which the Treasurer shares with all the Board members, the Treasurer is expected to be the financial expert on the Board, and to provide advice on all financial matters. Their role is to ensure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of SMK, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability and sustainability.

For more information see our website, and the recruitment pack.