Administrator and development volunteer roles

Help a growing energy education charity and bring financial rigour to how we manage and grow our impact.

About us

Curieus Games CIC is a UK Community Interest Company, in the process of converting into a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Our mission is to raise energy literacy through play. We make energy and climate education fun and accessible. Our vision is to inspire and attract young people to work in the energy sector.

Our flagship programme, Megawatt, consists of an energy-based educational card game supported by a series of workshops. The object of the programme is to engage students on energy and sustainability through gamification and ethical debates. We deliver the programme to primary and secondary schools across the UK, with 30 schools receiving the Megawatt programme in the 25/26 academic year. Schools receive a full day of workshops, the full suite of Megawatt resources, and training to support teachers to integrate Megawatt into curriculum teaching.

We offer our programme to schools for free. We work with energy developers and other organisations to fund our work in schools, delivering community engagement and social value on their behalf. We’ve built partnerships with several high profile energy developers in offshore wind, solar, batteries and nuclear, as well as winning grants from the National Lottery and the Royal Academy of Engineering. We already have funding secured to deliver to 50 schools in the upcoming academic year.

Megawatt has also been translated into French and Polish and is currently being rolled out to schools in France and Poland through partnerships with local institutes.

You can see more about the work we do here - www.megawatt.game

The next chapter

Curieus Games is converting from a Community Interest Company into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As a charity, we will have access to more sources of funding, giving us an opportunity to grow our impact by reaching more schools and developing more resources to teach about the energy transition.

To lead that next chapter, we're building a founding board of trustees to govern the charity into the next phase of our journey and build on the success we’ve had so far.

The role

As Treasurer, you'll be the person who makes sure the charity grows on solid financial footing — guiding our reporting, risk management and financial strategy as we scale from 30 schools to hundreds. You'll bring:

• Experience in a senior financial role in a charity, not-for-profit or business
• A strong understanding of charity financing, reporting and risk management
• Experience with grants, tenders or philanthropic fundraising is welcome, though not essential

Working arrangements

Six board meetings a year, mostly online with occasional in-person sessions — around 3-5 hours a month in total including meetings. It's a three-year term. The role is voluntary and unpaid, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

More details are in the attached Trustee Information Pack.

We are seeking a volunteer to support our fundraising team by researching new corporate partnership opportunities and helping to build a pipeline of prospective business supporters.

The volunteer will identify companies whose values and CSR, ESG, employee engagement or charitable giving objectives align with Housing for Women’s mission. The role will focus on researching Charity of the Year partnerships, strategic corporate collaborations, sponsorship opportunities and corporate volunteering programmes.

The volunteer will play a key role in maintaining and developing a pipeline of prospective corporate supporters, helping Housing for Women create new income-generating and engagement opportunities.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.  The role is varied, and will enable you  to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

What you’ll be doing: 

Co-ordinating your group   

• Leading other Coordinating Team volunteers to organise activities 
• Working with the Finance Volunteer and the Coordinating Team to agree, approve and monitor the group’s budget 
• Creating strong links with local MS Services andother MS Society groups, as well as local voluntary and community sector partners 
• Working with staff and volunteers to develop and monitor services or activities that meet the needs of the MS community 
• Ensuring group compliance with MS Society policies and practices 
• Leading the group to welcome all of the MS community Recruiting and supporting volunteers 
• Identifying group recruitment needs and advertising vacancies
• Shortlisting and interviewing applicants 
• Welcoming new volunteers and introducing them to the group. 
• Coordinating the ongoing support of group volunteers 
• Responding to any concerns with volunteers at the earliest opportunity and liaising with staff 
 

What you get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability 
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work 
• You’ll have an induction to your role and support from your Volunteer Manager 
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities 
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role 

When you join us as a volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of passionate people coming together to improve people’s lives and work towards our vision for a world free from the effects of MS. 

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to join our communications team. Helping with a variety of tasks from social media scheduling to posting job adverts to helping create policies.  

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Editing cntent  

• Scheduling content  

• Knowledge of admin programs including spreadsheets and outlook 

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• An individual with a creative mindset 

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

We are recruiting for volunteer Cadet Leads across Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Rickmansworth, Bushey, Hatfield, Potters Bar, Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, Hertford, Ware, Bishop's Stortford, Buntingford, Royston, Letchworth, Hitchin, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Tring, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth Bushey around 2 hours delivery one or more evenings a week depending on availability with around 5.5 hors of admin per month

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Fundraising volunteer in Cannock (Staffordshire)

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Could your fundraising expertise help save lives?

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is looking for a Trustee with senior fundraising, supporter engagement and income generation experience to join our Board.

This voluntary role is an opportunity to use your expertise to help shape the future of a life-saving charity. As a Trustee, you'll provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and specialist governance, helping to ensure we can continue delivering critical care to people across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

You won't be involved in delivering fundraising activity day to day. Instead, you'll work alongside fellow Trustees to scrutinise strategy, monitor performance, oversee risk and ensure our fundraising remains ethical, effective and aligned with our mission.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with senior experience in fundraising, development, external engagement or income generation within the charity, social enterprise, public benefit or purpose-led sectors.

You will bring experience in:

· Fundraising strategy and income diversification

· Donor stewardship, supporter journeys and campaign planning

· Fundraising governance, compliance and ethical practice

· Board-level thinking, constructive challenge and sound judgement

· Building relationships and acting as an ambassador for a mission-led organisation

You will also share our mission, values, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Time commitment

The Board meets at least four times a year, plus a strategy day. Trustees are encouraged to sit on two Board Committees, with additional contact usually taking place by email, telephone or Microsoft Teams.

Interested?

If you are passionate about using your fundraising expertise to make a meaningful difference, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 28th August 2026

Job description

The Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa (PENHA) is an African-led and inspired charity, established in 1989.  Its mission is to reduce poverty among the pastoralists in the Horn of Africa through the empowerment of communities and to foster sustainable and dignified livestock-based and non-livestock-based livelihoods. In the UK, it works with the Horn diaspora community through youth mentoring and leadership programmes. 

PENHA’s Aims and Objectives

• Sustainable livelihoods require a coordinated approach at the grassroots and policy levels. PENHA, therefore, commits itself to two goals:
• The social, cultural and economic integration of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Horn of Africa
• Dynamic, diversified and sustainable pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods, with expanded access to information, technology, education and training
• A full and equal role for pastoral and agro-pastoralist women in public and economic life
• Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
• Development of links with the diaspora in the UK

PENHA has a team in the London Office and country chapters in the Horn of Africa region – in Ethiopia and Somaliland but works with partners in Sudan, Eritrea and Uganda as well as international partners outside the Horn of Africa.

In the UK, PENHA has a Board of Trustees, a number of research associates, volunteers and an international Advisory Group. PENHA Board of Trustees is looking for three trustees to join the London-based Board with experience in one of the following areas:

• A legal background, with financial and risk management experience;
• Knowledge of branding, marketing and fundraising, including the use of social media;
• Knowledge of the charity sector and employment law in the UK.

In addition, candidates should have an understanding of the context within which charities operate, ideally with some experience of the Horn of Africa region.

The post is unpaid and the time commitment is four to six meetings per year, with attendance at other occasional meetings and events as a representative of the charity.

The Board is responsible for submitting the Annual Report and Accounts to the Charity Commission and to Companies House. As a small charity, trustees contribute actively as part of a team in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. PENHA is currently undergoing a new strategy development process and the candidate will help steer the organisation through the challenges ahead.

In addition, Board members are responsible for:

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its constitution/memorandum and articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
• Protecting and managing the property of the organisation, and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
• Appointing the senior staff and  monitoring their performance

Application Instructions

Are you interested in the causes we stand for and in joining the PENHA Board of Trustees? Please send your CV and cover letter to our UK Office Manager before 10 August 2026. If deemed necessary, we may start actioning applications/interviewing before the closing date.

PENHA is a charity registered in England in 1992 with the Charity Commission Registration Number
1038957

Become a Fundraising volunteer to support the Strathspey Cats Protection Branch!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

As our Team Assistant, everything you do matters! Help our therapy team provide seamless support to people on their journey to better mental health.

Here at Doncaster Mind we believe no one should have to face a mental health difficulty alone. Our therapy service is growing fast and we’re looking for a passionate individual to join our friendly team.

This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop new skills and contribute to life-changing mental health support for people across Doncaster. 

What You'll Gain

Volunteering with Doncaster Mind is an opportunity to make a real difference while investing in your own personal and professional development. You'll receive:

• A structured induction, training and ongoing support
• Experience in administration, communication and community engagement
• Opportunities to develop digital, organisational and promotional skills
• Experience within a respected local mental health charity
• The chance to work alongside experienced professionals
• The satisfaction of supporting your local community and improving access to mental health support

Whether you're looking to gain experience for future employment, develop existing skills, explore a career in the charity or mental health sector, or retiring and looking to stay involved with meaningful work, we'd love to hear from you.

About The Role

As a Volunteer Team Assistant, you'll help support the smooth running and promotion of our Rise Therapy Service. This varied role may include:

• Supporting day-to-day client enquiries
• Assisting with appointment management
• Preparing therapy rooms and resources
• Helping maintain social media and website content
• Supporting community outreach and promotional activity across Doncaster
• Assisting with feedback collection and data input
• Helping create a welcoming, organised experience for clients

No two days are the same, and you'll always be supported by the Rise Therapy Service Co-ordinator and the wider Doncaster Mind team.

About Rise Therapy

Rise Therapy is Doncaster Mind's professional therapy and workforce wellbeing service, providing accessible, high-quality mental health support for individuals, families and organisations across Doncaster.

As part of Doncaster Mind, Rise operates as a not-for-profit service, with all income reinvested into our wider work to strengthen free mental health support across the community and reduce barriers to accessing help.

We're excited to hear from you!

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Join our Board of Trustees

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and contribute their skills and experience. We are particularly looking for applications from parents and carers whose children attend our Camden Square and Fairfield playcentres. 
 
The trustees are responsible for the administration of the charity, and in contributing to strategies that will future-proof the organisation and help to maintain or improve its CQC and Ofsted ratings. 

The people we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in candidates with
strengths in the following areas:

PACE is seeking to grow its board by recruiting up to 5 new trustees, including a Chair. Our
Trustees need to have the following essential qualities:

• Commitment to giving children and young people in Camden a better start in life
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Willingness to act in the best interests of the organisation
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member
• Sense of humour

Knowledge and experience in:

• Inclusion and disability
• Safeguarding
• Fundraising and income generation
• Finance and compliance
• Governance
• Education, OFSTED and EYFS frameworks
• Facilities management, property and tenure
• Human resources
• Legal expertise
• Play provision

We particularly welcome applicants from an ethnic minority and those who are disabled or the parent of a disabled child, or parents of our service users, as we aim for our Board to be as representative as possible of our beneficiaries.