16 Cancer volunteer roles

Volunteer Trustees

Volunteer Trustee opportunities

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to become actively involved in the strategic direction, governance and decision making of the charity.  As a Trustee you will join a dynamic and supportive team committed to making a difference to people affected by cancer.  With a new, incoming Chair, this is an exciting time to join the Board as it works toward shaping the charity’s future.  The role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while providing a rewarding and satisfying experience that enables personal development and growth.

The charity is happy to hear from people across the country and in particular anyone with the following experience or expertise.

Healthcare
Medical Practitioners or Allied Health Professionals with recent experience of working with cancer patients/or cancer treatment, ideally within the NHS.

Commercial
The Penny Brohn UK National Centre offers external organisations a unique environment for their own business use which includes daily and residential bookings as well as tenancy agreements.  Due to a successful period of growth in recent years, the charity would welcome the expertise of a Trustee with significant experience in this area who can support the development of this income stream further.

Values and Behaviours
All Trustees are expected to uphold and model Penny Brohn UKs values of courage, resilience, compassion, warmth and community and to champion an inclusive, evidence-informed approach to holistic cancer care.

Support for new Trustees
New Trustees are fully supported through a planned induction into the organisation, starting with an introduction to each area of the Charity.

Time commitment
The Trustee Board meet four times in-person each year at the National Centre in Bristol on Fridays, generally between 9am – 4pm.  Trustee representation is also required on one or two online sub-committees, which are held up to four times per year for each committee and Trustees will be appointed to the sub-committees once recruited into post in accordance with their relevant skills and experience.  Attendance is also required for the AGM and an annual Trustee Away Day as well as occasional events or strategic discussions

Attendance at Key Events
As ambassadors for the Charity, the Trustee Board is encouraged to ensure that there is Trustee representation at key events throughout the calendar year such as fundraising, networking and other high-profile events.

Tenure
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term with a maximum appointment of four terms (12 years).

 Expenses
All Trustees are eligible to be reimbursed for expenses incurred whilst on Board business, this includes attendance at Board Meetings.  Eligible expenses include:

• Reimbursement of petrol costs, rate currently set at 45p per mile, (15p per mile after 500 miles incurred annually) or the equivalent 2nd class rail fare, whichever is the lower.
• Any car parking fees associated with the travel.

Thank you for your interest in this important voluntary role.  For further information, please download the attached information pack.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee at Penny Brohn UK. For full details about the role, recruitment process and application requirements, please download the attached information pack and visit the Penny Brohn UK website, where you will find instructions on how to submit your application.

At Penny Brohn UK, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organisation.  We are proactively taking action to support EDI and Wellbeing to support our ethos of creating a diverse culture that is reflective of both our employees and the lived experience of all communities touched by cancer. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

Fundraising Trustee

Can you help shape CoppaFeel!’s next chapter?

CoppaFeel! has never stood still. From a bold idea around a kitchen table to one of the UK's most recognised health charities, we have continued to challenge convention, reach young people with a life saving message and build a community that believes breast cancer does not need to be diagnosed late.

We are now entering an exciting new chapter. After a period of exceptional growth, fundraising has become increasingly central to what is possible next - creating opportunities to broaden our reach, deepen our impact and invest in the future and so we are looking for a Fundraising Trustee to join our Board.

This is not simply about reviewing fundraising reports or providing technical expertise. It is an opportunity to bring strategic insight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking to help shape how CoppaFeel! builds sustainable income and achieves its ambitions over the next decade.

What we're looking for

We're particularly interested in people with experience of:

● Leading or significantly growing philanthropy, major giving or other high value fundraising

● Developing strategic corporate partnerships and long term supporter relationships

● Unlocking commercial or transformational income opportunities

● Building sustainable, diversified fundraising portfolios

● Leading fundraising through periods of organisational growth and change

● Advising Boards or Executive Teams on fundraising strategy, investment and risk

You don't need to have worked exclusively in philanthropy or corporate partnerships. What matters is evidence of strategic relationship building, senior influencing, commercial judgement and the ability to balance ambition with sustainable growth.

You'll be someone who:

● Thinks strategically rather than operationally

● Is comfortable interrogating data, evidence and return on investment

● Spots opportunities others might miss

● Enjoys healthy debate and constructive challenge

● Challenges with respect, humility and good judgement

● Is excited by ambitious organisations and wants to help shape what comes next

Experience working with or reaching young people is a bonus.

What it's like around the Board table

Our Board is lively, collaborative, respectful, energetic, curious and challenging. There is healthy debate, everyone has a voice and Trustees are encouraged to bring their expertise and challenge thinking when something could be better. The Board has a strong and open relationship with the Executive Team. Trustees provide strategic support and constructive challenge, while giving the team the space to lead and deliver.As CoppaFeel! grows, we're determined to protect what makes us special — our personality, authenticity, entrepreneurial spirit and the legacy of our founder Kris.

Time commitment

Trustees meet quarterly, usually for around 2.5 hours, with additional time for preparation and occasional advice or support between meetings.

Trustees are unremunerated, although reasonable travel expenses can be claimed. 

The initial term is three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

This is a genuinely pivotal moment for CoppaFeel!. We're looking for someone who wants to do more than sit around a Board table, someone who wants to help shape the next

chapter of one of the UK's most distinctive and innovative health charities.

If you want to be part of what CoppaFeel! is building next, we'd love to hear from you.

Role closes Friday 2nd October at 2pm

Mulberry Cancer Support, is looking for new volunteers with flexible availability to help us set up and run our stall at a variety of fun community fundraising & enagement events, mainly in West London - Hounslow, Richmond & Ealing areas - and occasionally at our Centre in Isleworth. Come and sell rafle tickets, inspire donations, hold a collection bucket, give out leaflets and engage with the public at our own events and at fetes, fairs and stadium days.

Volunteers must be age 18+. Most events take place March - July and October - December.

Mulberry Cancer Support is looking for a voluntere to cary out some basic regular cleaning tasks once a month.

• To undertake light cleaning duties such as cleaning window blinds, cleaning windows, wiping windowsills, sweeping the front entrance, and other light general cleaning and tidying.
• To work to a high standard to ensure that to we provide a clean, welcoming environment for everyone who visits and uses our Centre.
• Previous cleaning experience, either professionally paid, as a volunteer, or as a general life skill.
• Reasonably physically fit and able to take pride in your work.
• Friendly and professional manner, with a positive, organised and flexible approach to work.
• Able to take direction, but also able to make relevant suggestions.

Front of House Volunteer 

Team: Family Support Team 
Location: The Square, 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD 
Time commitment: Various shifts are available to cover the position: option to cover multiple shifts welcome. 

__________________________________________________________________ 

About Candlelighters 

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, emotionally, physically, and financially.

Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why our charity, Candlelighters, was formed more than 40 years ago. Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer. 

Purpose of the Role and Key Activities: 

Families who have been affected by children’s cancer(including patients, parents, siblings and grandparents) can come to The Square for a coffee and a chat, as well as book and access a variety of support services, including: 

• Wellbeing Services & Activities 

• Specialist 1:1 Support 

• Family Support Groups and Events 

As a Front of House Volunteer, you will support the Family Support Worker role and the rest of the Team at Candlelighters with a variety of tasks including (but not limited to): 

• Meeting and greeting families and other visitors 

• Making drinks for families and visitors

• Answering the telephone, transferring calls and taking messages 

• Making bookings and updating our database 

• Keeping the reception area clean and tidy 

• Keeping the kitchen, meeting rooms and other communal areas clean and tidy 

• Cleaning and maintaining the coffee machine 

• Setting up rooms for meetings and events 

• Assisting the Team with other tasks and activities as required 

• Maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures 

• Checking stock levels and dates in Champs Pantry 

• Re-stocking refreshments and drinks 

We are looking for volunteers who: 

• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

• Have experience of working in a customer service environment 

• Have excellent customer care skills

• Can communicate effectively with a variety of people 

• Are confident, friendly and approachable 

• Have a fun and positive outlook

• Are experienced in working as part of a team

• Can remain calm under pressure 

• Are proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Are hardworking, reliable and organised 

• Have good IT skills and experience of using a database 

• Can move furniture (tables and chairs) and boxes

• Can climb multiple flights of stairs 

• Can manage own emotions when working with families affected by childhood cancer 

• Can maintain professional boundaries and follow Candlelighters Policies and Procedures. 

This role is subject to an enhanced criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We recognise that family members accessing Candlelighters’ services may wish to volunteer with Candlelighters. However, this role is not suitable for family members receiving support from Candlelighters. This is to ensure they are given the best possible care and support without any potential conflict of interest. Other volunteering opportunities can be found on our website.

Support and Benefits 

You can expect: 

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 

• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 

• Ongoing support from the Family Support and HR teams 

• The opportunity to meet lots of new, friendly people 

• The opportunity to expose yourself to new experiences 

• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 

• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 

• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 

• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 

• Access to the MINDFUL EMPLOYER+ 24/7 mental health hotline 

• Charity Worker Discount card 

• Access to The Company Shop 

How to Apply

All applicants will be required to complete an application form after submitting a suitable CV. Successful candidates will be invited to interview 

Thankyou 

Join the team and be part of one of Breast Cancer Now’s biggest fundraising events. Enjoy the party atmosphere and make some noise for our runners at the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 11 October!

We're looking for volunteers to come along between 9am to 2.30pm, but you don’t need to stay for the whole time!

What will I be doing?

• Making lots of noise at one of our cheer points, so ours are the loudest and liveliest! 
• Being there for our runners, with high-fives, hugs, and a happy face
• Giving words of encouragement to help our runners power-through to the finish line

What skills or qualities do I need? 

• Bags of enthusiasm! 
• The confidence to cheer, shout and make lots of noise
• Able to quickly connect with and uplift people

What do I get out of it?

• Fun! You’ll have a great time at one of our cheer points
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. 
• You’ll get to attend a major sporting event and enjoy the party atmosphere. 

How will you support me? 

• You’ll get a volunteer handbook, full of useful information about volunteering with us. 
• You’ll get a briefing, and ongoing support from the staff team on the day
•  You’ll get a Breast Cancer Now t-shirt, and light refreshments
• Sorry, we can’t refund any expenses

As a Macmillan Information & Advice Hub Volunteer, you’ll get a chance to meet new people and be part of an amazing team of Volunteers. It is really important to us that we provide the practical and emotional assistance required to our clients and that's why both Macmillan and ourselves will give you the support, supervision, volunteer insurance, and training required for the role.

The Hub is a drop in facility aimed at giving advice to local residents living with cancer, their friends and family or even fellow professionals. You will be providing face-to-face assistance which will include giving out high quality Macmillan advice resources or signposting to other service (all with the support of an employed Co-ordinator). You will also be providing emotional support by showing empathy, actively listening, and providing encouragement and reassurance. The Hub is based in Hastings Town Centre (the old Town Hall) and you could volunteer for as little as half a day.

We are currently looking for 1 volunteer for Friday mornings and 1 for Friday afternoons

You will be reimbursed relevant costs and it's really easy to start the volunteering process with us. If you’re over 18 years old and ready to make a huge difference to a cancer patients life, just click on ‘Apply’ and start filling in your details!

Could you be the reason a family feels supported and less alone during their toughest days?

Families staying in our homes are facing the unimaginable, and the skills and compassion of our volunteers can make all the difference. We’re looking for people who want to give their time and be part of something truly meaningful.

By volunteering in our homes, you’ll help create a place of calm, care and belonging for children, young people and families affected by cancer.

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support — it brings hope, humanity and kindness, and leaves a lasting impact on the families we support.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop activities that follow an inclusive programme of events, according to needs of region and service user demographic, remaining mindful of families that are observing religious holidays/customs

• In conjunction with our local fundraising team, approach local sources to donate to events, e.g. supermarkets to provide snacks for event

• Complete necessary administrative tasks associated with the event, e.g. creating and sending out posters.

Use your organisation, admin and digital skills to help make a real difference to people affected by breast cancer. Join Future Dreams as a valued volunteer and help our busy programmes and services run smoothly for the people who rely on them.

Location: Future Dreams House, King’s Cross, London
Role type: Volunteer
Commitment: Ideally one regular day or half-day per week, with consistency particularly important

About Future Dreams

Future Dreams is a breast cancer charity providing practical, emotional and wellbeing support for people affected by breast cancer.

At Future Dreams House in King’s Cross, we offer a wide range of classes, workshops, one-to-one services, support and educational activities, helping people feel supported throughout and beyond their breast cancer experience.

We are looking for organised, reliable and enthusiastic volunteers to provide administrative support to our Programmes & Services team and help us ensure that our activities run smoothly.

About the role

This is a practical, hands-on volunteer role supporting the behind-the-scenes administration involved in delivering our programme of workshops, classes and one-to-one services.

You will work alongside the Future Dreams team and help with a range of tasks, which may include:

• Creating simple banner images in Canva to promote workshops and activities.
• Creating timetables and signage in Canva for immersive days and events at Future Dreams House.
• Adding workshops, classes and one-to-one appointments to our Momence booking system.
• Updating, cancelling or rescheduling workshops and one-to-one appointments.
• Emailing customers about cancellations, timetable changes or rescheduled appointments.
• Checking information is accurate and up to date across our booking system and programme materials.
• Supporting the team with general administrative tasks as required.

Full guidance and training on Future Dreams systems and processes will be provided.

 About you

We are particularly looking for volunteers who are dependable, organised and comfortable working independently once trained.

You will ideally have:

• Good general IT and administrative skills.
• Experience using Canva, or confidence using similar design software.
• Basic graphic design skills and a good eye for presentation.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisation and time-management skills.
• Confidence managing calendars, schedules or booking systems.
• Clear and professional written communication skills.
• A calm, flexible and practical approach to problem-solving.
• The confidence to ask questions when something is unclear.
• A commitment to confidentiality and handling information appropriately.
• A genuine interest in the work of Future Dreams and supporting people affected by breast cancer.

Previous experience of Momence is not required, as training will be provided.

What we are looking for

Consistency and reliability are particularly important for this role. Our programmes run throughout the week and the administrative work behind them is essential to providing a good experience for our visitors.

We are therefore looking for volunteers who can make a regular commitment and become a trusted part of the team, rather than providing occasional ad-hoc support.

What you can expect from us

As a Future Dreams volunteer, you will:

• Be welcomed as part of a friendly and supportive team.
• Receive training and guidance for the tasks you undertake.
• Gain experience of charity administration, programme delivery and digital booking systems.
• Develop your Canva, communication and organisational skills.
• See first-hand the difference that Future Dreams makes to people affected by breast cancer.
• Have the opportunity to use your existing skills for a cause that makes a meaningful difference.

If you are organised, dependable and would enjoy using your skills to help our services run smoothly, we would love to hear from you.

Application Instructions

To apply, please complete our application form and send it to us together with your CV.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. Early application is therefore encouraged.

Join us at Sefton Park on Saturday 24th October for our Spooky Welly Walk!! 

Help bring this fun filled family event to life by supporting participants, cheering on little monsters, superheroes and ghosts, and creating a fantastic day for everyone. Whether you can volunteer for the whole day or just a few hours, we'd love to have you on the team. Last year over 5000 people came together for a day of Halloween fun, and this year we're aiming to make it even bigger and better.We're looking for enthusiatic volunteers to help us create a safe, exciting and memorable experience for thousands of families and supporters. 

It's a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, gain valuable event experience, build your CV and make a real difference while supporting people affected by lung cancer. 

Whether you're welcoming participants, helping our spooky activity stalls, stewarding around the park, or simply bringing plenty of enthusiasm and smiles, you'll play a vital role in making the day unforgettable. 

What could you be doing

There are lots of fun roles available, including:

Helping children get creative in our Creepy Crafts area

Supporting our Monster Market stalls

Welcoming families and helping at our Mobile Farm

Bringing stories to life at our Spooky Storytelling area

Encouraging little monsters in the Zombie Fitness Zone

Helping at our Terrifying Tattoos stall

Assisting in the Bugfest Beauty Parlour 

Handing out snacks and treats to our visitors or supporting participants and stewarding around the event. No previous experience is needed-just enthusiasm and a friendly smile. 

The event opens to the public at 10.45am. Volunteers are kindly asked to arrive at 9.00am to help with set up, meet the team and take part in a full briefing. 

Join us and help create an unforgettable day for thousands of families- we can't wait to welcome you to our spooktacular volunteer team! 

Our challenge

Brain tumours do not discriminate, and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly. Taking on a fundraising challenge is about far more than crossing a finish line. It means balancing training with everyday life, committing to an ambitious fundraising target, and pushing yourself physically and mentally – all while supporting a cause that means so much. That's where you come in.

As a volunteer, you'll play a vital role in motivating and inspiring our incredible fundraisers every step of the way. Whether you're sending words of encouragement, creating thoughtful fundraising and cheer packs, preparing event-day kits, or helping our Events Team deliver an unforgettable experience, your support will make a real difference. Together, we'll ensure every participant feels valued, supported and ready to achieve something extraordinary.

How can you help? 

As an Events Team Support Volunteer, you will play an important behind-thescenes role in helping our fundraising events run smoothly. You'll help create a positive experience for our supporters from the moment they sign up through to celebrating their achievements after event day. You may be asked to support with a range of activities, including but not limited to:

• Supporter communications: Making phone calls to wish participants good luck before their event, congratulate them afterwards and thank them for their incredible fundraising efforts, as well as preparing and posting good luck cards and other supporter mailings.
• Participant materials: Preparing fundraising packs, participant welcome materials and certificates, ensuring participants receive everything they need.
• Event preparation: Packing event day materials and organising and assembling cheer packs, including banners, pom-poms, signs and other supporter resources.
• Data and administration: Assisting with data entry, updating supporter records, envelope stuffing, labelling and other general administrative tasks.
• Event and team support: Assisting with event logistics in the lead-up to busy fundraising events and helping to ensure the Events Team workspace is tidy, organised and well-stocked.
• Ad hoc support: Supporting wider Events Team projects and administrative tasks, particularly during busy periods, to help keep things running smoothly.

What can you gain from volunteering?

• Make a real difference to the experience of our amazing fundraisers. 
• Gain experience supporting charity fundraising events. 
• Develop administration, communication and organisational skills. 
• Meet like-minded people and become part of a friendly and supportive team. 
• See first-hand the impact your contribution has on helping our charity deliver successful fundraising events. 

We’re looking for

We would love to hear from you, if you are:

• Friendly, enthusiastic and positive.
• Organised with good attention to detail.
• Comfortable speaking with supporters on the phone.
• Reliable and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Happy to undertake a variety of practical and administrative tasks.
• Passionate about supporting our charity and providing excellent supporter care.
• Someone who is happy to volunteer at our office in Fleet, Hampshire initially, before continuing at our new office location in Woking from early 2027 onwards.

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

Location and time commitment

This is an office-based volunteering role. We’re therefore looking for someone who is happy to volunteer at our Fleet, Hampshire office initially, before continuing at our new Woking office from early 2027 onwards.

During our busier spring and autumn seasons, we’re looking for a commitment of approximately two hours per week, ideally on a Wednesday. During the quieter summer and winter seasons, this would reduce to approximately two hours every two weeks. We understand that volunteers have other commitments, so we can offer some flexibility and can tailor your experience around your availability. 

Practical considerations You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the Events team, who will be your key contact. We carry out reference checks for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers may be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with The Charity. Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

Car drivers needed to help with transporting our members to and from medical appointments, shopping trips, day centres, social events, etc.. Vehicle and fuel provided. Our Dial-a-Ride service is targeted towards people who would struggle to use public transport, whether that's due to medical issues, special education needs, or being elderly or frail.

• Flexible hours to suit (Monday to Friday)
• An opportunity to meet and work with a variety of people
• Making good use of spare time
• Being a valued member of a team
• Satisfaction in providing an essential service

Drivers must:

• Be over 25 years of age
• Hold a valid driving licence
• Be able to work within a code of practice
• Supply references
• Pass Disclosure & Barring Service checks*

*DBS checks funded by Community Link

We’re excited to offer a new, rewarding volunteer opportunity in our Day Patient Unit (DPU) at the Hospice in Winsley, Bradford on Avon. If you’re caring, compassionate, and love connecting with people, we’d love to hear from you!

As a Nursing Support Volunteer, you’ll bring comfort and companionship to patients in our Friday respite group. You’ll help create a welcoming space where patients can enjoy activities, laughter, and support.

No two shifts are the same! You’ll be part of a friendly, dedicated team, helping with a variety of tasks and making a real difference to patients and their families. Respect, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.

We’ll give you a full induction, top-quality training, and ongoing support. All we ask is your energy, kindness, and commitment to person-centred care.

Why we need you

To assist the team in providing nursing and personal care to our patients and support to their families and friends.

What you will be doing

• To provide personal care for the patients as required
• To prepare and serve refreshments and meals during your shift and assist with eating as needed
• Connect and chat to patients and families – led by them
• To inform the nurses of care you have provided and handover at the end of your volunteer shift

The skills you need

• Good communication skills and ability to be led by the patient
• Empathy & understanding
• Friendly and approachable
• Ability to work in a team
• Reliability
• Awareness of you own support needs
• Experience of caring / nursing 
• Volunteers must be over 18 years of age for this role

What's in it for you

• Help a local charity and give something back
• Learn new skills
• Gain more confidence
• Make new friends
• All training and induction to Dorothy House provided
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed

Please note

This role will requires a DBS check

Help Shape the Future of Children’s Healthcare in Sussex. Join the Board of Trustees at Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

As a Trustee, you'll work alongside fellow Board members and our Executive Team to:

• Help shape the charity's long-term strategy and future direction.
• Ensure Rockinghorse is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering the greatest possible impact.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team as we deliver our ambitious plans.
• Champion the charity and help build relationships that strengthen our work across Sussex.

This is an opportunity to contribute to decisions that will help thousands of children and families every year.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• Finance
• Healthcare or allied professions
• Charity governance
• Fundraising
• Business leadership
• Marketing and communications
• Research, data or evaluation
• IT
• Digital
• Business development

We're particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of children's healthcare and from people whose backgrounds and experiences are currently underrepresented on charity boards.

About Rockinghorse

Rockinghorse was set up in 1967 by Dr Trevor Mann as an appeal to provide the first neonatal incubator outside London.

The appeal not only marked the beginning of our charity, but also the very early days of what later became the Trevor Mann Baby Unit. Dr Mann was intrinsic to paediatric care in Sussex as we know it today.

Roll forward to today, and we are proud to be the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton along with the Trevor Mann Baby Unit.

We also support many other NHS hospital settings throughout Sussex, including Bluefin Ward at Worthing, Chalkhill and the Special Care Baby Unit at Haywards Heath, and Howard Ward at St Richard’s in Chichester.

Working in partnership with these services, we fund projects which focus on improving children’s physical and emotional well-being, while providing additional support services for parents and carers.

The projects we support fall into six key categories: toys, equipment, spaces, research, activities, and people.

Our Vision

Rockinghorse’s vision is a world where children are healthy and happy.  

Our Mission

We fund and deliver transformative projects and services that enhance the care and support given by our incredible colleagues in the NHS.

We invest in state-of-the-art treatments, life-saving equipment, critical mental health support, additional people, ground-breaking research, and inspiring spaces that go above and beyond for children.

We work in partnership with the UHSussex NHS Trust and other charities to ensure every young patient and their family receive the best possible care when they are unwell.

Our Values

We strive to always operate in line with the following guiding values.

We care

We care about children, young people, their families, and all those that look after for them. We always act with kindness and compassion. We care about the NHS and all those who work there. We care about the world and want to make it a better place.

We’re passionate

We are passionate about making life better for children, young people, and their families. If there’s something we can do to make life better for patients and their families, we’ll go above and beyond to do it. We are passionate about our community and all those in it.

We’re honest

We are open and honest about our work, what we fund and how we raise funds. We work hard to ensure money goes to projects that genuinely make a difference. We involve our supporters in our projects and share our learning and experience wherever possible.

We’re supportive

We help wherever and however we can. We support children and their families; we support Health Care Professionals (HCP) and paediatric

services, and we support each other as team members. We work with and support other charities and organisations who are doing great things for children in Sussex.

We’re collaborative

We prioritise working with people and organisations wherever possible. We work with experts and others for the best possible outcome for sick

children and their families. We love a partnership that prioritises impact and avoids duplication.

How to apply

If you’d like to help shape the future of children’s healthcare across Sussex, we’d love to hear from you. Please email a covering letter outlining your skills and experience in relation to the Trustee Job Description to Dr Oli Rahman, our Chair of Trustees, by 30 September 2026.

Interviews will be held in person in Brighton in October (dates/times flexible to shortlisted candidates).
If you have any questions about the role, process or the charity please email our CEO, Donna Holland.

For email addresses and further information, please refer to the attached Application Pack.