Charity shop volunteer roles in Battersea, greater london

Volunteering for Sense

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

What your role will involve

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

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

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

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

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

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

About Sense

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

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

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

OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE

MAIN ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Using the voluntary working practices, policies, procedures and values set by Alex TLC, work with paid staff to ensure the charity shop business is run accordingly.

Work to the high standards expected at all Alex TLC shop premises according to the requests of the Shop Manager.

Work as a team member, taking full responsibility for all shop duties undertaken.

Participate in all training and legislative checks required by Alex TLC, statutory and specific to role.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

Maintain excellent levels of customer service (remembering customer service extends to colleagues and service providers, as well as customers), going above and beyond where possible.

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Expert knowledge of the safe and correct use of all equipment used in the day to day running of the charity shop, for example the till, steamer, pricing equipment. Training is provided.

OTHER FEATURES OF JOB

Hours of work are according to those agreed between yourself and the Shop Manager.

Opportunity for paid employment in our charity shops.

Opportunity to attend the Alex TLC Community Weekend and meet sufferers of leukodystrophy and their families. Volunteers assist in the running of activities during the Weekend and attend the social events included.

LOCATION

South East London Alex TLC charity shop premises.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

DESIRABLE:

· GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent Mathematics and English Language

· customer service

EXPERIENCE

DESIRABLE:

· Willingness to learn about leukodystrophy and the challenges our beneficiairies face

· charity shop or other retail

WORK BASED COMPETENCIES

DESIRABLE:

· Good customer service skills

· Good telephone skills

· Good writing skill

· Good numerical ability

· Good organisational ability

· Flair for display

· Computer literacy

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL:

· Motivated

· Honest

· Committed

· Ability to work in a team

DESIRABLE:

· Enthusiastic

· Articulate

· Calm under pressure

· Methodical

· Resourceful

· Commercial acumen

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents.

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

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

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

We are Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC).

Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy. Formerly ALD Life, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy, the charity was established in 2004.

Due to popular demand, we extended our services to support all leukodystrophies in 2019 and became Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for adrenoleukodystrophy patients and their families. Our charitable work is supported by our chain of five charity shops across south east London.

With scant resources we are always in need of trustworthy and reliable volunteers to assist retail staff.

Could you spare a few hours a week? 

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.

We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers who can:

• sort and clean stock
• serve customers
• create eye catching displays
• identify potentially valuable stock

ABOUT YOU

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• honesty and trustworthiness
• reliability
• enthusiasm

The role is located in any of our five shops in Forest Hill, Greenwich, Peckham, Penge or Walworth Road.

Alex TLC is committed to promoting diversity. 

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

About the Role

Do you enjoy fixing things and taking on practical maintenance tasks? We are looking for a reliable and hands-on volunteer to support the upkeep of our charity shops.

This role focuses on maintenance and repairs, helping ensure our shops are safe, functional, and fit for purpose. Your support will reduce external maintenance costs and allow more funds to go directly towards helping animals in need.

Key Responsibilities

As a Shop Maintenance & Handyman Volunteer, your focus will be on practical repair and upkeep tasks, including:

• Carrying out general repairs and maintenance across our charity shops
• Fixing fixtures and fittings such as shelving, rails, doors, locks, and furniture
• Assembling or repairing donated items suitable for resale
• Painting, decorating, and maintaining shop interiors
• Identifying maintenance issues and proactively addressing them where possible
• Reporting any larger or specialist repairs that require external support
• Supporting with small improvement or refurbishment projects

Additional (desirable) support:

• Assisting with moving stock or equipment between locations
• Helping with collections or deliveries if you hold a driving licence

What We’re Looking For

• Someone practical and confident in carrying out DIY and maintenance tasks

• Experience in general maintenance, repairs, or a trade (informal experience is welcome)

• A proactive, problem-solving approach

• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively

• Willingness to follow health and safety guidance

• A positive attitude and commitment to supporting the charity

• Desirable (but not essential):

• A full, clean driving licence

• Confidence driving a van or willingness to assist with transporting stock

• Ability to support with lifting and moving items (with appropriate training)

Time Commitment

We are flexible and can work around your availability, but we are ideally looking for someone who can offer regular support (e.g. a few hours per week or month).

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to use your practical skills for a meaningful cause
• A chance to meet new people and be part of a friendly team
• Hands-on experience in a retail and charity environment
• The satisfaction of seeing tangible results from your work

What Difference Will You Make?

By keeping our shops well-maintained and operational, you will play a vital role in supporting our income generation. Every repair and improvement you make helps our shops run more efficiently—ensuring more funds can go towards protecting and caring for animals in need.

How to Apply:

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

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the South London Branch.

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

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

We are looking for visual merchandisers to create exciting window and in store displays.

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity and community space based in London, supporting young creatives, artists and local communities through art, culture and social projects. We are looking for volunteers to support our shop and community space, helping with daily activities, customer service, visual displays and the organisation of events, exhibitions and creative workshops. This is an ongoing volunteering opportunity with flexible shifts, ideal for students, creatives and anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in an arts and community-led environment. Details Volunteers will support different aspects of the NICOLA Arts space, including: welcoming visitors and assisting customers helping with shop organisation and visual presentation supporting events, exhibitions, jam sessions and workshops assisting the team with day-to-day activities No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability and an interest in arts and community work

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

As a specialist book volunteer, you'll be behind-the-scenes. Your keen eye for detail, knowledge and passion for particular donations will ensure we can maximise the potential income.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as following instructions, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

As a homewares volunteer, you'll be behind-the-scenes. Your keen eye for detail, knowledge and passion for particular donations will ensure we can maximise the potential income.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as following instructions, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual who can devote their time to volunteering with us as a Volunteer Coordinator, helping specifically to recruit, train and retain volunteers across the branch.

This role focuses on building and strengthening the branch’s volunteer base, enabling us to deliver vital local animal welfare services while ensuring our charity shops operate efficiently and effectively.

Current Volunteer Roles

• Cat Fosterer
• Charity Shop Assistant

Roles We Are Looking to Develop

• Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) Volunteer
• Volunteer Driver
• Social Media Volunteer
• Online Sales (eBay/Vinted) Volunteer
• Fundraising & Events Volunteer

Key Responsibilities

• Writing and reviewing clear volunteer role descriptions in collaboration with managers and coordinators
• Advertising and publishing volunteer opportunities across appropriate platforms
• Processing and responding to incoming volunteer applications
• Matching volunteers to roles that suit their interests, availability and strengths
• Ensuring role-specific training is completed
• Supporting managers and coordinators with the induction of new volunteers
• Creating and maintaining a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for all volunteers
• Monitoring volunteer engagement and identifying ways to improve retention
• Acting as a key point of contact for volunteer-related queries & assist with management of the volunteer inbox

Skills & Experience Needed

• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Confident communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work collaboratively with managers, coordinators and volunteers
• Good administrative skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle personal information appropriately
• Comfortable using email, basic IT systems and social media platforms
• Friendly, approachable and supportive manner
• Able to motivate and engage people from diverse backgrounds
• A passion for animal welfare and commitment to the values of the organisation

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiastic and proactive
• Reliable and self-motivated
• Empathetic and patient
• Solution-focused with a positive attitude

Commitment

Flexible, approximately 4 hours per week. Some occasional evening or weekend involvement may be required to support recruitment events or volunteer inductions.

How to Apply:

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

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon Branch.

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

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

Fundraising Volunteer – Hampshire Hub

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our brand-new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

This role covers the Hampshire area.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people  

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

 We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Cheer Squad Volunteer - London Marathon Sunday 26th April & London Landmarks Half Marathon Sunday 12th April. 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

 As a charity, we are only able to help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to the donations we receive from generous members of the public. Fundraising events are a great source of income for the charity. As a Cheer Squad Volunteer, you will support Cats Protection’s event participants make it through their challenge by cheering them on at selected cheering points along event routes. You will also be instrumental in raising awareness and representing the charity.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Cheer on our event participants who are taking part to raise funds for Cats Protection.
• Waving hand flags
• Using inflatable ‘bangers’ to make noise
• Shake maraca’s
• High ‘paw’ participants
• Represent Cats Protection by wearing one of our branded high-vis vests (supplied).
• Set up cheer spots including attaching banners, putting together sail flags and blowing up balloons.
• Provide a smile, enthusiasm and motivation

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills, particularly in the field of fundraising
• To gain experience working as an important member of the team in the UK’s leading feline welfare charity
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping our event participants cross the finish line!
• We’ll provide all the information you need, including logistics and timings for the day; briefings on the day where applicable; contact details of key employees; and refreshments and breaks on the day

We’re looking for someone with

• Enthusiastic and positive attitude
• Reliable and adaptable
• Punctual and dependable
• Outgoing and friendly
• Happy to make some noise!
• Willing to support others
• Ability to stand for a long period of time

Locations

This role is based at various mass participation events across the UK where we set up Cats Protection cheer points.

Exact locations will be given after you have signed up however below are our current cheer points: 

1. London Marathon
2. London Landmarks Half Marathon

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

Oxfam are currently looking for volunteers 

We believe that volunteering should not leave you out of pocket so reasonable transport costs are paid if you wish. Also lunch if you are volunteering for over a 5 hour shift.

We have volunteer vacancies to suit you, it might be meeting and greeting on the till and taking in donations? We need Merchandiser, Book volunteers, Clothing and homeware volunteers to treasure hunt through our many donations. 

Do you have an interest in stamps or coins? Vinyl? Vintage? you really dont need to be an expert, just have an interest.

if you have a spare few hours we would love to hear from you. Volunteering with Oxfam can help you gain new experiences, meet new people and help to end poverty.

please go to the main OXFAM website and follow the GET INVOLVED LINK and search your area in the opportunities. if you need help please do pop into the shops as they will be more than happy to assist you applying or answer any questions you might have.

Also if you have a hobby or interest in areas like stamps, coins or collectables or fancy a go at Merchandising please do get in touch as we have many donations waiting your attention.

plus we are keen to build up our online shop so if you have an interest in research, photography and listing online you would be very welcome especially at weekends.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer role but out of pocket expenses like reasonable travel cost are paid and lunch will be paid for if volunteering over 5 hours.