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Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science?
Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans?
If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new Trustees.
At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:
Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our Trustees are critical to the future of the organisation.
We are currently seeking 2-3 more Trustees to strengthen our Board by providing strategic and governance support. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.
We are looking for Trustees who can demonstrate:
A full induction is provided for new Trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of Trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:
For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.
To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter, which should explain why you are interested in the role, how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research.
Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.
Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.
Benefits
The role of Trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.
Notes
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the weeks of 12/10/2026 and 19/10/2026 and candidates who are successful at interview will be invited to attend the November Board meeting as an observer. Full details will be given to successful candidates nearer the time.
Please ensure you read the Trustee Role Description before applying.
We’re a charity working tirelessly to build a world where no animal suffers for science.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about gardens and community engagement? We’re looking for an enthusiastic Assistant County Organiser to support activities in Greenwich, Blackheath and surrounding areas. The role is to support the County Organiser in managing the volunteer County Team and work as part of the team. Support the Garden Owners of the National Garden Scheme who open gardens for charity.
Reports to: County Organiser.
Location: Home based but with travel to gardens and other events/meetings.
Core activities:
Manage garden openings, proceeds, insurance and Health and Safety.
Identify and secure new gardens and ensure that existing gardens continue to reach the required standard.
Implement new policies as agreed by the Board at local level.
Refer all complaints to the County Organiser for discussion and resolution.
Attend National, County and Regional Meetings and other events as requested.
Support designated Garden Owners by maintaining contact prior to their open day and follow up.
Attend garden open days, wherever possible, to support the Garden Owner.
Skills:
People skills - dealing with a wide range of people.
Proven organisational skills with good attention to detail.
Ability to prioritise and to work under pressure at times.
Pro-active thinker to suggest ideas to improve systems.
Basic ICT skills and email access required.
Personal qualities: A love of gardens. Enjoy working as part of a close team, showing a mature, helpful approach to colleagues and Garden Owners. Excellent communication skills; at ease with a wide variety of people; patience and tact in dealing with volunteers and Garden Owners. Pro-active in contributing ideas to benefit the National Garden Scheme. Car driver essential. Sense of humour!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Pinnacle Centre
The Pinnacle Centre is a third space in Birmingham helping young adults grow holistically. We work across three domains: personal development, sports and wellbeing, and community and belonging.
Vision 2030 is where that work is heading. We're building a multi-purpose centre in Birmingham — sports facilities, co-working space, an auditorium and a café — designed as a home for young adults to train, work, learn and gather.
Role Summary
You own campaigns end to end, and the audience thinking behind them. You take a target — attendance, sign-ups, donations — work out who we need to reach and how, brief the team, and deliver the number.
Key tasks
1. Audience & planning
○ Define priority audiences and what genuinely motivates each of them to turn up.
○ Own the marketing calendar, mapped to the programme, event and fundraising calendars.
○ Set and publish targets: reach, sign-ups, attendance and return rate.
2. Campaign execution
○ Build campaign plans with objective, audience, message, channels and timeline.
○ Write clear briefs for Creative, Video and Social, with realistic lead times.
○ Manage paid promotion within budget, and adjust mid-campaign on what the numbers say.
3. Measurement
○ Track performance against target daily while a campaign is live.
○ Run post-campaign reviews with honest conclusions.
○ Own analytics, CRM data quality and GDPR compliance for marketing communications.
4. Coordination
○ Coordinate with Fundraising on income campaigns and with Events on ticketing.
○ Support Partnerships with distribution through partner channels.
○ Report to the CMO against target.
What we're looking for
● Campaign management experience with outcomes you can quantify.
● Fluent in analytics and comfortable running paid social.
● A clear brief writer — precise about audience, message and what success looks like.
● Organised; much of this role is running other people's deadlines.
● Persuasive copywriting ability (desirable).
What we have to offer
● Real ownership of a function, not a task list — you will shape how it works, not just execute someone else's plan.
● A seat in a team building towards a 2030 horizon, with a clear line of sight to the leadership team.
● Access to our network of founders, professionals, entrepreneurs and investors through Pinnacle's events programme.
● Training, mentoring and the opportunity to build and lead a team of your own as the organisation grows.
● The reward of building something in your city that will outlast all of us.
Please note: this is currently a volunteer position. Reasonable expenses for travel, equipment and refreshments are reimbursed in line with our Expenses Policy. As Pinnacle grows and funding allows, we expect several senior roles to move to paid positions, and volunteers already in post will be considered first.
SEL Mind’s Benefits Support Service is making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges in the boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Lambeth and Southwark. We empower people by providing compassionate guidance and practical assistance as they navigate the often-complex process of applying for disability benefits.
We are looking for a thoughtful, motivated and committed volunteer with good listening and communication skills to join our Benefits Support Service. You will have experience of working with people with mental health issues, either through work, volunteering or lived experience, and some knowledge of welfare benefits gained through work, volunteering or personal experience. Comprehensive training will also be provided.
The role will involve:
Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.
How to apply:
Please visit our website for instructions on how to apply for this role.
We work to be there when it matters for people living with mental health problems and dementia in Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups.
The Referrals Networker builds relationships with local agencies who may be able to refer potential Readers to the group.
Role of a Referrals Networker:
● Liaising with your group to establish which organisations have already been contacted, so that you can build on that initial work
● Managing the relationship between the referral agencies and the group
● Seeking out new referral agencies as the group grows in capacity
● Familiarising yourself with the Publicity Organiser’s resources available to you
● Creating a record of organisations and agencies who are likely to come into contact with those who don’t read and the dates you are in touch with them
● Contacting these organisations regularly to provide information about what your group offers and identify how they can best inform their personnel to make referrals
● Keeping your local group informed about your activity and identifying how many of your contacts refer new Readers
● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every 6-8 weeks
Skills needed:
● Confidence to promote the work of Read Easy and how it can support local people who would like to improve their reading skills
● Ability to develop strong working relationships with local referral agencies and to manage expectations
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
● Reasonable confidence in using IT
● The ability to use initiative and work independently
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for three Support Group Volunteer over the age of 18 years old, based in Scotland.
You’ll be volunteering fortnightly Thursday between 10:30am and 11:30am plus additional time for volunteer team meetings and training.
As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.
The volunteer will be
· A people person, with good listening skills
· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people
· Good at putting people at ease
· Reliable and organised
· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke
· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies
A protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check is required for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in Wolverhampton that supports, empowers, and advocates for women and children.
We aim to encourage women to become self-reliant by helping them identify their needs, make informed choices, and create their own solutions. Our services include a baby bank, a charity shop, and a range of community support initiatives for women facing crises or challenging circumstances.
About the Role
We are looking for an organised and proactive Human Resources Administrator (On-site Volunteer) to support recruitment and administrative tasks within our team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on, real-world experience in HR, recruitment, and coordination while working in a supportive and purpose-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Assist in posting volunteer and team role advertisements
Screen applications and shortlist suitable candidates
Coordinate interview schedules with hiring managers
Conduct initial screening calls (if assigned)
Maintain applicant tracking sheets and recruitment records
Support onboarding processes, including documentation and system access
Ensure new volunteers receive SOPs and onboarding materials
Follow structured recruitment workflows
Provide weekly recruitment updates to the Online Business Manager
Commitment
Minimum 12 hours per week
Consistent availability and communication required
What You’ll Gain
Practical experience in HR and recruitment processes
Exposure to screening, onboarding, and coordination tasks
Development of communication and organisational skills
Valuable experience to strengthen your CV
Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful community cause
Who We’re Looking For
Organised, reliable, and detail-oriented individuals
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable using tools such as Google Sheets and Google Drive
Interest in HR, recruitment, or administration
(Previous experience is a plus, but not essential)
Why Volunteer With Us?
This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain practical HR experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to a meaningful cause while supporting a growing charity.
Apply Now
If you’re looking to build your experience in HR while making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
To be a lifeline for disadvantaged women, children & families, supporting & empowering them to overcome barriers & increase the quality of their life



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life.
Outline of the Publicity Organiser role
You will be helping your local community understand what a Read Easy group does; how local people can get the reading support they need; and how volunteers can help. There are two distinct forms of publicity, one requiring raising awareness by giving talks, putting up posters and talking to people generally about Read Easy. The second is using social media effectively to raise awareness and publicise your group. This roleis commonly supported by other members of
the team, with specific skills to offer.
How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, policies, training/induction and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other
groups.
What you will be doing
● Liaising with the Management Team to decide on the group’s publicity needs.
● Creating content for your group’s page on the Read Easy website.
● Being instrumental in raising awareness by giving talks, putting up posters and talking to people generally about Read Easy.
● Setting up and/or maintaining the group’s Facebook page, Twitter and/or other social media platforms to raise your group’s profile.
● Becoming familiar with the resources available to you on the Read Easy website. © Read Easy UK 2 June 2023
● Organising the printing and placement of posters, leaflets, and other publicity materials.
● Identifying any specific opportunities for publicity in the local media.
● Ensuring that you have written permission from all parties to use any such material for the purposes you intend.
● Providing stories and photographs for the Read Easy UK website and newsletter about your group’s activities and achievements.
● Following ‘Read Easy Brand Guidelines’ to preserve a clearly recognisable and consistent Read Easy identity.
● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.
The skills you will need
● Knowledge and previous experience of publicity/marketing are an advantage.
● Good communication and people skills.
● Knowledge and ability to use social media effectively is useful for the role.
● The confidence to promote the work of Read Easy and a strong commitment to improving the lives of people who struggle with reading.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.
What is in it for you?
● Develop publicity and marketing skills for a specific purpose
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Description:
The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children. We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions.
We offer short term home visits, counselling sessions, baby bank, practical & emotional One to One support, Domestic violence groups, Awareness raising workshops and drop in or chat groups to help women facing crises or challenging situations.
Purpose
The effective provision of a welcoming client administration service for WFRC.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
1. Reception
To welcome clients and other visitors in person or on the telephone.
To answer the telephone and pass on messages to other WFRC staff and volunteers as well as signpost to other organisations where appropriate.
2. To assist the Office Manager to make reservations for and be the first point of contact for WFRC’s Chat group, events & other activities. To keep a record of all interested clients and send out relevant literature.
3. To assist with the purchasing and control of domestic matters, stationery, kitchen supplies and office equipment as requested by the Office Manager.
4. To assist in general recruitment activities such as writing, placing and updating adverts and undertake administrative duties to support WFRC Services.
5. To take the post to the central post office at the end of each day.
We welcome applicants on Placement, Work experience and Apprenticeships.
Work Location: In person
To be a lifeline for disadvantaged women, children & families, supporting & empowering them to overcome barriers & increase the quality of their life



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?
Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.
This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.
Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.
Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:
As a Retail Volunteer you will be:
As a Mencap volunteer you will:
About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.
We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Looking for a rewarding volunteer role where you can use your people skills and make a real difference?
Join our trading team and help raise vital funds for local hospice care. As a Customer Service Support Volunteer, you'll be the friendly voice that supports donors and customers, helping to arrange collections and deliveries, gather feedback and assist with administrative tasks.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience, develop your skills and become part of a welcoming and supportive team, while helping ensure our supporters receive excellent service every step of the way.
Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to make a real impact on household carbon footprints and promote sustainable living? Can you help us deliver our innovative E-Save app and outreach programme?
What will you be doing?
To support delivery of the E‑Save app, you’ll provide essential administrative support to our volunteer‑led, largely remote organisation.
You’ll help keep the charity running smoothly by supporting the board and key personnel with communications, record‑keeping, document updates, online meeting organisation, task tracking and maintaining clear, well‑ordered systems.
What are we looking for?
We’re seeking a UK‑based volunteer with at least three years’ administrative experience, including confident use of Microsoft tools.
You’ll be organised, detail‑focused and able to manage your own workload.
You’ll support meetings, maintain online files, update documents, manage data and contact lists, and provide general admin support to the Board, Operations Director and volunteer HR team as needed.
What difference will you make?
Your work will provide the operational backbone needed for the organisation to grow and deliver its ambitious programme.
By ensuring effective administration and communication, you’ll help enable drive the focus on environmental impact—supporting the delivery of the E‑Save app and helping bring practical climate action into everyday homes across the UK.
We interview on a rolling basis—apply early! Include a brief outline of your motivation and skills, and portfolio links if relevant.
UK based applicants only.
Empowering people to live and work sustainably. We inform, inspire and enable people to take practical action on climate change and the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role summary
To assist with the picking, packing and despatching of New Goods orders to all St Helena shops, via the Donation Centre delivery operation.
Main duties of the role
• Assist with the picking and packing of New Goods stock, preparing it for pick-up via the Donation Centre delivery drivers
• Assist with the unpacking of goods from outside suppliers
• Assist with stock takes and spot checks
• Use a computerised stock management system to maintain accurate weekly and monthly stock reports
• Assist with keeping the stock room tidy and clean
• Managing and reporting damaged stock according to company procedures
• Ad hoc printing, laminating etc when required
• Work as part of a small but busy team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have experience of risk management? We are seeking Audit & Risk Committee members who bring strategic insight, independent judgement and a strong commitment to Samaritans’ vision.
The Committee helps ensure that Samaritans has an effective risk management framework in place, supported by robust internal controls and external audit processes. Its work plays an important part in protecting our staff, volunteers and beneficiaries from undue risk, while enabling thoughtful and well-informed decision-making.
This is an important and pivotal time to join the Committee. During 2025, the Board of Trustees took decisions on the main elements of our transformational future-proofing programme, which we expect to take forward over the next 5–10 years.
We are looking for committee members who can help guide us through this period of change with confidence, care and sound judgement. We are particularly interested in people with experience of risk management in organisations, and who understand how effective risk oversight can support the delivery of strategic aims.
Applicants should have experience in senior risk management or compliance roles, or in implementing risk frameworks at executive or governance level.
For more details please see the role description.
About the role
Term: Committee members are usually appointed for a period of three years, with the possibility of a second three-year term.
Location: The role is home based and may involve some travel within the UK.
Time commitment: As a minimum, attendance is required at four committee meetings each year, either in person or via videoconferencing. Generally two meetings a year will be held in-person or hybrid.
Remuneration: The role is voluntary.
Application process: Applicants are to return copy of their CV with a cover letter by Monday 12 October containing a personal statement how they meet the experience, knowledge and skills set out in the role description.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview by video conference on or after w/c 19 October.
If you also hold a volunteer role in Samaritans, please let us know what it is in the application, or contact us to discuss eligibility, if it’s a leadership role.
About Samaritans
Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. We provide compassionate listening services to people in emotional crisis, 24/7. We combine evidence with lived experience to influence decision makers to tackle the underlying causes of suicide. We change attitudes and encourage people struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek support.
Together we can prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
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.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.