Community manager volunteer volunteer roles

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for overseeing broader financial management, including budgeting, financial forecasting, resource allocation and fundraising.

Key Responsibilities:

• Having oversight of all financial management across the organization and developing reports for the board
• To overall manage budgeting and financial forecasting
• To ensure that the department heads covering fundraising and finance are supported and well aligned with the strategic direction and priorities of Youth Advantage UK
• To ensure the organization has sufficient financial resources
• To ensure fundraising occurs and supports the organization's need
• To line manage departmental heads with relevant departments
• To contribute to wider C Level Executive work such as taking part in meetings, presenting the organization and dealing with problems as they arise

Requirements:

• To have over 5 years of experience in the financial sector
• To have at least 2 years of experience in a senior financial management role (such as Senior Manager or Department Head) 
• To be able to provide leadership and management
• To have good IT skills, accounting skills, budgeting skills, ability to use spreadsheets and remote systems and good communication skills

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organization. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organization. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!

What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organization who is looking to help young people in the UK.

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team.

On site we have two shops to volunteer in. The Showroom is Martlets primary furniture and home goods store and the Discount Shop is home to our £1 clothing rails. Both are hubs for our local community to share stories and bag a bargain! We work together with the warehouse to take in the majority of donations for the charity.

Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Children North East provides life-changing services including vital mental health counselling, community interest projects, support for families in crisis, and safe spaces that help children and young people overcome obstacles and thrive. 

By volunteering in our first flagship charity shop, you are helping us invest in a brighter tomorrow for babies, children and young people across the North East. 

We welcome volunteers aged 18+ who can spare any amount of time - whether a few hours occasionally, regularly scheduled days, or just whenever suits you. 

What you will be doing 

 Engaging with customers, providing a welcoming environment that enhances their shopping experience 

 Processing payments and encouraging sign-up to Gift Aid 

 Accepting donations and accurately completing Gift Aid processSorting, preparing, and organising donated items for display 

 Assisting with creative in-store displays and window arrangements. 

The skills you need 

 Approachable and enthusiasticWillingness to learn 

 Flexible and happy to adapt to a variety of shop activities day-by-dayKeen to be part of a supportive team of staff and volunteers 

What's in it for you 

 Gain valuable experience in retail and customer service 

 Develop your skills and knowledge for your CV and increase your employability 

 Flexible volunteering, designed to suit your availability and lifestyleEnjoy the camaraderie of a welcoming, supportive team 

 Be an integral part of creating positive community impact 

 Join an established charity with over 130 years of history supporting children and families 

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

What you would be involved in? (responsibilities) • Leading and inspiring a volunteer movement across a community or geography to deliver community first aid, community education and fundraising activities • Delivering a diverse, inclusive and positive volunteering experience for those within your network • Building strong relationships with local communities and organisations (e.g., Local Authorities, NHS, Council for Volunteering Services, etc) • Leading your community first aid network to respond to the needs of your local communities.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/08/2026
• Interviews will take place - Date, Times and Locations to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Branch Coordinator 
Across the UK, our 65 local branches help disabled people live more independently. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As our local Branch Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.

You’ll bring your leadership, management, communication, organisation, and motivation skills to this role.
Most importantly, you’ll help disabled people to live more independent lives.

What the role involves
This role may vary depending on local needs but is likely to include:
• Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of referrals in your area
• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings
• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals
• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers
• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories and ensuring with the Treasurer that our financial requirements and policies relating to branches are followed
• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe
• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteers

What you need for this role 

Essential
• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting
• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email
• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work
• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures

Desirable
• Self-aware of own management style and ability to lead a team, taking a supporting and coaching approach with other volunteers
• Able to communicate to different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers
• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others
• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area
• Willingness to develop skills and experience

To volunteer in this role, you will need to:
• Complete references 
• Complete induction including online and virtual training- as directed by central staff
• Undertake a DBS/PVG check if it is necessary for the role 

Additional information about our Volunteering programme:
When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. To undertake this specific role, you do not need to be an engineer/skilled craftsperson.

Come and join our Charity Shop in Langney Road, Eastbourne

Our shops are a hive of activity and the heart of the local community. They raise funds to support our vital work and provide a place to find out more about how we help older people in the local area.

Our Stock Preparation Volunteers always enjoy being part of our shop teams; making new friends and helping the charity to maximise the income from the amazing items people donate to us.

In this role you will usually be working in our donation sorting area, which is off the shop floor. Here you will help the team process, prepare and price the items people donate.

We receive hundreds of bags of clothing, bric-a-brac, toys, games and all sorts of items every week. You will help us to turn these into vital funds to support our work.

After full training you will be part of our processing team; sorting through the donated items, identifying those which we should sell, preparing them and pricing before they are put onto the shop floor.

You may have a particular area of experience, such as clothing, books or antiques. Your skills and knowledge will help us to gain the best value for each item and some of our volunteers even coordinate entire sections, such as a book rooms within our stores.

When people come in to donate their items you will be helping to thank them for their support. Many items are Gift Aided so when processing the items you will ensure that Gift Aid labels are attached so that we can gain this additional vital income.

You will help to make our products look amazing; steaming clothes (if this is your area) and helping to clean and make every item look great and ready for sale.

We currently need volunteers on Monday (1pm-4.30pm), Tuesday (1pm-4.30pm), Weds (9.30 am-1pm). No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need.

It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old, just apply now!

Come and join us at our Charity Shop in Langney Road, Eastbourne.

Our shops are a hive of activity and the heart of the local community. They raise funds to support our vital work and provide a place for local people to find out more about how we help older people in their area. Our volunteers always enjoy being part of our shop teams; chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do.

As a Customer Service Volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus play a vital role in helping to raise funds to support local older people.

You will be working on the shop floor as the welcoming face of our charity. Serving customers with a smile, using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money and sales.

When people come in to donate items you will be thanking them for their support and helping them to complete Gift Aid signups on our Gift Aid system.

You will help to make our shops look amazing; putting out items that the sorting teams have prepared, helping with merchandising, labelling and ensuring the shop is clean and always looking its' best.

You will need to be ok using a touch screen device as our tills run on a tablet, though we will always provide full training and some time for you to get used to using this first.

Lastly, you may have people enquiring about our work, or asking for help and we will provide you with all the details of where to refer them to within the charity.

We currently need volunteers on Monday (1pm-4.30pm), Tuesday (1pm-4.30pm), Weds (9.30 am-1pm). No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need.

It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old, just apply now!

Our shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. As a volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus be part of an amazing team of volunteers. There’s so much for you to get stuck into when volunteering in our shops. We get lots of donations so you will be rolling up your sleeves in the back room where you will be receiving, sorting, steaming and pricing donations, it's always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem. On the shop floor, as well as welcoming and serving our customers with a smile, you will be using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money. When people come in to donate items you will also be completing the Gift Aid forms that let their donations help us even more. It’s really important that our window and shop displays look appealing so people keep visiting our shops, so you'll be wielding a duster and vacuum as well as your imagination to make the shop look its best. It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old, just hit the "Click Here To Apply’ button and get filling in your details!

We currently need volunteers every day including weekends- days to be discussed at interview. Please get in touch if you would like to become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

Fundraising events helper

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 can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

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

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

St. Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House provide specialist palliative care within the hospices and in the comfort of patients' homes, treating adults and children with advanced progressive life-limiting illnesses.

To ensure our shops are packed with new and exciting stock and look appealing, we rely on a team of volunteers working behind the scenes to make this happen at our Retail Distribution Centre in Worthing. It's a hive of activity, with donations sorted from bags of clothes, and boxes of Bric-a-brac, to large furniture items.
This is an excellent role if you like being part of a team and enjoy keeping active. There's always lots to do, and it's fascinating when our volunteers spot something rare and valuable.

You can volunteer for one or more shifts a week for a morning, afternoon, or all day, but we're delighted to consider any time that suits you, even if it's just a couple of hours.

Apart from a willingness to help, no special skills are needed because we'll show you what to do and provide all the training you'll need.

Join SUNSHINE Charity as a Grant Writing & Fundraising Volunteer!

Help Us Power a Movement of Joy, Connection & Community Across London

At SUNSHINE Charity, we’re on a mission to combat loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together through connection, joy and community. We’re a small grassroots charity with a big, bright vision — and to turn that vision into reality, we need the fuel that keeps every charity glowing: funding.

This is where YOU come in.

We’re building a team of passionate, determined, hope‑filled volunteers who can help us secure the income we need to launch our programmes, support Londoners who feel alone, and bring sunshine into lives that need it most.

If you believe in the power of community and want to help build something meaningful from the ground up, this role is for you.

The Volunteer Role: Grant Writing & Fundraising Volunteer

We’re looking for volunteers who can help us unlock funding, build relationships, and create opportunities that allow SUNSHINE to grow, thrive and reach more people.

You’ll help us:

• Research and write compelling grant applications that tell our story with heart.

• Identify funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, corporates and community sources.

• Support fundraising campaigns that inspire people to get involved.

• Help us build partnerships with organisations who share our mission.

• Develop creative fundraising ideas that reflect our bright, joyful brand.

• Generate the income that will help us deliver life‑changing programmes across London.

Whether you’re an experienced fundraiser, a confident writer, a strategic thinker, or someone who simply loves making a difference — we’d love to welcome your energy and passion.

What You’ll Bring

• A love for writing, storytelling or research.

• A positive, proactive, can‑do attitude.

• An interest in fundraising, grants or charity development.

• Creativity, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

• A desire to help build a brighter, more connected London.

What You’ll Get

• Real experience in grant writing, fundraising and charity growth.

• The chance to shape the future of a new, vibrant grassroots charity.

• A joyful, supportive team that celebrates every win.

• Flexibility — volunteer remotely or in London.

• The deep satisfaction of knowing your work directly helps people feel less alone.

Help Us Bring More Sunshine Into the World

Your skills could help someone find friendship. Your time could help someone feel seen. Your contribution could help someone feel less alone.

If you want to be part of something bright, bold and full of heart — we’d love to meet you.

Apply today and help us secure the future of SUNSHINE.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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