89 Homelessness volunteer roles

People In Need Today (PINT) | Volunteer, Liverpool 

Charity No. 1199209 | Unpaid Voluntary Role

PINT has been supporting people experiencing homelessness since 2006, established in
London, delivering consistent, relationship-led outreach. PINT is launching in Liverpool this
summer and we are seeking volunteers to help on a weekly basis. Whether it is 2 hours per
week or whatever you can manage, we would love to hear from you!

This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference in your local community, gain
valuable experience for your CV, get out and about, and meet some truly great people along
the way. Most importantly, you will be part of something special, helping to bring PINT to
Liverpool for the very first time and directly improving the lives of people who need it most.

The Role

This is a hands-on, community-facing voluntary role focused on establishing PINT's presence
in Liverpool through regular outreach, volunteer recruitment, and local partnership building.

Key Responsibilities

• Attending weekly outreach sessions, distributing food, and essential supplies to people
experiencing homelessness
• Building relationships with local businesses, organisations, and charities to develop
partnerships and grow the outreach
• Managing logistics including donation collection, session planning, and volunteer
coordination
• Growing PINT's presence and community awareness across the city

Other Skills You Can Offer?

We would love to hear from you whatever your background. Whether it is marketing, PR,
logistics, photography, fundraising, social media, or anything else you think could help, there
is likely a place for you within the team. No contribution is too small, and every skill counts
when you are building something from scratch.

Finance Trustee (and Co-Chair, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee)

Help end homelessness and shape the future of one of the UK's leading charities.

At Crisis, we believe that homelessness should not exist, and together we can end it. Our bold 10-year strategy is already driving change but with homelessness rising and funding challenges increasing, we know we must think differently, act courageously, and inspire more people to join us. For the first time in Crisis' nearly 60-year history, we are also becoming a direct housing provider.

We are now seeking an exceptional finance leader to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the organisation through an exciting and ambitious phase of our work.

This is an opportunity for a senior finance professional to use their expertise and strategic insight to influence decisions at the highest level, strengthen organisational resilience, and help drive lasting change for people experiencing homelessness across the UK.

About Crisis

We are the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We help people out of homelessness and campaign for the changes needed to solve it altogether.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We're bold in our ambition, impactful in our approach, collaborative in how we work and equitable in championing fairness and inclusion.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will play a vital part in ensuring Crisis remains well governed, financially sustainable, and focused on achieving its mission.

Alongside the statutory responsibilities of being a trustee, you will bring specialist financial expertise to the Board and co-chair our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. You will also contribute to oversight of our growing housing delivery function through membership of the relevant committee.

Working alongside fellow trustees and senior leaders, you will help shape long-term strategy, scrutinise performance, oversee risk, and ensure the organisation remains accountable, transparent and financially strong.

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational finances.
• The ability to interpret complex financial information and assess the longer-term financial implications of strategic decisions.
• Experience of organisational governance, either as a trustee, non-executive director or member of a senior leadership team. Experience of chairing or serving on a Finance, Audit or Risk Committee.
• Strong understanding of financial risk management, audit, compliance, internal controls and organisational sustainability.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to collaborative governance and collective decision-making.
• A genuine passion for Crisis' mission and a determination to help end homelessness.
• Knowledge of charity accounting (SORP) and Charity Commission requirements is desirable but not essential.
• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent accounting qualification desirable but not essential.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with sound judgement and a collaborative approach. You'll be a trusted adviser who can challenge constructively, contribute to robust debate, and support effective decision-making. Most importantly, you'll share our belief that homelessness can be ended and be committed to helping make that vision a reality.

Diversity is hugely important to us at Crisis, and we want to make sure that our Trustees, staff and volunteers represent communities we support. As we continue to strengthen and broaden the perspectives represented on our Board, we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, whose insight is invaluable to our work. We also encourage applications from people from LGBTQ+ communities, ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and others who bring experiences and viewpoints that can contribute to a more inclusive and effective Board. Above all, we welcome candidates who share our values and are passionate about creating positive change.

Time commitment: Overall, the role requires approximately one day per month.

• Board meetings: Six meetings per year, held in person at Crisis locations across the UK. Two are full-day meetings and at least one includes an overnight stay.
• Finance, Audit and Risk Committee: Monthly online meetings.
• Housing Committee: Quarterly online meetings.
• Additional engagement: Occasional advice and support between meetings.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary, unremunerated trustee role.

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. We are also committed to removing barriers to participation and may consider support where loss of earnings would otherwise prevent involvement.

Term of appointment

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, with the opportunity to be reappointed for a second term.

This is a rare opportunity to use your financial leadership and governance expertise to make a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of people experiencing homelessness.

If you are an experienced finance leader who wants to contribute your skills to a cause of national importance, we would love to hear from you, whether your background is in the private, public or voluntary sector.

How to apply:

Please apply by submitting a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter, not exceeding two pages, highlighting your suitability for the position and why you are interested.  You can apply via our website, Crisis Jobs, or by using the links contained in the 'Additional Resources' documents below.

Please also let us know if you require an informal conversation prior to applying for this role.  All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

· Closing date: 9 October 2026

· Interviews held on: 2 November 2026

· Location: Central London, in-person.

Please let us know if you anticipate any issues with these dates

As a First Response Volunteer, you will help find those rough sleeping quicker, and enable Outreach workers to spend more time supporting those found to move away from the streets and get connected to other local services. First Responders play a crucial role to ensure people sleeping rough receive vital support. This is not a client-facing role and therefore is well suited to somebody looking for their first role in the homelessness sector. However, we do also offer development opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge about rough sleeping for those interested.

On shift, you and a partner volunteer will be given a list of people who have been seen sleeping rough. Your role is to identify those who are sleeping rough, and pass information about referrals to the Outreach team to follow up on – they will help the person find accommodation and link them into non-accommodation-based support for example around physical or mental health. 

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Bournemouth – Tuesdays and Saturdays 6am-9am (1 shift per month).
• Reading-Mondays and Fridays, 6am-8:30am (1 shift per month).
• Oxford- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6am-10am (1 shift per month)

St Basils is looking for a new Non-Exec Director / Trustee with Marketing & Communications experience to join our Board

About Us

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and ultimately prevent homelessness.

We help just over 4,000 young people each year across the West Midlands, with services in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Our services range from providing supported accommodation to outreach, advice, support, employability and engagement services to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain skills, confidence and employment and move on. The aim is to help them successfully break the ‘cycle of homelessness’ so that they can go on to experience a bright, fulfilling future and never return to a state where they are at risk of homelessness again.

About our Board

We are a registered provider of social housing, a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning our Board members are both Directors and Trustees.

To navigate our challenging regulatory landscape, we need to be tightly governed. At the heart of this is a Board with the right knowledge, values, skills and diversity, all whilst working towards our vision that homelessness should not be part of growing up.

As a member of St Basils’ Board, you will be a guardian of St Basils’ charitable purpose. You will be responsible for holding the Senior Leadership Team to account through constructive challenge and support, and for ensuring St Basils’ strategic priorities are met.

You will form part of St Basils’ governance framework, providing oversight of key business areas, such as business planning, safeguarding, risk, finance, health and safety, EDI and business development. 

Our Board is made up of 14 members, 2 of which are designated for young people who have lived experience of homelessness and / or St Basils’ services.

St Basils has adopted the RACE Equality Code and is actively seeking applications from those from Black communities to ensure our Board is reflective of both the young people that we serve and our dedicated workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a voluntary Director / Trustee with expertise in marketing, communications and/or public engagement to increase the reach of our campaigns. Our new Board member will need to strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to open doors and build relationships.

As our Marketing & Communications Board Member, you will:

· Ensure marketing initiatives align with the organisation’s goals and regulatory requirements.

· Support St Basils’ PR and marketing initiatives by bringing knowledge of current marketing tools

· Help identify opportunities to increase the visibility and impact of St Basils’ campaigns.

· Leverage personal and professional networks to enhance the charity’s reach, partnerships and fundraising potential.

· Work closely with the Director of Income Generation & Value Capture to ensure St Basils’ marketing and communications strategies are being implemented effectively.

• Contribute to trustee discussions and decisions on broader charity strategy, risk management and financial oversight.

Our new Director / Trustee will sit on our Business Support & Audit Committee which oversees central functions, including Finance, HR, Fundraising and Marketing. This committee meets virtually, one a quarter.

Although the role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid for costs incurred in undertaking the role.

About You

You will be an experienced professional in marketing, communications, PR or brand strategy, ideally with experience in the youth or homelessness sectors.

You will demonstrate sound judgement and be able to challenge confidently and constructively, although you do not need to have Board experience.

Understanding of governance and the responsibilities of a charity trustee is desirable, but training will be provided.

You will work within the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and understand the needs of the diverse young people we serve.

You will put the needs of young people first, be passionate about ending youth homelessness and share our mission, vision and principles.

Time Commitment

You will need to be able to attend the majority of Board and Committee meetings, one of each is held each quarter (8 meetings total per year). Each meeting will last around 2 hours and will normally be held late afternoon/early evening (usually 4pm – 6pm). Board meetings are held in person at St Basils’ Head Office in Birmingham, and Committee meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The dates for meetings are set by calendar year, towards the end of the previous year.

Meeting papers will be shared via an online portal one week in advance of the meeting to allow for sufficient preparation time.

A Board away day is held each year, usually October, and every other year this includes an overnight stay. This will be fully paid for by St Basils.

We encourage Board members to visit our accommodation services to deepen understanding of our work and support effective governance and decision-making. We would like all Board members to make 2 visits a year if possible.

All travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings / conducting site visits will be reimbursed by St Basils.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a series of essential online training courses (for example GDPR, Cyber Security, EDI, Safeguarding, Risk Management) and the opportunity to do additional online or in-person training, such as Psychologically Informed Environment training. As part of our commitment to race equality, we provide mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff and Board members.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive Board and have the opportunity to work alongside young people with lived experience.

You will have the guidance of a knowledgeable Chair to support your development as a Director / Trustee, and you will have access to St Basils’ Senior Leadership Team to help you fulfil your role.

St Basils is a learning organisation and therefore we are able to support and develop Board members who are new to the role. In addition, St Basils has membership with the Board Development Agency, which provides our Board Members with access to webinars and development tools specific to housing sector Boards.

Being a Director / Trustee at St Basils is more than just attending meetings – if you would like to contribute to an organisation that has young people at its core, where you can visibly see the difference you are making, then this is the role for you.

For further information please see the link to the full job pack.

We welcome early applications and will interview on a rolling basis.

Open your home for a night. Change a young person's future.

Every year, young people in our community face the frightening reality of having nowhere safe to stay. By becoming a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you can provide a warm welcome, a safe place to sleep, and the breathing space a young person needs while longer-term support is put in place.

About Us

Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediation works with young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build an independent and positive future.

Our services include:

• Safe, emergency accommodation through our Nightstop community hosting scheme.
• Family and school mediation to help prevent relationship breakdown.
• Homelessness prevention through education, life skills workshops and crisis support.

About Nightstop

Nightstop provides emergency accommodation in the homes of trained and approved volunteer hosts. Rather than spending the night on the streets or in unsafe situations, young people are offered a temporary, safe place to stay while our team works to find appropriate longer-term accommodation and support.

As a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you'll never be working alone. Our experienced team provides ongoing guidance and support throughout every placement.

What You'll Do

As a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Provide a clean, safe and private bedroom for a young person needing emergency overnight accommodation.
• Offer an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch.
• Give access to bathroom facilities and laundry if needed.
• Stay in regular contact with the Nightstop team before, during and after placements.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing a welcoming environment.

Placements are short-term and arranged around your availability.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous experience—what matters most is compassion, reliability and a willingness to help.

We're looking for people who:

• Want to support young people experiencing homelessness.
• Can offer a non-judgemental and respectful approach.
• Have a spare bedroom available at short notice.
• Are willing to complete training and work alongside our experienced team.
• Have an interest in making a real difference within their local community.

Training and Support

We'll make sure you feel confident before welcoming your first guest.

You'll receive:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Daily check-in calls throughout each hosting placement.
• Access to a 24-hour emergency on-call service.
• Regular supervision and support meetings.
• Opportunities to attend additional training delivered by the organisation.

Why Volunteer With Us?

By becoming a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Help prevent youth homelessness in your local community.
• Provide safety and hope at a critical moment in a young person's life.
• Develop valuable skills through high-quality training and support.
• Meet like-minded volunteers through appreciation and networking events.
• Receive reimbursement for all agreed out-of-pocket expenses.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive service and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We believe our volunteers should reflect the diversity of the people we support.

Recruitment Process

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, successful applicants will complete:

• An application form.
• An informal interview.
• Enhanced DBS and reference checks.
• Induction training.
• A home visit and health and safety assessment.

If you have a spare room and a desire to make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you. One night of kindness can be the first step towards a brighter future for a young person experiencing homelessness.

Here at One YMCA we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do without the amazing volunteer staff that help run the day-to-day operations of the hostels and supported living facilities. These vital roles are open to all YMCA residents, and we are currently looking for volunteers to help out with our accommodation.

What do we do?

We run hostels across the Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire areas with over 400 rooms. In addition to this, we run programmes for those needing supported housing including asylum seekers.

Helping to run an activity that enables our Residents to flourish in body, mind and spirit. Responsibilities would include:

• Helping to plan and advertise the group in conjunction with the Activity Leader
• Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to encourage participation in the activity
• Helping the Activity Leader to organise and run the activity
• Be a non-judgemental, approachable presence to enable the most vulnerable Residents to take part
• Maintaining records of participation
• Signposting residents to other groups & support available
• Attend regular volunteer team meetings
We can discuss together the nature of the activity, taking into account your skills & passion as well as the current needs within the scheme.

Training/Support:
• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
• A menu of optional training will be made available
• Online training: Safeguarding (adults & young people), Fire
Awareness, Manual Handling
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
• Team meetings and social events
• Mileage and expenses may be payable

• You will undergo a DBS check as the role involves adults at risk (we will apply for and fund this)
• Two references may be undertaken prior to start

We also have opportunities to support residents in other way and can be flexible with roles!

***Please note: this is not an internship***

Role Purpose:

Trustees provide strategic leadership, ensuring that St. George's Crypt fulfils its charitable objectives, makes a postive impact in the Leeds community, and remains financially sustainable. Trustees act collectively to safeguard the charity's values, reputation, and long-term effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Strategic Leadership

• set and review the charity's strategic direction in alignment with its mission to support homeless and vulnerable individuals in Leeds
• ensure that all activiites deliver public benefit and comply with charity law, the governing document, and regulatory expectations
• monitor risks and ensure that robust governance structures are in place
• support and review the work of the Head of Finance and finance team
• oversee the external audit process, from appointment of auditors to implementation of any recommendations

Financial Oversight:

• oversee financial performance, ensuring funds are used responsibly and transparently in line with donor expectations and regulatory requirements
• review budgets, annual accounts, and financial policies, ensuring sustainability of services such as emergency shelter, addiction recovery programmes and meal supervision
• ensure effective oversight of the Crypt's financial affairs and its financial viability

Support for Senior Leadership

• provide guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• ensure leadership decisions reflect the charity's values and strategic propositions

Advocacy & Representation

• act as an ambassador for St. George's Crypt within Leeds and beyond, promoting awareness of its services and impact
• represent the charity's values of compassion, dignity and hope 

Compliance & Accountability

• ensure the charity meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including those set by the Charity Commission
• uphold confidentiality, ethics, and good governance practice at all times
• ensure the Crypt fulfils its mission and values, taking advantage of new opportunities and navigating challenges and managing risks appropriately
• ensure the Crypt has sound financial policies, controls and governance in place, and complies with these

Monitoring Impact

• evaluate the effectiveness of programmes such as residential support, training opportunities, and health and wellbeing initiatives
• ensure all services remain responsive to the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds
• give clear strategic direction, setting overall policy and goals, and monitoring progress and impact
• understand the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and provide guidance on accounting and financial reporting for the charity

How to apply

To make an application, please:

• download our Finance Trustee application pack 
• complete application form
• send CV 
• contact Martin Barry 

Recruitment timeline

Closing date: Monday 28 September2026

Shortlisting & Interviews: October 2026

We are looking for a friendly, reliable and organised Administration & Reception Support Volunteer to support our team at our High Wycombe hostel.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people and would like to gain experience in administration, reception, customer service or the charity/housing sector.

You’ll help with the day-to-day running of reception, providing a warm and welcoming first point of contact for residents, visitors and professionals, while helping the staff team with general administrative tasks.

As a volunteer, you may support with:

• Welcoming and meeting residents, visitors and professionals attending the hostel
• Answering incoming telephone calls and directing enquiries to the appropriate member of staff
• Taking messages and passing on information accurately
• Receiving and logging packages and deliveries 
• Supporting with general reception duties
• Helping to keep reception and administrative areas organised
• Supporting staff with basic administrative tasks
• Inputting or recording information on internal systems, where authorised by IT and once all relevant training and permissions have been completed
• Helping to maintain accurate records
• Signposting residents and visitors to the appropriate member of the team
• Supporting with other appropriate administrative tasks identified by the Hostel Manager
• Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

• Friendly, approachable and welcoming
• Reliable and organised
• Comfortable speaking to people over the phone and face-to-face
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally
• Confident using basic IT systems
• Respectful and non-judgemental
• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Willing to follow ONE YMCA policies, procedures and safeguarding guidance
• Previous administration or reception experience would be useful.

Training / Support

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
• Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness, Manual Handling and GDPR where appropriate.
• To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager 
• Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference 

Additional Information 

• You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
• You will need to provide details of two references

We’re looking for enthusiastic hair, beauty and barbering students who would like to use their skills to support residents living in our homeless accommodation

This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, build confidence and develop your skills, while making a positive difference to people who may not otherwise have access to these types of services.

You could provide simple hair, barbering or beauty treatments in a safe and welcoming environment, helping residents to feel good about themselves and supporting their wellbeing.

Depending on your skills and training, this could include:

• Haircuts, trims and basic styling
• Barbering services
• Basic beauty treatments
• Nails and simple manicures
• Skincare and wellbeing treatments
• Helping residents prepare for interviews, appointments or other important occasions
• Creating a relaxed, friendly and positive experience for residents

• Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

We're looking for people who are:

• Studying hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy or a related course
• Keen to gain practical experience
• Friendly, approachable and non-judgemental
• Comfortable working with people from a range of backgrounds
• Professional and respectful
• Reliable and committed to creating a positive experience for residents

Training / Support

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
• Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness and Manual Handling where appropriate.
• To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager 
• Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference 

Additional Information 

• Additional risk assessments and DBS checks may be required 

Monday to Friday (any day welcome) 2 to 4pm (However happy to consider mornings in our High Wycombe hostel Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays)

We are looking for a friendly and reliable Resident Engagement Support Volunteer to help create a welcoming and positive environment for residents living in our accommodation in Welwyn Garden City, Hatfied and High Wycombe hostels.

This is a flexible role that will begin with a focus on befriending and social connection. Volunteers will help open the residents’ café, serve teas and coffees, and spend time chatting with residents to help build rapport and reduce social isolation.

As confidence and relationships develop, the role can be shaped around the volunteer’s interests, skills and ideas. We welcome volunteers who may wish to support additional activities such as games, quizzes, crafts, wellbeing activities, cooking sessions, or sharing practical life skills.

No specialist experience is required - just a warm approach, good listening skills and a willingness to engage with people.

Key Responsibilities

· Opening and helping run the residents’ café during the afternoon session.

· Preparing and serving teas, coffees and refreshments.

· Offering a friendly welcome to residents.

· Spending time talking with residents and building positive relationships.

· Encouraging residents to take part in social activities, signposting to staff where additional support is needed.

· Supporting or helping to organise simple activities such as board games, crafts or quizzes.

· Sharing personal skills or hobbies where appropriate (for example cooking, baking or creative activities).

· Co-designing activities based on resident feedback and interest

· Work alongside staff to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for residents.

· Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable, and non-judgemental.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Flexible, reliable, and willing to help in a variety of ways.

· Creativity and good knowledge on specific activities to be delivered

· Able to work as part of a team while respecting professional boundaries.

· Experience of working or volunteering with vulnerable people who may have experienced challenges such as homelessness and mental health (desirable). Volunteers should be able to respond with empathy to residents' emotions, maintain appropriate boundaries, and recognise when concerns or situations need to be escalated to a member of staff.

· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of people from all backgrounds.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness and Manual Handling where appropriate.

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference

Additional Information

· You will be required to undergo a DBS check

· Two references will be required

Fashion Hub Volunteer 

Could you support sustainable fashion and help raise funds to end unfit housing and homelessness? 

Will you become part of our Sunderland Warehouse team and make a meaningful difference?

Join our warehouse team and play a hands-on role in giving quality clothing a second life. You’ll help sort and prepare donations from well-known retail brands, supporting sustainable fashion while raising vital funds to tackle unfit housing and homelessness. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in garment handling and warehouse operations, perfect for anyone interested in fashion, retail, or behind-the-scenes logistics. 

We can’t make the most of donated clothing without people to help us sort and prepare it with care. If you’d like to be part of that, we’d love to hear from you 

Location: Shelter Warehouse, 244-246 High Street West, Sunderland

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Volunteers can support for a few hours a day, or a few days a week.

Availability: Our warehouse is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm

If you can give even a few hours during any of these times, we’d really love to hear from you.

Interested? You can visit our warehouse to find out more or apply online and we’ll be in touch. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details. 

Shop volunteering helps fight the housing emergency by raising vital funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support for people who are experiencing bad housing and homelessness, as well as powering us to campaign for change. 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not volunteered or worked in a warehouse before. What’s most important is that you are a team player, willing to learn and want to make a difference in tackling the housing emergency while gaining warehouse or logistic experience.

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

• You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us or speak to someone at the shop. 

• We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

About Lights Up

Lights Up was established shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic to support theatre and creative activity. The timing was challenging: theatres subsequently remained closed for a prolonged period and the environment in which the charity had been established changed considerably.

The existing trustees now believe that Lights Up's charitable structure and fundraising capability could be put to wider social use. In particular, we are exploring an evolution of the charity that would enable it to provide umbrella funding and support for organisations and initiatives tackling homelessness.

No change of objects has yet been made. As part of this process, and following discussions with the Charity Commission, we are recruiting a new Board of Trustees before the proposed changes are considered and progressed.

The opportunity

We are looking for new trustees to help oversee the next stage of Lights Up's development.

One of the founding trustees will remain with the charity in an operational role as Executive Founder, reporting to and accountable to the Board. The other founding trustee will retire from the Board.

The new trustees will therefore have a genuine governance role: overseeing the charity's strategy, finances, regulatory compliance and future direction, including consideration and implementation of any approved changes to its charitable objects.

If the proposed new model proceeds, the charity does not intend to make decisions about the distribution of homelessness funding based solely on its own expertise. Funding allocations will be informed by advice from an appropriate independent third-party expert with relevant sector knowledge.

Who are we looking for?

We would particularly welcome applications from people interested in becoming a trustee for the first time. Previous charity or trustee experience is not required.

We are looking for people with sound judgement, integrity and an interest in using their skills to support effective charitable governance.

Experience in finance, law, governance, grant-making, fundraising, homelessness, social impact or the voluntary sector would be useful, but is not essential.

We are also seeking a Chair of Trustees, for whom previous governance or relevant board-level experience is expected.

Commitment

The roles are voluntary and primarily governance-focused. We anticipate approximately four Board meetings each year, predominantly held remotely, together with occasional additional input when required.

Why join now?

This is an opportunity to join a small charity at an exciting point in its development.

Rather than recruiting trustees to oversee an established model, we are inviting new Board members to help scrutinise, shape and govern the charity's proposed next chapter.

We want to be transparent about where Lights Up has come from, why change is being considered, and the responsibility the new Board will have in determining how that change is taken forward.

How to apply

Please send us a short expression of interest outlining your background, what you could bring to the Board and why the role interests you.

Please indicate if you would also like to be considered for the role of Chair of Trustees.

Oasis House is a supported accommodation service in Northampton, supporting clients to develop confidence, independence and practical life skills.

The Grow, Cook & Eat project gives clients the opportunity to grow their own fruit and vegetables, learn how to cook healthy meals and enjoy the food they have grown.

Volunteers will play a key role in supporting clients who choose to commit to the project. Full training will be provided.

Could you help our clients grow, cook and eat their way to greater independence?

· Do you have an interest in gardening, growing food, or cooking

· Can you encourage a client to learn new practical skills and build confidence?

· Would you enjoy teaching someone how to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs?

· Can you help clients turn what they grow into simple, healthy and affordable meals?

· Would you like to help create positive social activities and stronger community connections at Oasis House?

If you can answer 'yes' to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

About the Grow, Cook & Eat Project

Grow, Cook & Eat is a community-focused initiative designed to build practical skills, improve food choices, promote wellbeing and strengthen social connections.

At Oasis House, the project will be delivered in a practical and supportive way. Clients who want to commit to the programme will be encouraged to take part in growing, cooking and eating activities, with volunteers providing guidance and encouragement

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

· Teach clients how to plant seeds and seedlings and care for fruit, vegetables and herbs.

· Help clients understand simple, seasonal and low-cost ways of growing food.

· Encourage clients to take responsibility for watering, maintaining and looking after their growing areas.

· Support clients to recognise when produce is ready to harvest and show them how to harvest it safely.

· Help clients use produce they have grown as part of cooking activities.

· Help clients explore affordable meals, meal planning and ways to reduce food waste.

· Encourage clients to cook for themselves rather than doing tasks for them, promoting independence wherever possible.

· Create a friendly and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable learning and trying new things.

· Follow Oasis House policies, safeguarding procedures, health and safety guidance and professional boundaries.

What difference will you make?

By supporting this project, you can help clients develop practical life skills that can be used both inside and outside Oasis House.

· Build practical skills in growing and cooking healthy food.

· Improve confidence and independence.

· Encourage healthier food choices.

· Develop budgeting and meal-planning skills.

· Promote wellbeing through purposeful activities.

· Reduce loneliness and isolation through shared activities.

· Strengthen social connections and a sense of community.

· Give clients a sense of achievement from growing, cooking and eating food they have produced.

The approach

The volunteer's role is to teach, encourage and support. The aim is not for volunteers to do everything for clients, but to help clients learn how to do things for themselves.

All volunteers will receive full training prior to teaching client.

Connection Support provides support to vulnerable adults, including people experiencing homelessness, mental health difficulties and substance misuse. Volunteers play a key role in helping us provide and improve our services.

We are looking for an Administrative Volunteer to join our office at Challenge House in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, for a few hours each week.

The main purpose of this role is to make telephone calls to our service users to ask about their experience of our service, what is working well and what we could improve. The feedback will help Connection Support understand the experiences of the people we support and identify opportunities to improve the way our services are delivered.

Could you help us listen to the people we support and improve our services?

· Are you confident and comfortable speaking to people on the telephone?

· Can you listen carefully and ask questions in a friendly, respectful and non-judgemental way?

· Would you like to help vulnerable clients have their voices heard?

· Can you record information accurately and confidentially?

· Are you organised and able to work independently while following clear guidance?

· Would you enjoy helping Connection Support understand what we are doing well and where we can improve?

· Can you remain calm and professional if a service user is upset or has a concern?

If you can answer 'yes' to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

About the Role

The Administrative & Service User Feedback Volunteer will make agreed telephone calls to current or former service users, using a simple set of questions. The calls will provide an opportunity for service users to share their views about the support they have received and make suggestions for improvement.

The role is not about assessing a client's mental health, providing counselling or resolving complaints. Volunteers will listen, record feedback accurately and pass any concerns to the appropriate member of the Connection Support team.

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

· Attend the Connection Support office at Challenge House, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, for 1-2 hours per week

· Make telephone calls to service users using contact information and calling guidance provided by Connection Support.

· Ask approximately 5–10 short questions about the service user's experience of Connection Support.

· Give service users an opportunity to provide additional comments or suggestions if they wish.

· Listen carefully and respectfully without judging, interrupting or making assumptions.

· Record responses accurately and clearly using the agreed recording system or feedback form.

· Maintain confidentiality and protect service user information at all times.

· Recognise when a conversation needs to be referred to a member of staff, rather than attempting to deal with the matter yourself.

· Report complaints, safeguarding concerns, distress or other issues promptly to the designated Connection Support staff member.

· Keep accurate records of calls made, including where a service user could not be contacted, in line with guidance.

Full training will be provided

You do not need previous experience of working in an office, telephone interviewing or support services. Full training and guidance will be provided before you begin making calls.

What we expect from our volunteers

· Treat every service user with dignity, respect and kindness.

· Listen without judgement and allow people to express their views.

· Keep all service user information confidential.

· Do not attempt to investigate or resolve complaints independently.

· Report concerns promptly to the appropriate member of staff.

· Follow all safeguarding, data protection and office procedures.

· Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Our aim is to make sure the people we support have an opportunity to tell us what they think. Every call provides valuable information that can help Connection Support recognise what is working well and identify where we can do better.