Live volunteer roles

Help transform the lives of pets and the people who love them

Blue Cross has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Today, we support thousands of pets and their owners through veterinary care, rehoming, behaviour support, pet food banks, education, campaigning and pet bereavement services. Our vision is simple: every pet will enjoy a healthy life in a happy home.

The Board's future needs have been considered in light of Blue Cross' strategic priorities and organisational ambitions. We are therefore seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise who can bring strategic insight, sector knowledge and constructive challenge to Board discussions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of Blue Cross, supporting the charity's long-term sustainability and our mission to improve the lives of pets and their people.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Strategic fundraising leadership
• Income diversification
• Major gifts and philanthropy
• Individual giving
• Corporate partnerships
• Legacy fundraising
• Digital fundraising and supporter engagement

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Significant senior fundraising leadership experience
• A track record of fundraising growth and income generation
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of fundraising trends, governance and best practice

Time commitment

Approximately 1-2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee participation and occasional events.

Diversity and inclusion

Blue Cross is committed to creating a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people currently underrepresented on charity boards.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
 First interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026
 Second interviews: Week commencing 21 September 2026

To learn more about the role, please review the candidate information pack.

The Treasurer will play a pivotal role in helping PRDA build a stronger, more resilient organisation so that we can support more people living with the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy.

What will you be doing?

PRDA is entering an exciting new phase of development. Over the past two years we have expanded our services, grown our income, increased our partnerships with healthcare professionals and strengthened our support for people living with Pelvic Radiation Disease. We now have a small staff team supported by a committed Board of Trustees, and we are focused on building a financially sustainable organisation that can continue to grow its reach and impact.

Our Board currently consists of six trustees and a Chair, bringing together expertise from healthcare, patient advocacy, communications, governance and the charity sector. We work collaboratively and maintain a close, supportive relationship with the staff team. While the Board's primary role is strategic, we are a small charity where trustees are encouraged to share their expertise and contribute in practical ways when appropriate.

Our current Treasurer will be stepping down at the end of 2026, creating an exciting opportunity for someone to help shape the next stage of PRDA's journey.

As Treasurer, you will work closely with the Chair, our Operations Manager and fellow trustees to provide strategic financial oversight. You will help the Board understand the charity's financial position, oversee budgeting, reserves and cashflow, review financial reporting and support good financial governance. You will also play an important role in ensuring the charity continues to meet its regulatory responsibilities and can make informed decisions as we continue to grow.

Our Board meets online four or five times a year, together with an annual in-person strategy day. Between meetings, the Treasurer will provide occasional advice and support to the Chair and staff team on financial matters and funding opportunities as required.

Over the next three years we have ambitious plans to expand our patient support services, strengthen our education for healthcare professionals, increase awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease and diversify our income so that our services remain sustainable for the future. This is an opportunity to join a Board at a time when thoughtful financial leadership will directly influence how quickly and effectively we can achieve those ambitions.

Perhaps most importantly, this is a chance to join a friendly, engaged Board where your contribution will be genuinely valued. In a small charity like PRDA, trustees are close to the organisation's work and can clearly see the difference their expertise makes.

What are we looking for?

Person specification 

• Empathy with PRDA’s mission and the people we support
• Demonstrable experience of relevant financial management skills
• Understanding of charity finance and statutory requirements
• Able to communicate financial information to those without finance background
• Sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to good governance
• Strategic thinker
• Creative thinker and solutions minded
• Collaborative, respectful approach and willingness to challenge constructively

What difference will you make?

The Treasurer will play a pivotal role in helping PRDA build a stronger, more resilient organisation so that we can support more people living with the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy.

Demand for our services continues to grow as awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease increases and more people seek information, support and advocacy. At the same time, charities face an increasingly challenging funding environment, making sound financial leadership more important than ever.

Your expertise will help ensure the Board has the financial insight and confidence to make strategic decisions about investing in new services, developing partnerships and securing the organisation's long-term sustainability. By providing robust financial oversight and constructive challenge, you will help us balance ambition with responsible stewardship of our resources.

This role offers the opportunity to influence the future of a charity that is still relatively small but growing rapidly. Your advice will directly inform decisions about how we develop our services, respond to new opportunities and maximise the impact of every pound we raise.

Ultimately, your contribution will enable PRDA to reach more patients and families, provide more high-quality information and peer support, strengthen education for healthcare professionals and continue advocating for earlier diagnosis and better care for people affected by Pelvic Radiation Disease.

Unlike trusteeship in many larger organisations, your impact at PRDA will be visible. You will work alongside a committed Board and staff team who value collaboration, welcome new ideas and recognise the importance of good governance in achieving meaningful change.

This is an opportunity to use your financial expertise to help ensure that no one faces Pelvic Radiation Disease alone, and that PRDA continues to grow into a stronger, more sustainable charity capable of improving lives across the UK.

Across the UK, we deliver vital services and support for people affected by MS. We connect people to information andresources, and to others in the MS community — helping build a sense of belonging, shared experience and unity. Living with MS can be challenging and isolating. Sometimes the most powerful support comes from someone who understands it personally.

As a Peer Support Volunteer, you’ll use your own experiences and knowledge of being affected by MS to help others feel understood, informed and empowered. You’ll offer a listening ear, emotional support, and signposting to services and resources that can make a difference. In this role, you’ll develop your listening, communication and people skills, as well as your knowledge of MS and local services. Most importantly, you’ll support people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Offering support by sharing your own experiences of MS 
• Keeping up to date with what services and support are available for people to access nationally, regionally and locally
• Helping people access services and support, including from our MS Helpline, Living Well virtual support, NHS services, local support and online tools 
• Connecting with people to understand their needs and goals   
• Supporting people to improve their wellbeing, reduce isolation and grow their confidence   
• Meeting people regularly (online or via telephone) to check in and continue support   • Listening to feedback and helping us understand what works and where we can improve

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role 

Unify Giving is a social impact platform on a mission to transform the way people support those experiencing homelessness and hardship. We are building technology that connects donors, businesses, charities, and vulnerable individuals in a transparent, dignified, and meaningful way.

Our platform is being built by a passionate community of volunteers, innovators, technologists, and social impact leaders who believe business can be a force for good.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our Sales & Partnerships Team.

Who We’re Looking For

This opportunity is ideal for:
 •  Experienced sales professionals between roles who want to stay active and build something meaningful.
 •  Aspiring sales professionals looking to gain real-world experience.
 •  Individuals returning to work after a career break.
 •  People who are passionate about helping others while developing valuable commercial skills.
 •  Self-motivated individuals who believe in loyalty, integrity, and long-term relationships.

Most importantly, we’re looking for people who genuinely care about making a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing
 •  Building relationships with businesses and potential partners.
 •  Introducing organisations to the Unify Giving mission.
 •  Helping secure merchant, corporate, and community partnerships.
 •  Identifying opportunities to grow our impact.
 •  Representing a platform focused on social good and innovation.
 •  Contributing ideas and helping shape our growth strategy.

What You’ll Gain
 •  Hands-on sales and business development experience.
 •  Mentorship and support from experienced founders and business leaders.
 •  The opportunity to build your professional profile and network.
 •  Meaningful references based on performance and contribution.
 •  Experience working within a fast-growing social enterprise and technology platform.
 •  The satisfaction of helping create real social impact.

Our Culture

At Unify Giving, we believe loyalty works both ways.

We understand that many talented people are facing difficult circumstances in today’s job market. We value commitment, effort, honesty, and character above polished CVs.

If you join our team, you’ll be treated with respect, supported in your development, and given opportunities to grow alongside the organisation.

We’re not simply looking for salespeople.

We’re looking for people who want to be part of a movement that combines technology, business, and compassion to help humanity.

Interested?

The role of a Volunteer Therapeutic Community Caseworker at the Baobab Centre is to support unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee adolescents and young adults to access care, basic rights and entitlements and to support their social development and rehabilitation. This role involves working closely with the clinical key worker of each young person and with our wider multidisciplinary team. As a Caseworker you will aim to empower individuals to build stable, independent lives in the UK, including by supporting them to communicate their views, needs and experiences in decision-making processes, and supporting them to make challenges when necessary. Caseworkers assist young people to make effective choices about what happens in their lives and encourage them to speak up and build agency.

Baobab aims to be a non-residential therapeutic community with a holistic and integrated perspective. As a Volunteer Caseworker, you will play a key role within our multidisciplinary team. We aim to be a thinking organisation and place a high value on shared thinking time and shared responsibilities. Our team work together with each other and with agencies and key individuals in young people’s lives, both within and outside of Baobab. A key aspect of the role is communicating with members of the clinical and admin staff team within the Baobab Centre and with other workers in the network around each young person including social workers, teachers, foster carers, lawyers, hospital consultants, housing and benefits workers. etc. You will strive to develop relationships across networks and advocate access to rights and entitlements for our community members.

It is critical that as a Caseworker: 

- You have an insight to the backgrounds and experiences of both the internal and external factors impacting on the lives of unaccompanied young people attending our centre and an understanding of the broader context in our society as it impacts on young asylum seekers (including invisibility, marginalisation, discrimination and the fact of waiting in uncertainty for a long time).

- You have an insight in how trauma and the many human rights violations and persecution that most members of our community have experienced impact on all aspects of a young person’s internal and external world.

- You have an insight in how current immigration rules and social care system procedures act as barriers to rehabilitation, including by restricting access to education, adequate benefits, housing and healthcare provision.

To guarantee stability of service this Volunteer Casework role asks for a minimum commitment of 2 days per week over 6 months minimum.

As a full member of our multidisciplinary team and our therapeutic community you would be expected to volunteer regular hours, with the understanding and appreciation that you give your time freely and that there is flexibility to review with your Baobab supporter.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Community Support Volunteer you will: 

As a Community Support Volunteer, you will complete face-to-face befriending activities with service users. You need to be able to travel around the locality in which you live to be able to do this. Ideally, you will be able to commit to a minimum of 1/2 a day (3-4 hours) of volunteering per week on a flexible basis, with the option to increase.

You will be working alongside our team of community link workers.

There may also be the opportunity to also attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

It’s essentials to have the following:

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Experience of supporting someone with ill mental health / mental illness.
• Good knowledge of your local area and organisations. 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Regional Communications Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role helping local volunteer groups connect with and engage with MS communities. Working with volunteers across the region, you will support activities such as producing newsletters, responding to information enquiries, or developing engaging content for regional social media.

Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full.

This role is suitable for role sharing.  It would be most suitable for those based in Lincolnshire.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Bermondsey Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick. 

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply 

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply.

Join The Baked Bean Charity Board of Trustees!

Are you passionate about inclusion, equality, and creating lasting social impact?

The Baked Bean Charity is looking for dedicated and experienced individuals to join our Board of Trustees as we embark on a period of strategy development.

This is a unique opportunity to use your skills and expertise to help shape the future of a vibrant charity that supports more than 170 people with learning disabilities every week.

Why Join Us?

As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a real and visible difference to people's lives
• Champion the voices of people with learning disabilities
• Help guide the strategic direction of a growing charity
• Use your professional expertise to strengthen and develop our organisation
• Work alongside a passionate and committed Board and leadership team.

We're Looking For People Who:

• Believe strongly in inclusion, equality, and social justice
• Are committed to improving opportunities for people with learning disabilities
• Have strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Bring a proactive approach and a willingness to contribute
• Can dedicate approximately 2–3 hours per month to trustee responsibilities.

Skills and Experience We Need

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising
• Charity or business development
• Marketing and communications
• Legal services
• Human Resources

Previous experience as a charity trustee is welcomed but not essential.

Available Trustee Roles

We have two Trustee posts available

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates will:

• Understand the responsibilities and legal duties of charity trustees
• Be passionate about equality, inclusion, and empowering people with learning disabilities
• Be committed to making decisions that put the needs of our service users first
• Support our mission of delivering outstanding, person-centred services

Time Commitment

• Board meetings take place approximately every 6 weeks
• Meetings last approximately 2 hours
• Most meetings alternate between online and in person in Wimbledon
• The role is voluntary and unpaid, although reasonable expenses can be reimbursed

About The Baked Bean Charity

The Baked Bean Charity is a vibrant and innovative organisation dedicated to promoting social inclusion for people with learning disabilities.

Our wide-ranging activities include:

• Dance, Drama, Choir and DJing
• Zumba, Boxing and other sports activities
• Social clubs, holidays and community events
• Theatre in Education programmes that help businesses, schools and community organisations improve understanding, accessibility and inclusion
• Fledgling Film and TV agency

Everything we do is centred around helping people achieve their goals, build confidence, develop friendships and live happy, fulfilled lives.

Based in Wandsworth, we support people from across South London and surrounding boroughs, creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and challenging preconceptions every day.

We Welcome Diverse Voices

The Baked Bean Charity is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, especially those whose perspectives are currently underrepresented in charity governance.

Join us and help create a more inclusive future for people with learning disabilities!

Ygam is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to empowering children and young people to lead safer digital lives, with a particular focus on preventing gaming and gambling harms

As part of our commitment to reaching underserved and underrepresented communities, we are expanding our Community & Faith Leaders Advisory Panel and are looking for individuals working or volunteering within community and faith settings who can bring valuable insight, lived experience, and community knowledge to help guide our work.

The panel allows Ygam to:

·Draw on the panels expertise and understanding of local communities, faith perspectives, and young people’s experiences

·Refine our training and resources for families and professionals to make our education more accessible, relevant, and culturally informed 

·Ensure our work reflects the realities young people face, both online and offline

Looking forwards, the panel will play an increasingly important role in Ygams work, supporting the research and insight programme to better understand how different communities experience gambling harms with an initial focus on exploring this through the lens of intersectionality.

Remuneration: £40.00 per hour
Contract Type: 12 months

Please see the applicant pack for further information on how to apply.

Join our Tower Hamlets Reset Recovery Team as a Volunteer!

Are you passionate about helping others and improving health outcomes in your community? As a Harm Reduction Support Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in reducing the risks associated with drug use by providing advice, information, and practical support. You'll engage with people in services and the community, helping them stay safe and access the support they need.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

• Provide non-judgemental advice on substance use and harm reduction.
• Support needle and syringe provision services.
• Promote overdose awareness and provide Naloxone information and training.
• Encourage HIV, Hepatitis and other health testing opportunities.
• Engage with people in community settings and outreach activities.
• Signpost and refer individuals to treatment and support services.
• Help maintain a safe environment through safe disposal initiatives.
• Support service improvement through feedback and engagement.

What We're Looking For

• Great communication and people skills.
• A compassionate, non-judgemental approach.
• Confidence engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliability, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality.
• A desire to make a positive difference in your local community.

This is an exciting opportunity which will allow you to gain experience of volunteering within the substance misuse field. You will be part of a supportive team and will receive comprehensive training and guidance to develop within the role. 

We are committed to creating an environment that respects and values diversity, with a positive and supportive culture where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and represented.   

Interested? Please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!  

Closing Date

14/8/2026

What does the role involve?

The Dementia Wellbeing Service provides practical and emotional support ​to help older people live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

You will work one-to-one with people in their own home and in the community, providing invaluable practical and emotional support and engaging the person in activities and opportunities that interest them through their wellbeing plan.

What will you get out of it?

• You'll be making a difference to the lives of older people.
• You'll gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact on older people’s lives.
• You'll have an opportunity to build confidence and skills in engaging with people.
• You'll be part of something that is rewarding and enjoyable. 

What is expected of me?

• Volunteers are asked to make regular weekly visits of about to two to three hours on a week day (Monday – Friday), between 9-5pm.
• Interested applicants must complete training in dementia in addition to the other training and induction linked to all our roles. 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 16 to apply.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Barnes Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note, that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this post

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction.